David J. Castillo (Potato-heck-Dip AKA Ph.D.)
Every scientist, artist, and intellectual is shaped by their predecessors, influences, and circumstances. I have always shown a keen interest in science—yet surprisingly, I was consistently discouraged from pursuing it. This discouragement came not just from family and friends, but also from several elementary and junior high teachers. As a child, I struggled with serious autoimmune conditions, including severe allergies, sporadic nervous psoriasis, and a milder but still challenging form of Crohn's disease, which I manage to this day. My health often confined me to home, where I found solace in devouring books, stories, and movies.
While I didn't excel in mathematics, biology had always fascinated me. I must admit that my struggle with math and chemistry wasn't due to lack of ability—I simply disliked how they were taught. Everything changed in high school when I had the opportunity to interact with working scientists and engage in an intense, fruitful exchange of books and ideas.
My decision to pursue a scientific career was profoundly influenced by numerous books and publications. Key works included Roger Penrose's "Emperor's New Mind," "Incorporations" edited by Jonathan Crary and Sandford Kwinter, "Chance and Necessity" by Jacques L. Monod, and "Artificial Life" by Christopher Langton. My teenage years were immersed in sci-fi books, comics, and movies. I drew inspiration from William Gibson's "Neuromancer," Philip K. Dick's novels and stories, H.G. Wells's works, Ursula K. Le Guin, Julio Cortázar's stories, J.L. Borges's fiction, and Serafini's Codex. These works, along with various other books, cartoons, TV series, and films, shaped my character. The scientific works taught me to think like a scientist, while the creative works taught me to dream and feel like one. Below are some of my treasured movies, books, and influences
Influences from cinema, arts and music
Nirvana by Gabriele Salvatores (1997)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eogpIG53Cis
Philip K. Dick, “Do Androids Dream with Electric Sheeps?”, Ridley Scott’s 1982 film adaptation: “Blade Runner”.
