Graduate Education: The Importance of Creativity.

Along with a keen intellect and a strong work ethic, a successful scientific career depends upon creativity ("the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, or the like and to develop meaningful new ideas, methods, etc"). Creativity is rarely discussed  as a component of a graduate student's education. It is a trait many of us posses as children, but may recede as we enter a more structured life. An example of this transistion will be provided. The components of creativity will be discussed as well as the characteristics of creative behavior. Examples of enhancing one’s creativity will be provided.