Haden Dickerson was a typical kid who had a passion for video games.

But, in the decade afterward he’s forged an atypical passion – and career path – in using computers in a scientific way.

He’s traveled from Minecraft to math acclaim at Indiana University East and is headed toward doctorate-level studies in computational chemistry.

Let him describe that field of study: “In general, it’s using math and science to analyze chemistry or physics,” Dickerson said. “It’s telling a computer to do a bunch of math.”

Researchers use simulations in efforts to solve complex chemical problems.

After receiving his B.S. in Math, his passion and path will take him to the Ohio State University in Columbus, where he will start work toward a Ph.D. in physics.

“I am very excited about that,” he said. “I had to find the right university.”

Dickerson certainly found the right university with IU East after initially starting at the main campus. Bloomington was too big, too impersonal and too far from home, he said: “I liked the close-knit community of IU East.” 

He liked that it was cheaper to attend and nearer to his hometown of Centerville.

He also liked that it has an excellent reputation for online math classes.

He’s maintained honor-roll grades in earning a degree in three years. All of his classes were completed online.

Dickerson presented a research paper Dec. 8, 2023 at the IU Undergraduate Research Conference. It was titled “Nuclear Quantum Effects and Conformational Analysis of Dipeptides.”

You Kay Law, associate professor of chemistry and chair of natural sciences at IU East, approved Haden’s abstract – a prerequisite for presenting at the conference.

Haden praises Law for helping advise him at IU East and getting him pointed toward the program at Ohio State.

“He wrote me a very good letter (of recommendation). He is an alum there,” Haden said.

He happily notes that his sister, Haley, also is graduating this May. She is a year older and her degree is in elementary education.

“We both help each other, support each other,” said Haden, who will be 21 years old when he graduates.

He admits to “the usual brother-sister rivalries.”

Haley is following in the footsteps of mother, Amy Dickerson, who is a teacher at Hagerstown – and also an IU East graduate (2009).

Haden teases her that he is the first sibling to hold a paid job in teaching. He works as a substitute in math at Hagerstown High School.

“I’ve been holding that over her head,” he said. “It’s great to make money and help teach kids.”

Initially, Haden wanted to become a professor. Now, he hopes to use his computational skills for a career.

“There are a lot of good jobs in the industry.”

He said classes at Centerville High School helped give him the impetus toward a math-related career.

“They are very academically focused. It’s a place where math is important,” he said. “I had math and science in my head since high school.