Maria C. Sterrett

Biography

Reflecting on my scientific career so far, I recognize that impassioned scientific learning has been the motivating force. My passion for scientific learning was instilled in me by several mentors, whose enthusiasm and devotion cultivated my interest in research and biology. Two such mentors include my research and thesis advisor in college, Dr. Jennifer Wolff, as well as my previous PI, Dr. Jason Tennessen. Dr. Wolff welcomed me into her lab as a sophomore. In her lab, I was taught principles and concepts at the bench that afforded me success in my major and senior thesis. After gaining this research experience, I became more interested in pursuing a career in science, so I accepted an offer as a Research Associate in Dr. Tennessen’s lab at Indiana University. During my three years in the Tennessen lab, I not only learned many new technical skills, I was also encouraged to expand my teaching interests by mentoring students and becoming involved with various STEM education opportunities and student groups. Both mentors recognized my scientific potential and emboldened my desire to continue in academia by showing passion in their mentorship. As a doctoral student in Dr. Anita Corbett’s lab, I focused my passion of mentorship into a career goal of becoming a faculty member at an undergraduate institute, focusing on STEM pedagogy and research-based teaching methods. My thesis project investigated the molecular consequences of disease-linked amino acid substitutions in the conserved RNA processing molecular machine, the RNA exosome. In addition to the skills I developed as an independent scientist, my thesis work also afforded me opportunities to enhance my career goals. Currently I know am an IRACDA fellow at Tufts Medical School, continuing to build my pedagogical skillset.