Significance vs. Success (and a few buzz-words) (Score 1)

an actual answer to your question....

If you are looking for buzz words look up quantum computing. It is amazing what you can do with an electron. Nanotechnology (that you mentioned) is also a fascinating field with huge potential. In my opinion anything in math (like P=NP problem ) or physics are the most interesting fields.

my commentary...

I am not going to lecture you on what you should or should not do to a prodigy. But I would like to point out that there is a difference in a significant career and a successful one. Lots of talented people go through life and are merely successful due to their talents. It is much more satisfying to have a career that is significant to the world at large. This seems to be a concept most people don't realize.

I would encourage everyone to have an impact on the world around them. Solve one of the universe's mysteries. Go on you know you can do it...

I had the good fortune to stumble into what I consider a significant career after college. When I look at what the other folks in my majors at school do now and what I do now, it is hard to imagine how they cope. High stress, mundane work(even if it is cutting edge), job hopping. yuck.

my $.02.