CEF Celebrates Women’s History Month – Meet Student Researcher and Challenge Volunteer Carlyn Harris!

In honor of Women’s History Month, CEF is highlighting the inspiring women in STEM who help make CEF programs possible. Throughout the month we will learn about female chemists, volunteers, and more!

Next up: the unstoppable Carlyn Harris!

Tell us about yourself!

Hello! My name is Carlyn Harris. I am an undergraduate at Arizona State University’s Barrett, the Honors College studying Microbiology and Global Health. My dream is to one day become an Infectious Disease physician with the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and help alleviate the burden of infectious disease in underserved populations. At ASU’s Biodesign Institute, I have had the privilege to investigate potential therapeutics for the bacteria Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). And though I love wet lab work, I am also very interested in how sociocultural factors affect the burden of infectious disease in different regions. I am very happy to have served as an Arizona You Be the Chemist® Challenge Judge for two years now and hope to continue growing a partnership between the Challenge and Barrett, the Honors College at ASU.

What is a typical day like for you?

As a full time student, I am often either in class or studying. And because I really love learning, I wouldn’t have it any other way. While most semesters I am in the lab, this semester I am spending an enormous about of time studying for the MCAT which I will be taking in May. I also work part-time as a medical assistant!

What is a proud accomplishment you have?

I was recently offered the Circumnavigator’s Club Travel Award which fully funds a global research project of my own design this summer! I will be traveling to six countries in three months to research sociocultural influences on antibiotic consumption and resistance. I feel so grateful to have been chosen for this opportunity.

Who is a woman who inspired you and why?

There have been so many incredible women in my life that have inspired me. Namely my wonderful mom, Denise Harris, and my mentor Dr. Katrina Wadowski. My mom has inspired me by demonstrating what it is to be a successful, strong, independent woman who works hard toward her dreams. My work ethic and unwillingness to give up has undoubtedly come from her. Dr. Wadowski has shown me what it truly means to combine science and improving lives through medicine. Throughout my journey as an aspiring scientist and physician, she has always been able to satisfy my curious mind by explaining even the minutest details of disease. She is a strong and amazing woman in medicine with a love for educating that is unparalleled.

What have been some of your challenges as a woman in your field?

Fortunately, I haven’t run into any major road blocks thus far. Many times, it’s not that women aren’t represented in science, more so that leadership roles are held predominantly by men. I plan to progress my career very far and it can be discouraging that women are underrepresented in these roles and there seems to be a glass ceiling for women in STEM.

What message would you like to share with young girls who are considering a major/career in science?

If science excites you, pursue it. Never listen to someone that tells you that you are limited to certain fields because of your gender. Scientific discovery connects people all around the world who want to better humankind and being even the smallest part of that is something special. Every field in science needs girls and women from every culture, race, religion, sexual orientation and identity who feel motivated to change the world.