People of Science with Jon Choy

Synopsis: In this episode, Maryonne shares her path from being a pre med undergraduate to discovering a passion for research and ultimately pursuing a PhD in microbiology and infectious diseases. She reflects on the challenges she faced in college, including the competitive nature of the premed program and the realization that research was her true calling. Maryonne also discusses her experience working with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Graduate Partnership Program (GPP) at George Mason University. She shares her current research on tuberculosis and COVID-19 and her long-term goals of becoming a leader in the field of infectious diseases and merging her clinical and research background. Maryonne offers advice to undergraduate students considering a career in research; she emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and seeking guidance from mentors and professionals.

Connect with Maryonne on LinkedIn

Takeaways:

• Journey: Maryonne’s journey to a career in science research began in high school when her mother stressed the importance of higher education. She initially planned to become a doctor, but after a discouraging first day of college biology class and an opportunity to participate in research, Maryonne switched her focus to research. She continued to conduct research throughout her undergraduate and master’s studies, which eventually led her to pursue a PhD.
• It’s okay to take an unconventional path: After completion of her master’s, Maryonne was not accepted on her first attempt at applying for graduate school. Instead, Maryonne began working with a malaria vaccine group and in an immunology lab for NIH under the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAD). This opportunity allowed her to travel to endemic countries and learn about different cultures and their approaches to science and healthcare. As a result,  Maryonne’s passion for research was reignited—however, this time for research on infection diseases, not genetics.
• Pursue your interests and things work out: Maryonne is PhD student at George Mason University and participating in the NIH-GPP program, where she conducts her coursework at George Mason and her thesis work at the NIH. (She was able to reach out to the connections she made at NIAD to find a lab she could collaborate with!!)  She currently researches tuberculosis and COVID-19 in a BSL-3 (a tier for labs that grant the study of infectious agents or toxins that may be transmitted through the air and cause potentially lethal infections) lab. 
• Goals: Looking ahead, Maryonne hopes to become a clinical laboratory director and continue her research in infectious diseases. She hopes to transition into human-related research, such as clinical and public health intervention trials, using evidence in research to guide clinical decision-making.    

Reflection:

Maryonne’s journey highlights the importance of being open to new experiences and opportunities, as well as the value of persistence and determination in pursuing a career in science research. It is also important to consider the ways in which our work can positively impact others, whether it’s through improving healthcare or advancing scientific knowledge.