February

Our February MCDB Alumni Spotlight is highlighting Revati Dewal! Dr. Dewal is a Senior Editor at Nature Metabolism. She graduated from MCDB in 2021.

We asked Dr. Dewal some questions about her time in MCDB, as well as her career after graduating. 

What is your current job and what does that entail?

I’m currently a Senior Editor at Nature Metabolism (https://www.nature.com/natmetab/content). As a full-time editor, I get to work closely with scientists to identify and highlight some of the most exciting advances in metabolic research. My role involves guiding authors through the entire publication process, from the initial submission and peer review all the way to final acceptance. Beyond handling manuscripts, I also stay actively engaged with the research community and participate in shaping the scientific direction of the field

How does your work relate to your time in the MCDB program? How did your time in MCDB prepare you for this job?

As part of the MCDB Graduate Program, I worked in the laboratory of Dr. Kristin Stanford, where I studied metabolic physiology and the role of adipose tissue in diverse contexts, including exercise, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. I also contributed to projects involving other metabolically active tissues such as liver, muscle, and even the brain. Beyond research, my excellent and highly talented colleagues in the lab, and the highly collaborative and friendly nature of the MCDB program, exposed me to a wide range of scientific topics and career paths, both academic and non-academic. That experience played a big role in helping me realize that a career in scientific editing was the right fit for me.

Are there any specific accomplishments that you're proud of since graduating that you would like to highlight?

Academically, I am deeply grateful for the support I received from people in my lab, in MCDB, the PCB and DHLRI departments, and from my mentor, Dr. Stanford, which gave me the confidence to apply for postdoctoral positions I never would have considered otherwise. That leap of faith (along with a lot of hard work) led me to an excellent postdoctoral position with Dr. Christian Wolfrum at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, something I never imagined when I began my PhD. Outside of academia, I am proud of becoming more confident in my skills, adapting to life and customs in three different countries over the past decade, and learning German – which has definitely been a challenge!

What is your favorite memory that you have of MCDB?

While my five years at OSU and in MCDB will always be deeply cherished, one of my favorite memories is my first conversation with Dawn and Tony, when I explained why I wanted to transfer from another graduate program into MCDB. Years later, hearing them say they were happy they gave me that chance was incredibly meaningful to me.

What is one piece of advice that you have for current MCDB students? (This can be related to finding a job outside of the program, lab work, something about campus, etc.)

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even the ones that feel silly. There truly are no stupid questions. And while it’s great to have a clear plan for the future, it’s also completely okay if you don’t. Take risks, explore different opportunities, and try new things. Sometimes the most rewarding paths come together when you least expect them.

What's something fun or interesting that you've done recently?

The past few years have been a whirlwind—in the best way. I’ve moved countries twice, adopted two cats, gone paragliding, and visited many new places around the world. I feel incredibly lucky to have a career that allows me to travel internationally, which was definitely a perk I considered when transitioning from postdoctoral research to an editorial role.

Is there anywhere online where students can learn more about your work or connect with you? 

Yes! On LinkedIn or via email.

March

Our March MCDB Alumni Spotlight is highlighting Andrea Keller! Dr. Keller is an Assistant Professor in the Biology & Chemistry Department at Asbury University. She graduated from MCDB in 2023.

We asked Dr. Keller some questions about her experience as an MCDB student, as well as her career since graduating from the program.

1. Can you briefly describe your current role and the path that led you there after graduating from the MCDB program?
   1. I am an assistant professor in the Biology & Chemistry Department at Asbury University, which is a liberal arts school in Wilmore, KY. My primary role is teaching various biology courses and labs, from intro level to upper division, for both majors and non-majors. A small portion of my job is devoted to personal research interests, and I also mentor students on their capstone research projects. Prior to graduating from MCDB, I had reached out to old connections from my current institution just to get in touch again, as I obtained my undergraduate degree from the same school. When I became aware of the job opening, I worked with my PI and committee to map out a timeline for graduation that enabled me to transition directly to this role.
2. Looking back, what part of the program best prepared you for your current role?
   1. Perhaps surprisingly, my experiences in some of the MCDB courses and seminars were very helpful in preparing for my current position. Every student had to learn to present well and write well through the seminars, grant writing courses, and scientific writing courses, which are pieces I use or think about daily as I’m prepping lectures or making curriculum decisions. In my first few semesters, I was often tweaking lecture presentations up until the last minute, and to have the confidence from giving so many talks (last minute or not!) and standing at so many posters made this aspect easy. I often think back to those core courses, too, and consider what kinds of activities helped me as a student understand a topic or technique better. I teach a research methods class as well, and even if my current institution does not have the same resources as a place like OSU, I still pull on all of my research experiences to teach how to get better at reading papers, how to plan experiments, and how to write or present clearly.
3. What is one memorable or favorite moment that you have from your time at OSU or in the MCDB program?
   1. It’s hard to pinpoint one favorite moment in the program, but I will say in general that one aspect I always appreciated about MCDB was the diversity of people across the program, labs, and seminars. I enjoyed meeting lots of different people and eating lots of diverse food at various holiday functions or events.
4. If you could go back to your first year in MCDB, what would you tell yourself?
   1. There is so much more reading and planning involved than you expect. At times it felt like most of the work was planning and only a small portion was actually running experiments. Take the time to really plan an experiment well.
5. Outside of work, what's something fun or interesting that you've done recently?
   1. I love to bake, and a friend gifted me some sourdough starter for Christmas. Buying a kitchen scale and measuring ingredients for the perfect bread is so satisfying – I enjoy feeling like a scientist at home too, just a little bit.
6. Is there anywhere online where students can learn more about your work or connect with you?
   1. I am on LinkedIn, otherwise through my Asbury University email/webpage.

April

Our April MCDB Alumni Spotlight is highlighting Kelsey Schaefers! Dr. Schaefers is a Senior Scientific Associate at VML Health. She graduated from MCDB in 2021.

We asked Dr. Schaefers some questions about her experience as an MCDB student, as well as her career since graduating from the program.

• Can you briefly describe your current role and the path that led you there after graduating from the MCDB program?
  • I am a senior scientific associate, which is essentially a senior medical writer with VML Health. After graduating from MCDB, I did a post-doc at Vanderbilt. During my postdoc, I started volunteering for the medical center’s newspaper writing short summaries of new papers coming out from Vandy. I absolutely loved doing this and decided to seek out more writing opportunities which led me to interning with Precision AQ. After my internship, I accepted a full-time offer as a medical writer with Precision AQ and worked there for 2 years. I then switched to VML Health a year ago.
• Looking back, what part of the program best prepared you for your current role?
  • Probably candidacy or defending, I spend a lot of time writing (obviously) and a lot of time having my work reviewed by clients and answering their questions!
• What is one memorable or favorite moment that you have from your time at OSU or in the MCDB program?
  • One of my favorite memories was the MCDB Halloween party. It was just so fun being able to have fun with all my colleagues instead of being in a lecture or class together! I was also the recruitment coordinator for 2 years and LOVED every recruitment event! 
• If you could go back to your first year in MCDB, what would you tell yourself?
  • I know it feels super hard now, but keep going! You are actually going to do amazing in this program and make yourself so proud! 
• Are there any specific accomplishments that you're proud of since graduating that you would like to highlight?
  • All of my publications! Personal and for my clients, every paper I get out feels like a huge win! 
• Outside of work, what's something fun or interesting that you've done recently?
  • I just had a baby! She is 4 months old!
• Is there anywhere online where students can learn more about your work or connect with you?
  • I’m on LinkedIn! 

September

Introducing our first MCDB Alumni Spotlight! With this series, we hope to shine some light on our awesome alumni, as well as giving our current students some advice from previous MCDB students!

Our first MCDB Alumni Spotlight is Monica Blatnik! Dr. Blatnik is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Oberlin College. She graduated from MCDB in 2023.

We asked Dr. Blatnik some questions about her time in MCDB, as well as her career after graduating. You can read our full interview below:

What is your current job and what does that entail?

I am currently an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at Oberlin College and Conservatory (a primarily undergraduate university). My job is a mix of teaching and research; on average I teach 4-5 courses per year, both introductory and upper-level biology classes. When I’m not teaching (or prepping lectures or grading!), I mentor undergraduate students on independent research projects during the school year and over the summers. I also serve on various committees, help oversee departmental duties, and advise students with their class schedules. There are lots of unofficial parts of my job that I do as well – but those are the highlights!

How does your work relate to your time in the MCDB program? How did your time in MCDB prepare you for this job?

As a graduate student in the program, I held various positions in the MCDB GSO, which helped develop important leadership skills that I still use today! I attended workshops on fellowship writing and public speaking, which helped during grad school and beyond. I was a TA for Molecular Genetics classes, which gave me an opportunity to get an idea of what it would be like to teach undergraduate students! I also had the chance to take a class that was focused on developing biology courses using evidence-based pedagogy through the Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning. In addition to learning about pedagogy, I learned how to prepare lectures, adopt inclusive teaching practices, and write a teaching statement. For anyone interested in teaching, there are so many excellent resources available for graduate students and post docs through the Drake – I highly recommend using them!

What is your favorite memory that you have of MCDB?

My favorite MCDB memories were the Halloween parties! It was a blast getting to hang out with peers and faculty in MCDB (costumed and not) outside of a professional setting. The dessert contest never disappointed either (Dawn’s desserts were always the best!).

What's something fun or interesting that you've done recently?

Well, I am a mom of an on-the-go 18-month-old, so any free time I have I spend with family (which means lots of baby books, silly songs, and Sesame Street).

Is there anywhere online where students can learn more about your work or connect with you?

If anyone is interested in learning more about the ins and outs of teaching at a primarily undergraduate university, you can connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out via email (mblatnik@oberlin.edu)!

Thank you again to Dr. Blatnik for agreeing to participate in our kickoff MCDB Alumni Spotlight!

October

Our October MCDB Alumni Spotlight is highlighting Anuvrat Sircar! Dr. Sircar is a Senior Scientist, Translational Research, Hematology Oncology R&D at AstraZeneca. He graduated from MCDB in 2024.

We asked Dr. Sircar some questions about his time in MCDB, as well as his career after graduating. You can read our full interview below:

What is your current job and what does it entail?
I’m currently working as a Senior Scientist, Translational Research, Hematology Oncology R&D at AstraZeneca. My role involves building translational strategies for various Hematological malignancy indications and developing pre-clinical and clinical PD assays for clinical trials. It also encompasses leading efforts focused on understanding drug resistance, elucidating mechanisms of action, and identifying novel biomarkers.

How does your work relate to your time in the MCDB program? How did your time in MCDB prepare you for this job?
My current role directly builds upon the training I received in the MCDB program. During my time in Dr. Lalit Sehgal’s lab, I conducted research on novel therapeutic targets and mechanisms of drug resistance in Mantle Cell Lymphoma. This experience naturally guided my transition into the Hematology/Oncology industry, where I now work with a leading organization dedicated to transforming cancer care for patients.

One of the key skills I developed during my time in the MCDB program was effective networking across both academic and industry settings. Participating in academic–industry collaborations gave me valuable insight into the drug discovery pipeline, which greatly facilitated my transition into the biotech and pharmaceutical industry.

Are there any specific accomplishments that you’re proud of since graduating that you would like to highlight?
I transitioned into the industry immediately after graduating, and shortly thereafter, was appointed as the Lymphoma Research Strategy Lead within the Hematology Translational Research team. This role has been especially rewarding, as it allows me to contribute directly to advancing and personalizing care for patients with lymphoma.

What is your favorite memory that you have of MCDB?
The MCDB program has played a tremendous role in shaping both my professional and personal growth. It’s difficult to single out just one memory, as I carry so many meaningful moments from that time with me. However, one that stands out vividly is Orientation Day — when Tony and Dawn warmly welcomed us into the program, and we introduced ourselves to one another, forming the foundations of lasting friendships. The inspiring talks that followed from the distinguished faculty deeply sparked my scientific curiosity and instilled in me a profound appreciation for the incredible research happening within MCDB — along with a strong sense of pride in being part of that community.

What is one piece of advice that you have for current MCDB students?
One piece of advice I would offer to current MCDB students is to develop a clear understanding of your career objectives and long-term goals—whether you aspire to pursue a career in academia or transition into industry. Each path requires a distinct set of skills and experiences, and the earlier you can identify your direction, the better positioned you will be to build the necessary competencies and excel in your chosen field. Additionally, make networking a priority. Engage with professionals who are currently working in areas that interest you, and take the time to learn about the evolving market demands and opportunities.

What’s something fun or interesting that you’ve done recently?
My wife and I are big fans of Halloween, and since we’re now based in New England, we couldn’t resist visiting the “spooky town” of Salem, MA. We recently took one of the nightly ghost tours there, and it was an incredible experience. The entire city comes alive with festive decorations, themed activities, and an atmosphere that truly captures the spirit of Halloween. It’s an absolute must-visit for anyone intrigued by the history and lore of witchcraft!

Is there anywhere online where students can learn more about your work or connect with you?
You can find me on LinkedIn. I’m always available for anyone wishing to have a chat or learn more about my work. Let’s connect!

Thank you again to Dr. Sircar for agreeing to participate in our MCDB Alumni Spotlight series!

November

Our November MCDB Alumni Spotlight is highlighting Danni Jin! Dr. Jin is a postdoctoral associate at Yale University. She graduated from MCDB in 2021.

We asked Dr. Jin some questions about her time in MCDB, as well as her career after graduating. 

What is your current job and what does that entail?
I am currently a postdoctoral associate at Yale University, in the laboratory of Dr. Wendy Gilbert. My current research focuses on how viral proteins affect translation initiation in human cells.

How does your work relate to your time in the MCDB program? How did your time in MCDB prepare you for this job?
My research experience during my time in the MCDB program helped shape my research interest. When I first started grad school in 2015, I was looking for a retrovirus lab given my undergraduate research experience. I joined Dr. Karin Musier-Forsyth’s lab where I studied the functions of tRNAs and tRNA synthetases in HIV replication. This project and a tRNA-related side project made me interested in the regulation of human translation machinery and motivated me to do postdoctoral research in the field of translational control.

MCDB faculty mentors were very supportive when I was looking for a postdoc position. Dr. Michael Kearse was a great help when I explored potential labs. My PI Karin and committee members Dave Bisaro and Kotaro Nakanishi provided strong recommendations that helped me land my current position.

Are there any specific accomplishments that you're proud of since graduating that you would like to highlight?
I was fortunate enough to be awarded an American Cancer Society postdoctoral fellowship that supports my current postdoctoral research.

What is your favorite memory that you have of MCDB?
My favorite memory with MCDB is participating in the annual 3-minute thesis competition. It was challenging and a lot of fun introducing my research topic to a general audience in a creative way!

What is one piece of advice that you have for current MCDB students?
Always be aware of the motivations behind the experiment you are doing. What questions are being answered? What existing data motivate these experiments? What problems are being solved? Prioritize the well-motivated experiments and avoid aimlessly trying many things at the same time. Discuss with your PI/mentor the motivation behind the experiment they told you to do. This mindset keeps your effort focused and your inner flame alive. I would like to pass on a piece of advice I got from my first rotation mentor (former MCDB faculty Dr. Li Wu): “Keep your research focused and keep your mind open.”

As for lab work, my advice would be to always validate any information given to you by others. Double check calculations in that Excel sheet. Sequence that plasmid. Make sure that primer design is valid. Trust no one – even if they are your senior mentors, collaborators, or yourself from months ago. Every scientist is a human who makes mistakes. Keeping details correct at the beginning will save you from frustrating detective works down the line.

Prioritize your mental health. Make sure you have hobbies or other commitments outside of lab. I recommend making good use of OSU Counseling and Consultation Service and speak to a counselor even if you do not have an urgent mental health concern. When research is rough, remember that your productivity curve may not be linear. Mine was nearly exponential – most of my publishable data were generated in or beyond my 5th year. Your turning point is yet to come!

What's something fun or interesting that you've done recently?
I took some time off in June by attending a piano festival in Texas, where I gave my first proper piano performance since adulthood (well, aside from those times I showed off at Karin’s holiday parties during my time at OSU).

Is there anywhere online where students can learn more about your work or connect with you?
LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/danni-jin-9711a5b1/

Thank you again to Dr. Jin for agreeing to participate in our MCDB Alumni Spotlight series!

December

Our December MCDB Alumni Spotlight is highlighting Emily Nordquist! Dr. Nordquist is a project manager in the Transformation Management Office at Solventum. She graduated from MCDB in 2021.

We asked Dr. Nordquist some questions about her time in MCDB, as well as her career after graduating. 

What is your current job and what does that entail?

I'm currently a Project Manager in the Transformation Management Office (TMO) at Solventum. Solventum was previously 3M Healthcare and recently spun off to be a standalone public company that innovates and produces medical devices like negative pressure wound therapies, orthodontics, and health information systems software. In the TMO, my role focuses on leading enterprise-wide initiatives that improve the efficiency of the company and help execute on the major strategic priorities. 

How does your work relate to your time in the MCDB program? How did your time in MCDB prepare you for this job?

While Solventum as a company does do R&D and innovate new products, the work I'm in now is a little bit removed from technical science and the biology I learned during my PhD. However, project management is an essential skill during a PhD that definitely applies to the role I'm in now and probably applies to 90% of the jobs out there. As a PhD, you are in charge of your full project end to end. That requires a lot of planning, thinking, coordination, collaboration, sequencing, etc., and that level of project management is not something many people get such detailed experience in. I also think my time in MCDB helped me learn how to quickly intake a lot of information and quickly distill the most important points for my work, and that is something I do every day in my current job.

Are there any specific accomplishments that you're proud of since graduating that you would like to highlight?

My first job since graduating MCDB was in management consulting at a large firm, focused on healthcare projects. It was a fantastic learning experience and I would highly recommend it, but ultimately it wasn't the right career for me long-term. Even though it was hard to leave a secure, stable job, I'm proud of the decision I made to create a new path into the type of role that is a better fit for me. Career choices often feel super critical when we make them, but you can always pivot - just make the best decision you can with the information you have at the time!

What is your favorite memory that you have of MCDB?

The best moments were all the little ones with MCDB friends between classes, studying, tailgating, grabbing coffee. But my favorite specific memory was traveling to London with my lab for a conference and then spending a few extra days exploring the city. I know it's not a part of the question but I just have to say, my least favorite memory is mouse work...

What is one piece of advice that you have for current MCDB students? (This can be related to finding a job outside of the program, lab work, something about campus, etc.)

Plan with intention, but adapt as needed, especially when it comes to career. It's super helpful to make a 1 year, 3 year, 5 year plan to help focus on what's important, but new opportunities might come up along the way that shift your whole perspective. Don't be afraid to experiment and trust yourself to know what's best for you at any given fork in the road.

What's something fun or interesting that you've done recently?

I recently adopted a dog with my husband! We've been wanting a dog for a long time, but when I was in the MCDB program and for a few years after when I was in a more intense job and traveling a lot for work, it wasn't the right time. But we finally got to a point in our lives where it made sense, so we went for it! His name is Armadillo and he is in the photo I shared, keeping me company while I work!

Is there anywhere online where students can learn more about your work or connect with you?

Yes! On LinkedIn (linkedin.com/emily-nordquist/) or email (emily.m.nordquist@gmail.com). Would be happy to connect on chat about my specific career or career advice in general.