I decided to become a scientist during the first few weeks of my high-school chemistry class. I realized that I was interested in molecules, how they were put together, and what properties they had.

It was my high-school chemistry teacher who made the first large influence on my career decisions.  Since then, my career path has winded around a lot, and there have been many others who have guided me to where I am today.  Some of my chemistry professors at the University of Delaware helped me decide to go to graduate school, and my doctoral adviser was an enormous influence. Friends and family have provided needed support along the way, too.

My research group explores the use of biological methods to make polymers (large molecules of high molecular weight) that, even though they are large, have perfectly defined structures. It is impossible to make polymers this way by the methods that are used to make things like diapers, toothbrushes, carpets, and clothing, but it is the way that Nature does it. So we have found ways to use new building blocks in the biological synthesis of polymers, so that these polymers can be made into more complicated structures that can bind to cells and to toxins.

Discovery is probably the most fascinating and also rewarding thing for scientists. You discover a new molecule, a new property for a material, or a new application, and see that your work can have an impact on future technology. Seeing the discoveries that your students make is also extremely rewarding for me as a professor, too.

Deciding what ideas to pursue. You’ll have lots of ideas, but not enough time to do them all, so you have to choose.

“In my field, to be a professor or to direct scientific programs in industry, you have to go to graduate school, which usually is an additional five years of school that you take after you graduate from college. This is almost as long as going to medical school, and it can be frightening for younger people, to think of being in school that long. But if it is interesting to you, it doesn’t seem like a long time. I think back to graduate school and what a great time it was, and I actually felt that way when I was doing it!”

I spend a lot of time at home gardening and learning about good food and wines. My husband and I also like to hike and camp.

As a scientist, you get to think about things that not many people get to think about, and you get to work on exciting ideas. It's a career where you use a lot of creativity. As a professor, it's nice to be your own boss, and to get to work on things that you choose, rather than what someone else might tell you to do.