Sally’s Story

Tell us about yourself and your science.

”I originally wanted to be a gemologist, and reached out to a gem factory in my state to ask what major I should do in college. They told me chemistry, and the rest is history! I got my PhD in organic chemistry and now do total synthesis work in my postdoc.”

Your emotional journey.

“My emotional experience thus far has been difficult; almost a year ago, I got a K99 grant that made it seem like my lifelong dream of being an academic was almost a sure thing, only then 6 months later have the program announce its termination and witness the erosion of STEM academic research in real time. I've told others that it feels like I've been running a marathon for the past 10 years in my academic journey, am in mile 25, only to have the ground start crumbling away beneath my feet. Will the finish line even exist as I go up for academic jobs this fall?”

Your coping strategies.

”I've focused a lot on self care to cope. I go running 3 times a week, teach flute lessons on the side, and read books in the park on the weekend. I try to feel authentic gratitude where I can, and to find the beauty in every day no matter how dark some things seem.”

Is there anything else you would like to share?

”Huge, heartfelt gratitude for all those inside the NIH that are fighting to keep things moving and advocating for science--it's inspiring!”

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Abby's Story