Research Associate Professor
My group’s research is diving deep into the world of Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) and its neurotoxins. Our research spans bacterial virulence factors, pathology mechanisms, and the medical uses of bacterial toxins. From detecting neuronal toxins to ensuring food safety, we’re exploring it! We operate a state-of-the-art laboratory that continues a long-term research program on botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) at UW-Madison. This program has a rich history starting with Dr. Edward Schantz’s pioneering work on botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) and continuing with groundbreaking discoveries by Dr. Eric A. Johnson. Now, I’m honored to carry this legacy forward. Current projects in my lab examine toxin production by C. botulinum, purification and characterization of BoNTs and related homologs, lateral transfer of BoNT genes within Clostridium, structure function studies of novel BoNTs, investigations of countermeasures for botulism including vaccines and small molecule inhibitors, development of novel BoNT based pharmaceuticals, tetanus vaccines, and food safety studies.
What is your education/career background?
After moving to Portland, OR, I was fortunate to join a parasitology lab at Portland State University to study Trichinella spiralis injection. Shortly thereafter, I was invited to join the Master’s program. I completed my MA degree with a thesis focused on investigating cell entry strategies of Herpes simplex virus 1. During this time, I attended several conferences and benefited from wonderful mentors who introduced me to their colleagues, ultimately leading to my acceptance into the PhD program in Molecular and Environmental Toxicology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For my PhD, I worked with baker’s yeast as a model system to determine the function of a Schistosoma mansoni protein that plays a crucial role in the parasite’s infectivity. Following my PhD, I joined Dr. Eric A. Johnson’s lab at the Food Research Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a postdoc. This marked the beginning of my journey investigating botulinum neurotoxins and the bacteria that produce them. In my second year as a postdoc, I began writing grant applications and steadily advanced within the lab, eventually becoming co-PI and then PI. After Dr. Johnson’s retirement in 2020, I applied for and received a Research Associate Professor position within the bacteriology department, allowing me to continue this exciting research.
How have you navigated a career in STEM as a woman/underrepresented minority?
I’ve had a rather unique academic career, advancing within the same lab after my postdoctoral training. This decision was largely influenced by my desire to stay in Madison, WI, for the benefit of my young children and by associated financial constraints. Throughout my journey, I have faced numerous challenges, ranging from direct sexist remarks to the more subtle difficulties of balancing motherhood with a demanding career. I’ve been asked about my plans for having children multiple times during interviews, told that women aren’t physically suited for science, and received remarks that accomplishments were thanks to me ‘being cute’. I’ve struggled to find childcare during conferences or seminars scheduled after school or daycare hours. Despite these obstacles, I have also experienced significant positive influences, such as supportive mentors and faculty members, recognition within my research community, and opportunities to improve conditions for future generations of women in STEM.
These positive experiences have motivated me to persevere. I am heartened by the many positive changes in recent years, including presence of nursing rooms, childcare grants, the increase in female faculty members, and particular seeing women in leadership positions. However, challenges persist. The higher the position, the lower the percentage of female members.
My involvement in conference organization now allows me to directly influence female participation at all levels. I strive to ensure unbiased, inclusive, and equal platform invitations, as well as the availability of travel and childcare funds when needed. The positive response to my efforts from both women and men has been incredibly encouraging.
What advice do you have for women/underrepresented groups pursuing an education/career in STEM?
Hang in there, focus on the positive, do your best, and keep the good work going to continue improve the educational and career opportunities for your groups. Don’t let disparaging comments get you down, and importantly, ask for and demand fairness.
What do you enjoy most about your career/current role?
My research is exciting and fun and I really enjoy all aspects of it. Maybe my favorite aspect of my current position is my ability to train scientists of all ages and backgrounds and help open career opportunities for my trainees.
What does diversity, inclusivity, and equity look like to you in your job sector? How do you incorporate DEI in your position?
Several years ago I was extremely proud when I received my first invitation for a platform presentation at a huge international conference. I found myself on a stage in a room filled with over 1,000 of the leading minds in my field and I proceeded to thank the organizers for inviting me and promptly pointed out that I’m the first and only female platform speaker at the conference. This resulted in a physician calling out “and mother, don’t forget mother’. This was the start of my efforts for this conference series to increase DEI awareness, and I’m proud to say today there is a much greater proportion of female platform speakers. My own lab is very rich and diverse in terms of age, nationality, religion, culture, and I continually enjoy learning from my trainees.
What is your favorite way to unwind?
I love hiking, mountain climbing, and exploring nature and our beautiful National Parks. On a more daily basis I like to unwind by spending time with family and friends, including my pets and my foster kittens.