Philosophy Major Turns Texts Into Something Tangible

Frank Mercer IV is a Trinity senior and Robertson Scholar majoring in Philosophy and minoring in Chemistry. 

What is one of your fondest memories as an undergraduate student at Duke?

One of my fondest Duke memories was a summer spent tracing the footsteps of marginalized women philosophers across Europe, inspired by my work with Project Vox. As a researcher, I visited London’s Chelsea Physic Garden, where Mary Astell once worked, and felt history come alive in the tranquil glasshouse. In Paris, I sat where Simone de Beauvoir and Sartre debated ideas at Café de Flore. Later, a yoga retreat in southern France echoed Camus’ philosophy as a fellow traveler described finding meaning in struggle. These moments deepened my connection to philosophy, transforming abstract research into a tangible, lived experience. 

What piece of advice would you give to your 17-year-old self? 

I would tell my 17-year-old self to trust that intellectual curiosity doesn't have to follow conventional paths. When I started at Duke, I felt pressure to choose between my interest in medicine, my love for philosophy and my fascination with markets. I would advise myself that these diverse interests aren't distractions but different lenses that can provide unique perspectives on complex problems. Don't rush to narrow your path. The connections between seemingly unrelated fields often reveal the most profound insights. The security of knowing this earlier would have reduced some anxiety and helped me embrace my interdisciplinary approach with more confidence from the beginning.

What's an important lesson that you've learned during your time as a Duke student?

The most important lesson I've learned at Duke is that systems reveal their true nature during moments of breakdown or transition. This insight came through both my academic studies and personal experiences. In Project Vox, we discovered how philosophical canons excluded women's voices by examining the breakdowns in the history of philosophy. At the Delta Health Center in Mississippi, I saw how healthcare challenges exposed deeper socioeconomic structures. Even in finance, I became fascinated with distressed companies because they reveal fundamental truths about value that successful companies often conceal. This lesson has taught me to look for opportunities in moments of disruption rather than just seeking stability, and has guided my academic interests and career choices.

Is there an example you can share that illustrates a way that you've felt supported as a Duke student?

Professor Emma Rasiel's support fundamentally changed my Duke trajectory when I approached her about taking her Economics 372 course on Asset Pricing and Risk Management. Despite lacking prerequisites, she took a chance on me based on my enthusiasm rather than my background. Her belief in my potential opened doors that might have remained closed otherwise. She brought abstract financial concepts to life through stories from her own career, creating bridges between my philosophical training and financial analysis. Her mentorship extended beyond the classroom as she guided me through the finance recruitment process and connected me with valuable resources. Having a professor who saw potential in me before I recognized it myself and who continued to be a trusted advisor has been one of the most meaningful forms of support I've experienced at Duke. 

What is a favorite tradition or experience that makes Duke special to you? 

The Robertson Scholars campus switch between Duke and UNC became one of my favorite Duke experiences. While initially intimidating, spending a semester living and taking classes at UNC while maintaining Duke connections created a unique opportunity to examine how different institutional cultures shape intellectual approaches. This experience perfectly embodied what makes Duke special to me: the ability to transcend traditional boundaries. The program's emphasis on understanding complex challenges from multiple perspectives aligned perfectly with my interest in examining how different frameworks shape our perception. Beyond academics, the relationships formed through navigating two distinct campus cultures created a community that values intellectual flexibility and pluralistic perspectives. This tradition exemplifies Duke's commitment to developing critical thinkers for an increasingly complex world.