Major Professor: Dr. Swanner

Home Department: Geological and Atmospheric Sciences

Dissertation Title: Insights into Early Earth Ocean Biogeochemistry from Intensive Monitoring of Two Ferruginous Meromictic Lakes

Fellowships and Awards: Graduate Research Excellence Award (2019), Graduate Teaching Excellence Award (2017), Best Poster Presentation Award (2017, ISU Graduate and Professional Students’ Research Conference)

Current Job Title: Clinical Scientist II at Abbott Laboratories

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Please describe your current position

I monitor and manage clinical trial data for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) devices. I am part of Abbott’s Structural Heart unit and interface with colleagues from around the world on a daily basis including project managers, CRAs, safety monitors, MDs, and biostatisticians. Part of my job includes preparing annual reports on clinical data and preparing manuscripts for publication.

Please describe your research at ISU

At ISU, I researched how microbial communities in modern lakes interacted with geochemical, physical, and biological elements. The lake sites were similar in some geochemical aspects to early Earth oceans during the Archean and Proterozoic eons. I focused primarily on anoxygenic photosynthetic organisms known as photoferrotrophs, as well as organisms important in the methane cycle.

How did your time in the Interdepartmental Microbiology program prepare you for your current position?

The main reason I obtained my current position was my background in data mining and manuscript preparation/publication. Another important aspect of why I was hired was my ability to manage and interact with global cross-functional teams, which I had experience doing as a graduate student and postdoc at ISU.

What advice would you give students looking for work in a similar position or field?

Well, my path veered off a little bit from microbiology...but my main advice would be to KNOW what path you are wanting to travel down before graduate school. Then, you can come up with a development plan with your PI to ensure you reach your goal. This can be in the form of coops, internships, statistical or analytical software training camps, etc.

What was your favorite part of the Interdepartmental Microbiology program?

My colleagues! MGSO, our student organization, helps to connect with others in the IM program. And through these interactions you begin to form tight bonds and I am proud to say I am still friends with many from my cohort and talk on a regular basis!

What was your favorite part of living in Ames?

Everything is centrally localized. Plenty of authentic food options. Easy to navigate around town either by walking, public transport, driving.

If you could give new students in the program a piece of advice, what would you say?

Take control and initiative of your program of study early. YOU need to be the driver, not your PI. Find your voice and speak up to progress your way through the degree program.

What advice would you give students about to graduate and enter the job market?

Continuing in academia on a teaching-centric track is going to be tough. Be prepared with plenty of teaching experience to be competitive. Even then, it may still be challenging. Research industry careers and be prepared to have two resumes: one for academia and one for industry. I would also suggest taking as many career development opportunities as possible throughout your time in the IM program...they are plentiful!