Degree/training: Northern Michigan University (Bachelor of Science in Biology), Northern Michigan University (Master of Science), and currently Virginia Tech (Ph.D. in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health)
Career Aspiration: I aspire to conduct research at an R1 university as a tenure-track faculty or as a Senior Investigator with the National Institute of Health focused on mitochondrial biology in brain diseases.
Why did you choose your career path? Continuing my education in the Translational Biology Medicine and Health program has provided extensive technical training in my field, the opportunity to build academic relationships and networks, training that fosters an inclusive environment for younger scientists in my community, and frequent opportunities for scientific collaborations, which are all fundamental to the future of
scientific research.
Where did you hear about a health career path and how did you enter this path? I first became aware of research in cellular and molecular biology as a senior undergraduate student. I began volunteering in a lab funded by the National Institute of Health, which led me to continue my education and focus my research goals towards translational biology and medicine.
What advice would you give those who are guiding students into health careers? Make sure students know that success is not linear. You will frequently take steps back in your journey before moving forward, but this is still progress. Often, these moments provide the most valuable lessons and motivation to continue forward.
Describe any volunteer experiences that contributed to your decision to pursue training in a health career. In my junior year of undergrad, I was volunteering in a hospital and first began to question if I wanted to go to medical school. I felt scared to change my mind, but I started asking doctors and nurses about other career options in health and medicine. I received excellent advice from several mentors and quickly realized I should try volunteering in a research lab at my university. It is never too late to learn or try something new!
What courses do you wish you had taken to prepare you for your current health career training? I wish I had taken the time to learn and speak multiple languages.