The CUNY Baccalaureate Blog

Prior to applying to the CUNY Baccalaureate, William McCaig was a largely self-taught, moderately successful Information Technology specialist, who had “an aversion to formal educational systems and shunned them whenever possible.”  But in finally deciding to go to college, he said “The scientific arts have always intrigued me for their pursuit of knowledge and truth, as well as the many mysteries that are waiting to be solved.  It is my intention to combine my affinity for technology and my fascination with science into an academic course of study, and eventually a career.  To this end, I am interested in taking courses in computer programming, systems design, biology and chemistry.”  

McCaig was able to accomplish his goals through the individualized CUNY Baccalaureate; he entered in Fall 2003 and designed concentrations in Computer Science and Molecular Biology, taking courses at City, Hunter and John Jay Colleges, under the guidance of faculty mentors Prof. Virginia Teller, Computer Science, Hunter and Prof. Weigang Qui, Biology, Hunter.  During his senior year, his hard work was rewarded with a National Science Foundation Scholarship.  McCaig graduated Magna Cum Laude in June 2007; he is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Genetics at Stony Brook University.  A paper that he wrote with Prof. Weigang Qui was recently accepted for publication in the CDC journal “Emerging Infectious Diseases.”

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