This week's spotlight is Clancy Collom, an environmental science graduate research assistant in the Sayes lab!
What interested you to pursue a career in STEM?
My interest in pursuing research was largely influenced by my sister who has a rare chronic illness. The condition is not well researched and even less was known 20 years ago. No long term solutions existed for children as the most prevalent treatments would stunt growth. Seeing her struggle made me realize how valuable research clinicians and scientists are in developing and promoting break throughs in health care and ultimately led me to want to do my own research.
How would you describe your work to the public?
My work largely consists of characterizing everyday materials to assess their potential impacts on human and environmental health.
Outside of the lab, what do you enjoy doing?
Going to the movies, playing board games, and community events!
If you can give a piece of advice to the younger generation, what would it be?
Everything that you do is valuable in some way or another. Learning how to analyze successes and mistakes to benefit you is one of the most important lessons you'll learn.
Is there a female scientist that particularly inspires you?
The one and only Madam Marie Curie