Dear Veena:

What an interesting question! Here's my opinion:

In most cases, scientists are very organized, methodical people who would tend to study in organized, methodical ways. Furthermore, most undergraduate and graduate scientific programs are so competitive and difficult, that it would be hard for a person with disorganized study habits to succeed.

That said, there is always the exception: a very visual, creative person who "sees" beyond what others in the field do. This type of person often appears to be disorganized and may have difficulty putting his or her ideas into words. The most famous example is Einstein -- who did not do well in school and was so disorganized he often wore mis-matched socks.

Now I must ask you a question, Veena: why did you ask this? I am imagining that you are in a relationship with a messy, disorganized scholar. Is your husband in medical school and can't get papers in on time? That's a bad sign and he should get some counseling. Is your child a messy student who aspires to a scientific degree? In the spirit of honesty, The Career Doctor must confess that while she did well in her doctoral program, her desk was always a mess, but she always turned her papers in on time. However, she is no Einstein.

The Career Doctor