Dr. Ellie Aerts is a postdoc in reproductive neuroendocrinology at Oregon Health and Science University. Ellie’s dissertation research focused on the neural circuitry controlling the timing of puberty onset, and her work now focuses on the connections between meal timing and fertility. In this video, Ellie shares about the really difficult experience of leaving an abusive relationship and almost failing a class during her first year of graduate school.
Dr. Kendra Chritz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences at The University of British Columbia. Kendra’s dissertation research was on using geochemistry, particularly light stable isotopes, to explore the diets of ancient peoples of eastern Africa during the period of transitioning from hunting and gathering to maintaining livestock or food production. She also used stable isotopes to understand environmental changes occurring that could help contextualize that human diet switch.
Dr. Kristen Vogt is a Scientist at OverT Bio in New York. Kristen’s dissertation research focused on reducing off-tumor toxicities associated with CAR T cell therapy, and her work now focuses on developing universal cellular therapies for solid tumors. In this video, Kristen recounts an authorship dispute she had on one of the projects she worked on during her PhD. Despite being demotivated at first, Kristen learned how important it is to stand up for yourself, and how that and support from others can help you get through challenging times.
Dr. Ella Wang is an Instructional Assistant Professor at Chapman University in Orange, California. Ella’s dissertation research focused on investigating the role of Local and Crystallographic Symmetries in Solid-State Coordination Complexes to Target Magnetic and Optical Properties. Currently, her work focuses on improving the students' experience in general chemistry and inorganic chemistry courses. In this video, Ella opens up about what it was like to transfer labs in graduate school after her primary advisor left the university.
Dr. Ángel Garcia is an assistant professor at James Madison University. His dissertation research focused on exploring how reliable is culturally-framed geological knowledge about karst, and his work now focuses on multiple aspects of cave and karst science. In this video, Ángel talks about how he felt when he failed his comprehensive exams on his first attempt. However, despite obstacles Ángel was able to move forward in his degree with the support of community and better communication with his committee.