Alumni in 5
Madison Spratt '19
Employer
PhD Candidate - Northwestern University
LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-spratt/
1. Tell us about your journey since graduation.
During my undergraduate studies, I decided to pursue the combined
BS and MS degrees through the Cell and Molecular Biology Professional
Science Master's program. Following the completion of my undergraduate
degree, this program allowed me to work as a laboratory technician for
a company called Ranir while taking courses that exposed me to the
industrial applications of my degree. As part of the degree, I was
also able to complete a summer internship at Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
While I enjoyed my industry experiences and found them incredibly
valuable in developing my professional and technical skillset, I found
myself missing the focus on basic foundational biology that I was able
to pursue through my work as an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Dawn
Hart's lab. Because of this, following the completion of my MS degree,
I began my PhD in Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences at
Northwestern University. I currently am completing my thesis work in
Dr. Keara Lane's lab, where I am focused on understanding pathogen
decision-making during infection from a single-cell, systems-level perspective.
2. Share a favorite Grand Valley memory.
Too many to list! Late night Orgo study sessions, making friends
who I'm still close with today in lab, taking courses that pushed me
out of my STEM comfort zone (Tai Chi, Modernism, and Scandalous
Literature were highlights), and the feeling of community that came
from being part of a small major.
3. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Don't "self-filter" yourself for opportunities - pursue
the position/school/grant/career path you want, and not only the safer
options you think you can achieve.
4. List three words you would use to describe your Grand
Valley experience.
Personalized, Supportive, and Exciting
5. What difference would you like to make in the world?
I'd like to make life sciences research more accessible and
transparent through education, outreach, and communicating my own work.
June 2024
Interest Area(s)
Cell and Molecular Biology
Categories
Honors College
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