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women in STEM

The Nerdy CEO presents: Women in STEM Series Introducing Field Applications Scientist, Cheryl Bell

The Nerdy CEO presents: Women in STEM Series Introducing Field Applications Scientist, Cheryl Bell
Career, Let's Talk Science

Introducing Dr. Cheryl Bell Tell us what do you do? I am a field applications scientist at Molecular Devices. In a nutshell, our company sells scientific research equipment to advance health through drug discovery. The product that I cover is a high-end microscope that can reduce the time it takes a scientist to generate data…

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The Nerdy CEO presents: Women in STEM Series Introducing Public Health Scientist, Dr. Katie Bowden

Introducing Dr. Katie Bowden

Tell us what do you do?

ย I am the serology section lead in the Parasitic Diseases Branch at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). I oversee 4 employees within a section that performs three different types of blood tests to diagnose 14 different parasitic diseases. Since we work on patient samples, our tests are certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Additionally, I work closely with branch-level epidemiologists for consultation when information is requested about our assays. I also work with branch-level researchers to use novel and innovative technologies to improve and expand the tests we perform.

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What is your educational background?

I have a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a PhD in Genetics, both from the University of Georgia. My primary focus of my undergraduate and graduate research was microbial genetics and molecular biology.

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Why a STEM major?

When I was a toddler, I wanted to be a surgeon. I originally decided to pursue a degree that would allow me to attend medical school, but I ย later chose to go into infectious disease research after taking a microbiology course that I was fascinated with. During my junior year of undergrad, I ended up changing my major from Biology to Microbiology, with intentions on attending graduate school.

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Can you briefly explain the importance of a higher education?

A higher education is something no one can take away from you. I have been through many positions in my life and the one thing that has provided a foundation for success at all of them was my education.

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Heroes: Who else deserves credit and has played a meaningful role in your life and/or career?

My father was a huge inspiration throughout my entire life. He always taught me to find a career that I loved and was passionate about. ย My father sacrificed a lot for our family and inspired me to become the independent, self-sufficient, successful woman that I have become.ย 

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Skills from childhood: What are some important skill-sets to develop that you think is necessary to have in life?ย 

Critical thinking, time management, flexibility and interpersonal skills are extremely important. Critical thinking will allow you to tackle any challenge you face.

Time management and flexibility, provides you the abilities to be efficient with your time, work smarter, and also manage unforeseen situations that arise that could have major impacts on your work.

I have always been interested in psychology and understanding different personality types and what motivates different types of people have both helped me become a better supervisor for my staff.

Staying Motivated: How do you stay motivated when times get tough?

I try to move past the small stuff and focus on the bigger picture. Usually things get tough when I get stuck in the weeds and put focus and attention on little things that don’t have that great of an impact on the bigger picture. It can be so easy to lose track of our goals and sometimes ourselves. When you focus on the prize, you’ll be able to move in the direction that’s best for you.

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What is your definition of success?

Success to me means creating a life that will allow you to keep growing as a person and in your career. Having that ability will make your possibilities endless.

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Any major accomplishments you would like to share?

I am very proud that, in my 7 years at CDC coming straight from my PhD, I have become a full-time employee and obtained a position where I get to manage some amazingly brilliant people that teach me new things every day. I am truly blessed and extremely grateful for these accomplishments and the people that have helped me along the way.ย 

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If you could tell your younger self ONE thing, what would it be?

Do what you love, don’t let anyone tell you what you can, can’t, should, or shouldn’t do.

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One piece of advice you would give to up and coming aspiring students majoring in STEM?

Never be afraid to learn, even if it is from a mistake you make. I used to be terrified of messing up and now I see it as a learning opportunity and I truly embrace those moments.

This blog post is dedicated to highlighting amazing women in STEM who are trailblazers in their respective professions.ย  From scientists, to professors, and biomedical engineers, these women bring in fresh perspectives, talent, and creativity.ย  They continue to break barriers even till this day, which serves as a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology.

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The Nerdy CEO presents: Women in STEM Series Introducing Biomedical Engineer, Calethia Johnson

Meet Calethia Johnson

Introducing Calethia Johnson

Tell us what do you do?ย 

I am a Manager of Construction Procurement Projects at a major healthcare system in the metro Atlanta area. I am responsible for planning and managing the procurement process for healthcare construction projects, which includes planning, bid analysis, cost control, contract administration, and quality control.

In the grand scheme of things, my career has predominantly encompassed facility management, construction procurement, and construction project management (design through build). As an Assistant Chief Engineer, with the federal government, I provided technical expert consultation to medical center Executive Management for all issues relative to the areas of engineering (Space and Functional Planning, Project Engineering, Maintenance & Operations, Biomedical Engineering, and Safety).ย 

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What is your educational background?ย 

I have Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Mercer University, Macon Ga. and a M.S. in Health Care Administration from Mercer University, Atlanta GA.ย 

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Why a STEM major?ย 

I absolutely love science, math, and problem solving. It was a natural progression after graduating from a Health Science and Engineering High School (with a focus on Engineering).

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Can you briefly explain the importance of a higher education?ย 

Higher education gives a person an opportunity to succeed in todayโ€™s global economy. Modern colleges and universities provide their students with various programs aimed at preparing them for different economic sectors and more focused careers that require specialized training (i.e. Engineering, Medicine, Law, Finance).

Heroes: Who else deserves credit and has played a meaningful role in your life and/or career?

My mom played a pivotal role in my success. She taught me that what I learn, no one can ever take from me. What I learn, I own and can use it to my benefit. She also taught me that I can do and be anything. Most importantly, on my hardest days, she never let me quit.

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Skills from childhood: What are some important skill-sets to develop that you think is necessary to have in life?

1. Research things for yourself, don’t just take someone’s word.

2. Dig into the details. There’s so much more than what lies on the surface.

3. Never be afraid to take the road less traveled. There are often undiscovered gems along the way.

4. If there is not an opportunity, create one.

5. Don’t quit. If you feel you can’t do something, find a way or make a way.

6. Be honest when you don’t know something and find out what you need to know. That’s how you learn.

Staying Motivated: How do you stay motivated when times get tough?ย 

I think about the generations of people that came before me to lay the foundation for the opportunities that are afforded to me. My achievements are not just for me and my family, they are for my ancestors and my future generations.

What is your definition of success?

Attaining self-fulfillment and walking in your purpose, on purpose, while reaching back to help others.

Any major accomplishments you would like to share?

While I have had several accomplishments over the past few years in my career; one that I can say I am most proud of is being the first African American Engineer at a previous employer. I was in complete awe that people wanted to come see who I was because I was a unicorn. ๐Ÿ™‚ It melted my heart to have older women hug me saying how proud they were of me that I had made history.

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If you could tell your younger self ONE thing, what would it be?

Your dreams are never too big and never impossible. Just figure out how to make them happen. Most importantly, seek God’s direction for your purpose. He will direct your path.

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One piece of advice you would give to up and coming aspiring students majoring in STEM?

Nike said it best, “Just do it!”

This blog post is dedicated to highlighting amazing women in STEM who are trailblazers in their respective professions.ย  From scientists, to professors, and biomedical engineers, these women bring in fresh perspectives, talent, and creativity.ย  They continue to break barriers even till this day, which serves as a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology.

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The Nerdy CEO presents: Women in STEM Series Introducing Professor Dr. Chanelle Adams-Griffin

Meet Dr. Chanelle Adams-Griffin

Meet Dr. Chanelle Adams-Griffin

Tell us what do you do?ย 

I am an educator in several regards, but currently hold a faculty position as a Professional Educator of Biology at Western New England University in Springfield, MA.

What is your educational background?ย 

I ย am a first time college graduate in my family. ย I have a B.S. in Biology from Stillman College, Tuscaloosa, AL., a M.S. in Microbiology from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, and a PhD in Food Microbiology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Why a STEM major?ย 

Growing up, the measure of success in my neighborhood was becoming a doctor or a lawyer. I was always good at math, but science came naturally (I never had to study or work hard at it), so seeing that I was interested in medicine and how it is used to help heal people, I thought Iโ€™d give Biology a try.

Can you briefly explain the importance of a higher education?ย 

I live by the mantra that the one thing no one can ever take from you is your education (knowledge). They can cast you into a box based on your life experiences, and doubt your abilities, but when you can back things with concrete evidence noting will refute it.

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Heroes: Who else deserves credit and has played a meaningful role in your life and/or career?

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Aside from family, Dr. Lee A. Aggison, Jr. – the first person to introduce me to independent laboratory research and build my self-confidence. Dr. Ruth A. Washington, wife of Dr. Aggison. – Success personified is what I call her. When I stepped on the campus of Stillman College she was what I envisioned myself to be…. A black female excelling in a male dominated field.

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Skills from childhood: What are some important skill-sets to develop that you think is necessary to have in life??

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Learn to fail; it’s OK โ€“ I came across a sign one day which read: FAIL = First Attempt In Learning. Thereโ€™s no way you can know everything about something thatโ€™s being introduced for the first time. Donโ€™t exhaust your energy trying to please others. This is YOUR life, so go after whatever it is that YOU desire. Donโ€™t just wish for it but work for it! โ€œIf you want something youโ€™ve never had. You must be willing to do something youโ€™ve never done.โ€ – Unknown

Staying Motivated: How do you stay motivated when times get tough?ย 

I remember those who have helped me get to where I am today. In me asking how can I ever repay you, the only response Iโ€™ve ever received is to pay it forward. Make sure you help someone in every way imaginable to attain their highest potential.

What is your definition of success?

During graduate school, I had a hand made sign on my desk: Success is 99% failure. So, success to me is commitment, perseverance, determination. It is not merely a measure of you โ€œmaking itโ€ – which is what I thought as a child, but the continual pursuit of being better. Having the wherewithal to know that success is an evolutionary process whose path changes as you grow.

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Any major accomplishments you would like to share?

My education has opened doors for me in every area of employment; Iโ€™ve worked in Industry, government and academia.

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If you could tell your younger self ONE thing, what would it be?

You donโ€™t have to carry the world on your shoulders, but your contributions to society will be impactful!

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One piece of advice you would give to up and coming aspiring students majoring in STEM?

Trust the process!

This blog post is dedicated to highlighting some amazing women in STEM who are trailblazers in their respective professions.ย  From scientists, to professors, and biomedical engineers, these women bring in fresh perspectives, talent, and creativity.ย  They continue to break barriers even till this day, which serves as a reminder that women and girls play a critical role in science and technology.

Continue Reading
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