Picture a physicist who crafts tiny guitars and thrilling novels with equal flair—meet Paul McEuen! As Cornell University’s Goldwin Smith Professor and director of the Kavli Institute for Nanoscale Science, McEuen is a nanoscience pioneer who’s also penned the gripping thriller Spiral. His unique ability to blend cutting-edge science with pulse-pounding storytelling makes him a standout in both labs and bookstores.
From creating the world’s smallest guitar to weaving tales of bioweapons and nanorobots, McEuen’s career is a fascinating fusion of discovery and creativity. Let’s dive into his journey, from Oklahoma roots to global acclaim.
The Making of Paul McEuen
Born in 1963, Paul McEuen grew up in Oklahoma, where a teenage epiphany sparked his passion for science. By 13, he was hooked on solving complex problems, a trait that would define his career. He earned a B.S. in engineering physics from the University of Oklahoma in 1985 and a Ph.D. in applied physics from Yale in 1991. After stints at MIT and UC Berkeley, he joined Cornell in 2001, where he’s now the emeritus John A. Newman Professor. His nanoscience breakthroughs, like wiring carbon nanotubes, earned him accolades, including National Academy of Sciences membership.
Paul McEuen’s Unforgettable Stories
McEuen’s literary debut, Spiral (2011), is a masterclass in scientific thrillers. Set in Ithaca, New York, it follows a Cornell physicist unraveling a Nobel laureate’s mysterious death, uncovering a plot involving World War II bioweapons and nanorobots. The novel’s vivid blend of fungi, microcrawlers, and coded messages hooked readers, earning the International Thriller Writers’ Best First Novel award. Critics praised its pace and accessibility, with Booklist calling it “the most gripping thriller” in decades.
His upcoming novel, tentatively titled Burn, promises more Crichton-esque suspense. It explores synthetic biology gone awry, with bugs that ignite aluminum—a chilling nod to his knack for turning science into high-stakes drama. McEuen’s style is crisp and immersive, weaving real-world nanoscience into plots that feel thrillingly plausible. His Ithaca settings, inspired by Cornell’s scenic beauty and high-tech labs, ground his stories in a tangible sense of place.
McEuen’s writing process mirrors his lab work: methodical yet exploratory. He wrote Spiral during a sabbatical, churning out 1,000 words daily while learning storytelling “the hard way.” His influences include Michael Gruber’s suspense and Kurt Vonnegut’s wit, blending cerebral depth with page-turning energy.
Why Paul McEuen Matters
McEuen’s impact transcends academia and literature. In nanoscience, he’s pushed boundaries with innovations like the world’s thinnest drum, just one atom thick, and co-founded OWiC Technologies to commercialize microscopic sensors. His thriller Spiral bridges science and pop culture, making complex ideas accessible to thriller fans. By marrying nanoscience with narratives of global intrigue, he inspires readers to ponder technology’s potential and perils.
His work also elevates Cornell’s nanoscience legacy, reinforcing its status as a global leader. McEuen’s ability to excel in two demanding fields—physics and fiction—sets him apart as a modern Renaissance figure, sparking curiosity in both scientists and storytellers.
About Paul McEuen
- Born: 1963, Oklahoma
- Key Work: Spiral (2011)
- Awards: International Thriller Writers’ Best First Novel (2012), Agilent Technologies Europhysics Prize
- Fun Fact: He named Spiral characters after his five dogs!
Snag Spiral and dive into Paul McEuen’s thrilling world of nanoscience and suspense!