Current position:
Senior clinical project manager at Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc.; operations and technical support contractor for the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research
Responsibilities:
Manage a portfolio of clinical research support projects and teams in support of multiple programs within the National Cancer Institute.
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts, biology
Where did you live as a student:
As a first-year student, I lived in the Spanish House on Dill Avenue, right next to the current president’s home. It was unusual for freshmen, but there were rooms available so I think there were five assigned to the Spanish House. Sophomore and junior years, I lived in Meyran Hall. During my senior year, I lived off campus with my boyfriend, now husband of almost 34 years!
Favorite class you took at Hood?
Microbiology as a junior or senior, taught by Dr. Gary; it inspired me to take pathogenic bacteria, and to attend the University of Maryland at Baltimore’s School of Dentistry, Department of Microbiology to obtain a Master of Science in microbiology.
What made you decide to attend Hood?
My guidance counselor at Patapsco High School in Dundalk, Md., presented Hood as an option because of financial aid. My level of need was very high, so it was a great choice! She also said it was an all-women’s college, and that didn’t bother me so we visited with my grandparents. After walking around the beautiful campus, my grandfather looked at me and said, “this is where you want to go,” and I agreed. Still today, when I think of that visit with Pop, I get a huge smile on my face.
What did you do in the year immediately after graduating?
Attended UMAB School of Dentistry, Microbiology Department
What is your fondest memory of your time at Hood?
Friends made on the field hockey, basketball and lacrosse teams and time spent in Gambrill Gymnasium and on the field. Surely, I have to say the memory of meeting/dating Don, my husband in May 1980 was also significant. My Big Sis warned us to never date a “townie,” but I couldn’t resist. Don would drive his orange VW bug to the front of Meyran, and we would play Frisbee on the quad and hang out at Gambrill Park.
How did your experience at Hood influence or shape your career today?
My attending Hood was the best thing my grandparents and parents ever did for me! When I attended Hood, there was no core curriculum, so my transcript includes only a few nonscience courses. The science courses and internship at Fort Detrick set the groundwork for graduate school, and then successful employment.
Describe Hood in one word.
Life-changing
Define your most successful moment or experience.
While at Hood, my most successful moment was graduating magna cum laude. Since Hood, my most successful experience is continued employment where I have been able to utilize my Hood education and leadership experiences. I have also been able to serve as a positive role model for my two children as an educated and working mother.
Stranded on an island, what three things are you sure to have with you?
Photos of my family, To Kill a Mockingbird and Swedish Fish
Advice to current Hood students?
Take advantage of as many opportunities as possible during the brief years at Hood, including course work, leadership opportunities, proximity to Fort Detrick, National Institutes of Health, Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Md. After graduating, stay connected to Hood as an alum, and begin giving back to the college immediately, even if it’s only a few dollars a year. We need to ensure that Hood is around for our grandchildren and their grandchildren!
