March 15, 2020
When Dr. Bowden isn't chasing infectious diseases, she spends her time traveling to explore food, music, and culture of places from all over the world. When she's home, she enjoys reading and listening to podcasts, weight training, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
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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