What is your research specialization, and what is it that excites you about this research? I’m trained as an enzymologist, which means that I study a specific type of proteins called enzymes that speed up (or catalyze) chemical reactions in the cell. It is exciting because enzymes are working in our bodies all the time without us thinking about it. They allow chemical reactions to occur that are not possible in their absence. To study them in lab, I use genetic engineering techniques that use bacteria (E. coli) to produce them and then purify the one protein away from all the others in the cell. Then the enzyme can be tested for its ability to catalyze the specific reaction. The concept that we need a living organism to produce our enzyme but then can selectively add back chemical compounds to test for reactivity is exciting for me. What do you enjoy most about working at Lycoming with colleagues and students? Working at Lycoming College allowed me to pivot to different research projects that I never imagined myself working on, like the collaborations with alumnus and trustee Joseph Feerrar ’02, owner of Bald Birds Brewing. Joey and I have collaborated on two state-funded projects: 1) acceleration of the ageing process of bourbon and 2) optimization of microbial testing protocols for beer production. Both projects provided research experiences for Lycoming students to solve real world problems. These students are all continuing research in graduate school to pursue their doctorates, and I think these exciting projects helped to spark their interest in scientific research. What advice do you give your students looking to enter a science-oriented career? I always tell my students to find a career they enjoy and encourage them to continue for advanced degrees if they are needed to get that career. After completing my B.S. in biochemistry at RIT, I worked at Merck Pharmaceuticals for two years. I quickly recognized that more satisfying career opportunities would be available for me if I returned to school for my Ph.D. That started me on my journey to obtain my position in academia, which is never dull or boring. I share with my students that I think it is important to work towards finding a career that makes you excited to come to work each day. Outside of the classroom and lab, what brings you joy? I enjoy doing outside activities with my husband, Gregg, and our three children, Maisie, Walter, and Vivian. We spend lots of time downhill skiing in the winter and biking and hiking in the summer. All my kids play multiple sports and instruments, so I spend a lot of my free time cheering them on from the sideline and attending their concerts. I think it is important to work towards finding a career that makes you excited to come to work each day. 19 www.lycoming.edu
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