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| "Don't think of math as an insurmountable mountain. Instead, approach the mountain at the base with what you already know and work your way around it to the top." |
Barbara Paul, Ph.D. |
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Career Title: Microbiologist Food and Drug Administration Office of Regulatory Affairs Northeast Regional Laboratory Jamaica, New York
Field of Expertise:
Academic Studies
St. John University
Employment History:
Virology Technologist
Lab Scientist, Microbiology
Supervisor of Virology "If I hadn't become a scientist, I would have become . . . a foreign interpreter."
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Q: You've worked in various countries around the world, how has working abroad helped you in your career?
A: It has made me aware of the impact of microbiology on the lives and livelihood of people in different parts of
the world. In my present job, where the accent is on foods, my travels help me identify different foods from countries
in which I have lived. I can then help the laboratory staff to determine how these foods should be treated based on the
way they are consumed.
Q: How did you become interested in science?
A: As a child, I was very curious. I even conducted my own experiments, such as adding bicarbonated soda or salt to
the inside of an acidic fruit and watching it fizz. It was fun to "see" science in action, although at the time I didn't
know it was science.
Later on, I found biology exciting. History, on the other hand, was my least favorite subject because I found it much easier to understand scientific concepts, than to memorize historical dates and events.
Q: Was there a teacher who inspired you to pursue your career?
A: Yes, her name was Mrs. Baugh. She was my biology teacher in high school when I lived in Jamaica, West Indies.
Mrs. Baugh inspired me by her example. When I was younger, there weren't many females in the field of science. I looked
up to Mrs. Baugh for what she had achieved as a female in science. Coincidently, Mrs. Baugh and I we were able to meet up
with each other in Jamaica two years ago. Seeing her again brought back many fond memories.
Q: What advice would you give to students who are interested in pursuing a career in science?
A: Math is necessary for science and life, and it's really not as difficult as it first appears. In fact, don't
think of math as an insurmountable mountain. Instead, approach the mountain at the base with what you already know and
work your way around it to the top.
Hypertext updated by dav 2001-FEB-05