“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” - Benjamin Franklin. Dr. Vermeij is a distinguished Professor of Geology at University of California at Davis. He is setting a perfect example for working enthusiastically towards unfolding the mysteries of science and dedicating his ample knowledge for helping humanity. He has published more than two hundred scientific papers and five books. Dr. Vermeij has been recognized for his work including the Fellows Medal from the California Academy of Sciences, the Addison Emery Verrill Medal by the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History and the Circle of Discovery by the University of Maryland, to name a few.

Can you tell us about the important milestones in your journey to becoming a conchologist?G: Very briefly, I was always interested in natural history as a child. Collecting shells was already going on in the Netherlands, but became a passion in the U.S. in fourth grade when a teacher brought shells from Florida to her classroom. See my autobiography Privileged Hands.

Which research work has been the most challenging so far? How do you motivate yourself if you get stuck in your research?G: Hard to say what has been most challenging; lots of projects take years to finish, and all have their challenges. If I get stuck in something, I move to something else and come back to the problem later.

Why is research on evolution important? How has the human race benefited from new discoveries?G: See my book The Evolutionary World. Understanding evolution helps doctors, conservationists, and farmers; we evolve together with our pests and pathogens, and applying pesticides will only make those pathogens immune. We have just published a paper on the properties of rare species and especially those of species that persist as rare; we hope this might help conserve species that cannot live at low densities.

You have received plenty of awards and recognition. Which award is closest to your heart and why?G: Hard to say. I was very pleased to receive them all. It is wonderful to be recognized by my peers, so the Paleontological Society Medal meant a great deal; but so do the other awards I have been privileged to receive.

What challenges did you face during your school days? What is the one thing you would like to change in our education system that can benefit special needs kids?G: Again, see Privileged Hands. My biggest challenge had nothing to do with being blind; it was learning English, English Braille, and typing all in my first year in the U.S. I have long advocated a much greater emphasis on learning how to observe, to look carefully at, listen to, and think about our surroundings. Blind people need to learn how to examine objects carefully. The skill of observation is generally ignored throughout education.

Who is your inspiration?G: When I was at Princeton, I was enormously inspired by several of my professors, notably Alfred G. Fischer, Robert A. MacArthur, Egbert Leigh, and Henry Horn; later at Yale also by G. Evelyn Hutchinson. I decided I wanted to be like them.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?G: Hard to say; I like many places. I do love to visit the Netherlands, feels like home.

What are your other hobbies?G: I listen to classical music, go for walks, enjoy nature and good food.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who are interested in pursuing a career in research?G: Have infinite curiosity about the world, work hard, get into the best college possible, make lots of connections in the world at large, work on important problems, be confident but not arrogant.