title: Learning from the unexpected in life and DNA self-assembly.
abstract: The greatest lessons in life and science often arise from the unexpected. Thus, rather than viewing these experiences as hindering our progress, they should be embraced and appreciated for their ability to lead to new discoveries. In this perspective, I will discuss the unexpected events that have shaped my career path and the early stages of my independent research program.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and the Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, 315 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States.
authors.forename: Jennifer M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Heemstra
keywords: DNA self-assembly; aptamers; nucleic acids