4. What subject in school was the most challenging for you? Why? |
I found history classes to be particularly challenging in school. I think this stemmed mostly from the inability to memorize all the dates and events. Most likely because, at the time, I did not see the value or interest in this subject. In other words, it wasn’t science!
|
5. What subject in school did you enjoy the most? Why? |
One of the subjects I found most fascinating in school was human physiology. I think it’s simply amazing how the human body works and how all of it functions in unison to give us life. I believe a solid understanding of human physiology is what allows for so many advances in medicine today. If you can learn how the human body works, you can then come up with solutions for many of the problems/disease states that may arise, which is the foundation of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device industries.
|
6. What/who inspired your interest in science? |
Not really sure, I think it’s always just been a part of me. I’ve been interested in discovery and science as long as I can remember. One of my favorite childhood toys was actually a microscope which allowed me to inspect a multitude of subjects like bugs, plants, and liquids.
|
7. What impact does your work have on society? Why is it important that other people learn about and consider your profession? |
My work directly impacts patient health and ultimately survival. Many people decide to become doctors or nurses in order to help others, but improving the tools for health professionals is an often overlooked area that is equally critical to patient health.
|
8. What do you like most about your job? |
I like overcoming the technical challenges that are inevitable when you are trying to create something of value. To be able to use my education and prior experience to solve a problem is rewarding, especially when I realize how that improvement will help patients in the end.
|
9. What challenges have you faced in your career? |
There are countless scientific challenges that I have encountered in my career. Innovation requires change and when changes are made, new problems may arise. It's how prepared that you are for those problems, through education and experience, that will determine if you are successful or not.
|
10. What other thoughts/comments would you like to share with people considering a career in science? |
Careers in science are often overlooked, but have the potential to be very rewarding and beneficial to society as a whole. There are not many other careers that can offer that. I would suggest starting with the big picture by determining if you like science or not and then focus more narrowly by researching the industries that you are interested in and (if possible) talking to professionals in positions that you strive to be in. Talking to the people who currently have the careers you are interested in is the best way to understand the rewards and challenges.
|
