MIT OpenLabWare (OLW)

You are here: MIT OpenLabWare » Aflatoxin » Author Profile

Author Profile

Robert G Croy
Research Scientist in Biological Engineering
MIT

Robert is featured in the following media elements:

RealVideo: Robert Croy on Experiments

Bob Croy weighs in on the most important things to take into consideration when planning an experiment.

RealVideo: Robert Croy on Research Part I

Bob Croy describes his favorite thing about doing research.

RealVideo: Robert Croy on Research Part II

Bob Croy describes his least favorite thing about doing research.

RealVideo: Robert Croy: Background

Bob Croy talks about his background and how he came to be involved in the aflatoxin work at MIT.

Image: Skiing with the Croys

John Essigmann and the Croys prepare to ski down a trail.

What are your primary research interests?

Cancer Therapeutics; DNA damage and repair and the role these processes play in diseases—particularly cancer.

What was the toughest paper you ever had to write and why?

The first one was the hardest. I had to develop a new writing style for research papers. Constructing graphics for figures was also a skill I did not have. When I published my first paper PowerPoint and other graphics programs that facilitate publication were nonexistent. One had to hire a graphic artist or draw figures oneself—it's much easier now.

What is your favorite paper and why?

It's difficult to pick a favorite paper. The ones that I published when I was a graduate student at MIT are memorable because of the group of people that I worked with.

Could you explain how/why you got interested in science and how/why you chose your particular field within science?

My interest in science developed in high school when I became aware that it was a field in which you could be very creative. I liked to build and create things—mechanical and otherwise. I think I was attracted to biological sciences in particular because I could immediately use the knowledge and principles I acquired to design and perform interesting experiments and projects.

What is/are your favorite book(s)?

I like to read nonfiction. Endurance, the story about the survival of Ernest Shackleton and his crew is a favorite. Jacques Monod's Chance and Necessity was also a memorable read.

What is/are your favorite movie(s)?

Blazing Saddles—I think it's possibly the funniest movie ever made.

What is/are your favorite food(s)?

I can't think of one that I don't like. If I had to pick a current favorite it would be barbecued or smoked ribs, chicken, etc.

What are your hobbies and/or interests outside of research?

When I have time, I like to hike, ski, and fish—particularly for bluefish and bass.

Do you have any special or unusual abilities?

My son thinks that I am clairvoyant in knowing when he is up to something—but I don't acknowledge any such ability.