This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2005, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Brigham Young University chemist who studies drug-delivery therapies for cancer and factors involved in age-related macular degeneration.
Q How did you become interested in your field of study?
A I initially became interested in organic chemistry when I was an undergraduate student at the University of Utah. At first, I was only taking organic chemistry as a requirement for another major. As I took the class as an undergraduate student, I was fascinated. After talking with teaching assistants and professors about cancer research in which they were involved, I was inspired. My mother had battled ovarian and uterine cancer a few years previously, and I was aware of the harmful side effects of chemotherapy.
Q If you have children, how did you strike a balance between raising kids and your career?
A This is the $1 million question. I don't think there is one answer here that works for everyone. I have a 7-month-old son whose life I really want to be a part of. A colleague in Computer Science, Irene Geary, has two young children, and I am following her model. Irene and I are sharing a baby-sitter on campus for our sons. The baby-sitter strolls our sons back and forth between our offices on campus and plays with them outside when the weather permits. This has allowed us to continue to nurse our young sons and to see them and interact with them throughout the day. Some days I work from home and some days I bring my son with me to work.
Q What advice would you give to young women seeking to enter fields such as science, engineering, math and health?
A I have spoken to some female students in the sciences at BYU who have told me that people have discouraged them from staying in their field of study. A message that I have for those students is to continue to pursue your dreams. There are many young women out there who are gifted in the sciences. Many of these women have something to offer to their particular field that others may not. Continue to remain strong in your convictions that your field of study is right for you. I look forward to seeing what you discover and what special niche you find and that you can call your own.