FELLOW PROFILE

Elizabeth McCollum
Arizona State University

 

What is your current academic (or professional) affiliation (where do you work – go to school, etc.), and what is your current research area?

I am currently pursuing my degree at Arizona State University in conjunction with The Biodesign Institute. My research aims to better understand the roles of translational promoter and enhancer sites using in vitro selection techniques.

 

Where were you born and raised?

I’m a southern girl, born and raised in historic Birmingham, AL.

 

Where did you receive your undergraduate and graduate degrees?

I attended Judson College, a small liberal arts women’s college in Marion, AL.

 

What was your favorite subject in grade school, middle school, high school? (Answer for all three academic levels: If it is the same, it doesn’t matter)

In grade and middle school, I was a language fanatic. I loved French and English. However, once I entered high school I began to gain a greater interest in the physical and life sciences.

 

Who was your favorite K-12 teacher, and why?

Just in case they all read this (!) I would have to say Mrs. Hammonds, my first grade teacher; Mrs. Hare, my third grade teacher; and Mrs. Corley, my high school theology teacher. They were all very nurturing, caring, and passionate about their jobs and students -- both inside and outside the classroom. These are outstanding personal characteristics that I highly value and think are important to developing young scholars.

 

What would you say is the MOST important characteristic of a great mentor?

I believe that Dr. Martin Luther King alludes to it when he referred to an individual that can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. This great mentor possesses the ability to genuinely and actively seek out means to cultivate, empower, and assist others in achieving their goals.

 

If you could choose one other career (something other than science) what would it be, and why?

I believe that I would enjoy being an interpreter. I enjoy traveling, learning about diverse cultures, meeting new people, and simply helping people understand. With this position, I believe that I would have the opportunity to fulfill all of these simple pleasures while at the same time helping to eradicate communication barriers that prohibit advancement and awareness of cultural existence. I also think that knowing various languages/dialects is a great tool with which to be equipped in a global scientific community.

If you could give ONE piece of advice to students younger than yourself who want to go into science, what would that be?

Don’t do it! Seriously, I would suggest that they get involved early and find a passion for a particular research area. DO get bogged down in the details because we often overlook essential information regarding our potential careers. Know what you want and most importantly WHY you want it and along the way you will find out HOW to attain your aspirations. Be sincere, honest, direct, and humble in your efforts. People will appreciate these qualities and your work.

 

When you graduate, what do you regard as the MOST important contribution you can make to society?

Giving back to the communities of people that helped me develop into the person I have become. I want to be a resource for those around me.

 

When you turn 50 years old, what do you MOST want to be able to say about your life?

She is always willing to help and has a genuine passion for understanding problems and finding solutions. She has truly made a positive difference in the lives of many, especially in advancing knowledge of how to better develop diagnostics and therapeutics.