2006 Major: Biology; 2013 Ph.D., Biology
"Having a PhD from Duke opens some doors, but it is really the quality of the coursework that has helped me reach my potential. Now that I am in a faculty position, it is my experience at Duke that I try to emulate, whether it is in undergraduate courses, graduate research experiences, or department culture. At Duke I learned to think critically and was encouraged to challenge published research. I now know that I learned way more than my peers about the historical context of science - the use and abuse of evolutionary theory, the history of eugenics, sexism in scientific recognition. Beyond scientific training, these lessons have helped me be more prepared to fight injustice and inequity in my field."
"Take advantage of the opportunities to present your research to others. Communication in science is extremely important, not only for those continuing on to teaching, but to improve the understanding of science in the wider community. Make connections that can last - your fellow students can be your future collaborators!"
