AlexPresident and Chief Science Officer at Nature's Toolbox
College Major: Biochemistry, Biophysical Chemistry
Why did you pursue STEAM? Natural Sciences are fascinating. Primarily biosciences were always catching my attention. During the last 30 years, biochemistry evolved at a rate that is unheard off. First tools for genetic engineering of bacteria enabled structural biology to study proteins and enzymes in large numbers. It allowed to elucidate the, initially static, 3 dimensional shape of proteins and study the diversity, but also identify the underlying rules, of protein folding. Tools were and still are developed to understand the activity and chemistry of enzymes in relation to their dynamic behavior. Seeing an enzyme work and being able to predictably tailor its activity is incredible. Now, we apply this knowledge to use selected enzymes to produce materials outside living organisms and can relate protein folding to disease and develop selective treatments. Treatments for genetic diseases become approachable. RNA- and protein subunit-based vaccines would not be possible without knowledge of how the immune system works and how the surface of a pathogens looks like on a molecular level. Today, this applied knowledge saves millions of lives. Advice to STEAM students: Be open minded, be curious and don't give up when something becomes seemingly difficult or hard to understand. These are the circumstances that lead to discoveries. LeanneVP Technology at Vibrant Corporation
College Major: Chemical Engineering
Why did you pursue STEAM? Everything in school came easy. My dad was an engineer - it seemed like a broad field with lots of opportunity that I 'already knew something about'. Advice to STEAM students: Do research - Learn what different programs of study are available. find out what the degree means, and what jobs are available. Find a mentor. Be willing to work hard, and ask for help. No one can do everything on their own, and in the real job world, you work with people more than not. |
AliciaUser Experience Designer at Resilient Solutions 21
College Major: Applied Biology/Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences
Why did you pursue STEAM? Originally I pursued environmental sciences because I wanted to help out in areas like conservation and specifically aquaculture. My ultimate dream was to research aquaculture in the context of Mars colonization, but I also wanted to work towards preserving our current fisheries by studying land-based aquaculture. Long story short, I career switched to UX design because I could not support myself financially while pursuing a career in environmental sciences and UX offered financial stability. The thing I liked about UX was I could take a more creative approach to data, since my company does a lot of data visualization for government agencies. The creativity aspect is probably not something I would find as much of in academia and research. Advice to STEAM students: Don't feel timid about pursuing a career in STEM especially if you are underrepresented in the field; make space for yourself and your ideas and don't wait on validation from others. Your perspective is already valid. Also, don't feel bad about pivoting from your initial goals - try to find a way to make the unexpected work in your favor. SneznaBiology Professor at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
College Major: BS in Physics, PhD in Biochemistry
Why did you pursue STEAM? Science provided a reality check in a world which was heavy politically driven. Advice to STEAM students: Listen to your heart. Define your Life's purpose in terms of the contribution(s) you want to make and then pursue the needed qualifications with passion as a quest; that approach pays off with personal fulfillment and financial remuneration. Don't chose your profession just because it will give you a well paying job; the charm of money - and even prestige - wears off. |
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