As I started
the new year, I reflected back on mentors who have helped me on my career
journey. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support and guidance.
Mrs. Moore
I can still
remember one of my first lessons as a 1st grader in Mrs. Moore’s
class at Carson Montessori. She told the scientific story of the formation of the universe. The
lights were off and she started quietly. Then, there was the loud pop of a
balloon and stars (a.k.a. glitter) scattering across the universe. I didn’t realize
it at the time, but she was teaching us the value of communicating science
through storytelling.
Brandt Smith and Ms. Marquard
In Jr. High at
Clark Montessori, I learned about the relationship between science and the
world from my teachers, Brandt and Ms. Marquard. We went camping for a week
each year, where we discussed the ecosystem of the forest. Similarly, in 8th
grade, everyone went to Andros Island in the Bahamas. We studied marine biology
by snorkeling around beautiful coral reefs, bright fish, sharks, and more. Experiencing science in the world around me made a strong impact on my life.
Sally Lamping
I was lucky to
have Sally as my freshman and sophomore English teacher in high school. She was
so supportive of her students and encouraged our creativity. I remember being
in her class and acting out Shakespeare scenes that we re-worked into a hip hop
setting, having a mock trial with the characters from The Great Gatsby, and writing poems inspired by artists of the
Harlem Renaissance. She helped me become a better writer, and helped me
understand the power of the written word.
Doc Brock
My high school
chemistry teacher at Clark Montessori, Doc Brock, was an amazing mentor. He was
passionate about the subject and made chemistry exciting. I chose to study
science in college because of his class. He fostered my interest in chemistry.
In fact, the school didn’t offer AP chemistry, so Doc Brock formed a club where
he was willing to teach it after school. He really started me on a scientific
career path.
Dr. Jody Modarelli
My academic
advisor and undergraduate research mentor at Hiram College, Jody, had a profound impact on my
life. She gave me the opportunity to start doing laboratory research in
biochemistry as a freshman. I could always go to her for support and guidance,
and she encouraged me to consider applying to graduate school for science. She
was very smart, yet down-to-earth. Jody always listened to her student’s ideas
and encouraged us to test our hypotheses. She was my role model and I wanted to
be just like her. I really miss her since she passed away from pancreatic
cancer in 2013, but I know her spirit lives on in all of the lives she touched.
Dr. Carol Shreiner
My organic
chemistry professor, Carol, was a great teacher
and mentor. I know most people groan when they hear the word, “O-chem,” but
Carol made it interesting. It seemed more like art when she was drawing
structures on the board. She was supportive of her students (including me) and always willing
to help them understand chemistry concepts. Also, she was passionate about chemistry
and shared her love of science with the campus. I was a member of the chemistry club, which she advised. Carol encouraged us to communicate science in fun ways. We did demos, such
as the electric pickle and liquid nitrogen ice cream, for National Chemistry
Week, worked on science projects with children who had special needs at Hattie
Larlham, and holiday themed experiments, such as a green flaming pumpkin for
Halloween. I was lucky to have her as one of my mentors.
Dr. Erin Lamb
Erin was my
teacher for a Biomedical Humanities course on “Genetics and Popular Culture” at
Hiram College. In that course, I learned the importance of the public
perception of science. For example, we discussed how Gattaca and Chromosome 6 promote fear of laboratory experiments
and biotechnology. We also debated issues surrounding biospecimens, including
the story of Henrietta Lacks and HeLa cells. This class allowed me to understand
the importance of sharing science with everyone. Erin also helped me improve my
writing skills by providing constructive feedback about my work.
Dr. Patricia Sime
My PhD advisor
at the University of Rochester was Tricia. She is a great role model for young
scientists and clinicians. She takes care of patients, mentors students and oversees
research in a lab, chairs the Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, and spends
time with her family. She was a wonderful mentor who supported me when I chose
to go towards a science communication career. Writing and revising drafts of
papers, presentations, and abstracts with her taught me about the creative process.
Dr. Jim Hsiao
Jim was an
older graduate in the Sime Lab who took me under his wing. He trained me in
laboratory techniques and experimental design. Moreover, he became my big
brother. He supported me throughout graduate school and continues to give me encouragement
from far away. If my experiments weren’t working, he helped me troubleshoot. When
I was feeling confused about my future, he reminded me to follow my heart.
Dr. Tracey Baas
