Reflecting on a Childhood Love for Science this "Back to School" Season

Every September, I’m taken back to my childhood, excited by the prospect of “back to school” time. I fell in love with science early on in my life, thanks to the amazing elementary school teachers who fostered my curiosity and interests.
 

As a young girl, I was also fortunate to live near NASA, which gave me the opportunity to see firsthand how a love of science can push the boundaries of imagination to change the world. For me, it was clear from a young age that I wanted to grow up and be a scientist.

Thanks to my proximity to top-notch scientific endeavors, as well as access to outside-the-box STEM programs and incredible mentors/teachers in school, I was able to fulfill my dream of changing lives through science.

In my high school years, I contemplated which scientific career path to explore: Geology? Medicine? Space Exploration? But the decision presented itself when I started college; my mom was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and I became her caregiver while balancing my studies.

While acting as a caregiver was incredibly difficult at times, it also elucidated my desire to redefine the understanding of biology and push the boundaries of science to improve the lives of patients. That’s why I completed my Ph.D. in Neuroimmunology, continuing my education as a National Multiple Sclerosis Society Neuroimmunology Postdoctoral Fellow at Johns Hopkins University.

Around this time, my father was diagnosed with cancer – another heart-wrenching turn of events, which further pushed my interest in oncology. I became a research assistant at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center’s Molecular Oncology and Immunology Program and at the National Institute of Health’s National Cancer Institute, Cellular Biochemistry Section in the Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology. I also advanced my knowledge by receiving certifications from Harvard Medical School in Genetics, with a focus on Cancer Genomics and Precision Oncology, and in Immunology, with a focus on Immuno-oncology.

After many twists and turns, my career eventually landed me at EMD Serono, where I’ve been privileged to work side by side with so many brilliant and inspiring scientists in the US and beyond. Each day, I can see I am part of a community that is dedicated to pushing the boundaries in drug discovery to change the standard of care for patients all around the world.

My father passed away in 2016, followed by my mother in 2018; a stark, sobering reminder of the critical need for continued scientific innovation. As the new SVP and Head of North America Medical Affairs at EMD Serono, I’m inspired to lead this amazing team of scientists who are passionate about turning science into solutions for patients—and serve as a mentor to young women who aspire to have a career in science.

I know my parents would be inspired to see the scientific progress across the medical community. And I’ll continue to play my part – not only to honor their memory, but to further the lives of patients, on our mission to help create, improve and prolong lives.