Assistant Professor in Bacteriology
We focus on waste management microbiology, broadly defined. We work to understand microbial metabolism underlying processes like landfilling, water contaminant remediation and bioconversion of agricultural wastes to chemical feedstock replacement molecules. Majumder Lab
What is your education/career background?
I went to a small liberal arts college called Drury University. I majored in Chemistry and minored in a bunch of things: Math, Physics, Spanish and Global Studies. Then I got my PhD in Bioinorganic Chemistry working with Bob Blankenship at Washington University in St. Louis. I studied electron transfer reactions involved in energy conversation in early-evolving photosynthetic bacteria that live in hot springs. This was a lot of enzyme activity assays. Then I did the first half of my postdoc at the University of Missouri with Judy Wall. We were part of a bigger team working in uranium remediation in the subsurface (which I still work on). Here I learned more environmental microbiology and microbial physiology. When Judy retired, I finished my postdoctoral training in the Metabolomics core at the Scripps Research Institute with Gary Siuzdak in La Jolla, CA. I spent a lot of time on the mass spectrometer! Then I started my first faculty job at SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY in Fall of 2019 in the Chemistry Department. There I met some great collaborators who we actively still work with, but moved here to UW-Madison in January 2021 because both my husband and I finally got positions in the same place!
How have you navigated a career in STEM as a woman/underrepresented minority?
That’s a big question to try to answer succinctly when typing. It certainly hasn’t always been easy, but I always try to remember that the number of people in your corner far outnumber the very few who are not in your corner. Sticking to my convictions, doing my best science and participating in the service responsibilities that I find valuable have certainly propelled me. Talking to more experienced colleagues of all genders and generations also helps when I need advice. Having a great support network professionally and at home is wonderful. With time you learn to recognize those who support you and those who don’t.
What advice do you have for women/underrepresented groups pursuing an education/career in STEM?
I would say to go for it whole heartedly, whatever career in STEM you may be interested. You being your awesome self is already enough. By having careers in STEM and being successful, that is already changing the system. Don’t feel pressured to take on the world or do every service thing asked of you or you will burn out.
What do you enjoy most about your career/current role?
The two most rewarding things are scientific discovery and seeing your trainees go on to achieve great things. Also very recently, we heard from a collaborator that our work is helping a marginalized group in another city, which is incredibly gratifying to know that the work we’re doing in the lab is having some positive effect somewhere.
What does diversity, inclusivity, and equity look like to you in your job sector? How do you incorporate DEI in your position?
I’m not sure how to answer the first part, but I intentionally incorporate DEI into practically every aspect of my job responsibilities. Our lab structure and practices are designed around it, as well as is the course design for my classroom teaching.
What is your favorite way to unwind?
Playing the cello in a community orchestra, but also drinking bourbon.