The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
What is your hometown?
Southampton, Pennsylvania
How or when did you become interested in science?
During my junior year of high school, I took an honors course in anatomy and physiology. The demand of both the course and the teacher were an anomaly to high school education. I have to admit, I was not very fond of my teacher at the time, but I have been back since to thank her for pushing me with such high expectations. I had never worked so hard, but I had also never gained so much from a course. It was this high school course that drove me to continue pursuing the challenges of biology.
Is there a teacher, mentor, or University of Iowa faculty member who has helped shape your education?
I would have to say that I owe much of where I am today to my undergraduate biology professors. Their dedication to us the students and enthusiasm in regards to science really made me love what I was learning. Although it took self-motivation and hard work to gain their respect, it was my professors who in turn assisted me in achieving a prestigious internship that kindled my desire to pursue a PhD. Three years later, I can say I am still very much in contact with these teachers. Fortunately, I was able to find a new mentor at the University of Iowa who is very reminiscent of my previous professors. No matter what the subject, it is often the teacher/mentor that can make or break your interests.
What kinds of opportunities or advantages does being a doctoral student at Iowa provide? What about challenges?
As a doctoral student at a big university like the University of Iowa, there are many exciting opportunities to meet acclaimed scientists. Worth noting, I have already attended the seminars of two visiting Nobel Laureates. Aside from scientific advantages, Iowa City provides an environment very conducive to a healthy and active lifestyle. Most of the challenges here are not in regards to the institution itself, but more to its location in Iowa. Coming from the East Coast, there were many more options as far as things to do, and the weather was less severe. Working long days through an Iowa winter can be a little debilitating.
Please describe your professional goals and interests.
I must say that identifying and assessing my professional goals is something I do constantly. My immediate professional goal is to obtain my PhD as efficiently and successfully as possible. I have always wanted to be a teacher, so one career interest I have is to become a professor at a small institution and provide for students just as my professors did for me. I enjoy biology and medicine, but above all is my love for nutrition and fitness. That said, another aspiration of mine is to find the best way to integrate my infatuation with health and nutrition with the knowledge I have gained in graduate school - for instance by starting my own nutrition related business.
What are some of your outside interests?
I have a true passion for fitness and nutrition. I would describe myself as somewhat of a tomboy as I enjoy playing sports, running, and lifting weights. Over the past couple years I have taken an interest in cooking. I find that cooking is not only a great way to create and experiment with new healthy recipes, but is also one of the best ways to unwind and relax after a long day.
Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your work?
Don’t let anyone else create your definition of success. Know where you are in life, know what you’re doing, and know that it’s for you. For me, happiness comes with purpose. Here are a couple of my favorite quotes:
If you could change one thing about the world (or the world of science), what would it be?
I am becoming more and more aware of the struggle women endure in order to have children yet maintain success in the world of science. Although this doesn’t affect me now, I wish that careers in science could be a little more accommodating to women who wish to take some time off to raise their children.
In addition, it would be pretty interesting to see a world where scientists could occasionally detach their scientific ways of thinking from their personal, every day lives. Personally, I find it hard to enjoy the creativity in movies or books because I am so used to thinking analytically.
What is one piece of advice would you give to students who are interested in applying to a PhD program?
First and foremost graduate school is a way of living, during which research will comprise a significant amount of your life. Graduate school is a growing experience, both intellectually and emotionally, so it’s important to stay motivated and avoid feeling discouraged. Obtaining a PhD is a dignified achievement, and as with most things in life you have to give a lot to get a lot.
What do you see as "the future" of medicine and medical research?
One thing I know for sure is that as time goes on, the field of medicine seems to improve exponentially. In today’s world women are quickly infiltrating the scientific arena and more people are working longer and harder hours. I believe the combination of determination, innovation, and devotion in our field will lead to novel therapeutics for current terminal illnesses, and perhaps so far as a cure for cancer.