-Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Togo, one of the smallest countries in Africa. I moved to the US to continue my undergraduate
education although I spent my entire life studying in French.
-What did you study at Carleton (major, interests, etc.)?
Chemistry (major). Other interests were HIV research, Spanish, French, South-east Asian dance, ceramics.
-What are you doing now?
I am currently working as a clinical research assistant at the Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship (ICOS) at the University of Alabama Birmingham. My project seeks to investigate all possible contributors to cancer outcomes disparities in children, adolescents, and young adults. We hope to understand the role each factor plays and ultimately improve the quality of life of cancer survivors.
-How did you decide to do what you’re doing now and what helped you along the way?
Coming to Carleton, my ultimate goal was a career in medicine or research. I had the opportunity to deepen my understanding of research through numerous fellowships provided and facilitated by FOCUS (Carleton Summer Science Fellowship, Kolenkow Fellowship, HHMI-EXROP) but did little to investigate my motivations to study medicine. I decided to take a time off to explore my motivations. Early in the process, I was looking for a job that would provide with experiences related to the medical field. I was blessed to have amazing advisors and mentors (s/o to Deborah Gross, Keri Asp, Renata Fitzgerald) and genuine friends (I want to name them but it will take more than a page to do it, they know who they are) and wonderful alumni that helped with looking for opportunities while staying true to myself during the process. At the end, I chose to work at my current job because I will be doing research (very important) about cancer (new and exciting field) and working in a clinical setting (hospital!). So far, I got the chance to shadow during inpatient clinical rounds, witness pathology procedures (bone marrow aspirate for example), and consent participants to enroll in our study. I am happy to talk more about the process if asked but in a nutshell my resources were the tunnel on the career center website, alumni networking, mentors and friends.
-How did Carleton prepare you for your current experience?
I owe everything to my experience at Carleton. Some of my coworkers are Carls and they have already established a reputation here. In addition, my boss is a Carl Parent.
On a serious note though, my job requires some statistical knowledge and excel skills which I honed during hours of analysis for my various chemistry lab reports. I also handle blood and marrow samples obtained from our participants and lab skills gained during my research fellowships while at Carleton aided in building my confidence regarding these processes. My comps exercise helped as well because now I can read papers related to cancer without feeling intimated regardless of how nebulous it felt at the beginning. I even use things that I learned when I worked at the printing services and the admissions office at Carleton!
-What is your favorite memory from FOCUS and Carleton?
I have couple of favorite memories from FOCUS but our last meeting before graduation ranks high on the list. We had cake and every one talked about their next steps after graduation. Cindy Blaha (our wonderful cohort mentor) then showed a picture of our cohort during our freshman year. I was so emotional when I realized how far we had come. In my case, I went from being shy with lack of self-confidence into a woman who knows she can do whatever she desires if she puts in the work and asks for help. I had matured.
-What advice would you give students about life at Carleton and life after Carleton?
Always remember to use the resources at your disposal: Math skill center, office hours to know your profs and for them to help you grow as well, career center, writing skill center (especially for English second language speakers), language skills center for those who want to improve their speaking skills.
Never fear to ask for help: Your professors understand that and will not judge you. If anything they will marvel at your use of initiative. Use your friends and classmates. FOCUS mentors are a plus.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: they will make you feel horrible or disappointed in yourself but your ability to bounce back and learn from them will grow you stronger.