An idea becomes practical as it is researched, erased and redrawn. When it grows from the barest outline, so does my understanding of the concept. I see that there are plenty of opportunities open for new fuel cell mediators—perhaps a new type of anaerobic bacteria? I choose one of a thousand maps lining book shelves and begin to construct my idea. Light slits through wide library windows, faltering before lamps switch on, but I don’t notice. I’ve...

Wrote about refusal to kill spiders.

I always regret not having visited a college through some academic advancement program while in high...