Seeing Science
Nontraditional student Megan Mitchem is changing the face of research inside and outside the lab
Seeing Science
Nontraditional student Megan Mitchem is changing the face of research inside and outside the lab
Seeing Science
Nontraditional student Megan Mitchem is changing the face of research inside and outside the lab
By Lynn Roberson
Megan Mitchem ’21, a UNC Charlotte doctoral student, volunteers in her son Anthony’s elementary school. When he was a third-grader, she displayed photos of individuals tending beehives, practicing karate and hiking on trails, to name a few.
“I wanted them to see the beautifully diverse group of individuals that I work with and learn from,” she said. “I asked them to point to the scientists.”
The reveal — even though they weren’t wearing stereotypical white lab coats, they were all UNC Charlotte researchers.
“I think it’s important to be visible as a woman in science,” said Mitchem. “Children should see science as a welcoming place regardless of race, background, gender, religion or accent.”
“I keep going, and I keep trying. If something doesn’t go my way, I make a new plan, which was hard at first. Adaptability has made me a good student and a good mom.”
Megan Mitchem ’21
A SPARC ignites
A first-generation, divorced college student, Mitchem was an adult when she met her first scientist. Growing up, science never entered her realm of possible careers.
After jobs as a cook, staff member at a group home for developmentally disabled clients and a dialysis clinic technician, she enrolled in community college at age 26. A state auditor to the clinic praised her work and encouraged her to pursue college. The advice resonated, so Mitchem registered for nursing courses at Gaston College the next month.
A SPARC ignites
A first-generation, divorced college student, Mitchem was an adult when she met her first scientist. Growing up, science never entered her realm of possible careers.
After jobs as a cook, staff member at a group home for developmentally disabled clients and a dialysis clinic technician, she enrolled in community college at age 26. A state auditor to the clinic praised her work and encouraged her to pursue college. The advice resonated, so Mitchem registered for nursing courses at Gaston College the next month.
There, instructors recognized her strengths in science, prompting her to change her major to biology. Although her parents considered nursing a more stable career choice, Mitchem persevered, completing an associate degree. After transferring to Charlotte, she graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology and was accepted to the University’s Ph.D. program in biology. Her family, in turn, came around.
“My higher education journey has not been easy, but I have not given up,” said Mitchem. “I keep going, and I keep trying. If something doesn’t go my way, I make a new plan, which was hard at first. Adaptability has made me a good student and a good mom.”
At Gaston College, Mitchem pursued research opportunities and received a SPARC scholarship, a National Science Foundation-funded initiative to increase student success in biological sciences. She also was one of just two community college students in 2019 named among the 496 recipients of the Goldwater Scholarship, the premier undergraduate award of its kind for students in mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering. She has delivered presentations at a number of universities, offering advice to help aspiring scholars compete for the scholarship.
Talent meets opportunity
At Charlotte, Mitchem has immersed herself in classes, clubs and the labs of researchers Mark Clemens, Paola López-Duarte and Shan Yan. Currently, she is a doctoral research assistant in biochemist Andrew Truman’s lab and is a co-author on a research paper published in the journal Biomolecules.
López-Duarte, an assistant professor of biological sciences, knows Mitchem as a student in her classes, a lab member through Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates and a teaching assistant for an introductory marine science class.
“Megan is the perfect example of what happens when talent meets opportunity. The combination of her focus, drive and curiosity make her exceptional. Megan also works to pay it forward. She is constantly sharing information, resources and advice with other students about different scholarships, fellowships and internships.” – López-Duarte
Mitchem, a volunteer mentor with the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science, is working with fellow doctoral student Siddhi Omkar to restart a career ladder program at Charlotte. To her, these are critical engagement activities, along with bringing science to schools.
“While I don’t know exactly how my career in science will evolve, I want to make sure outreach, particularly in regard to diversity and inclusion, is a part of anything I do,” she said. “It is how we encourage innovation.”
For Mitchem, no setting is off limits when it comes to expanding perceptions of science and scientists. In her son’s classroom, she was overjoyed when a classmate pointed at her and exclaimed to her family, “That’s the scientist!”
Talent meets opportunity
At Charlotte, Mitchem has immersed herself in classes, clubs and the labs of researchers Mark Clemens, Paola López-Duarte and Shan Yan. Currently, she is a doctoral research assistant in biochemist Andrew Truman’s lab and is a co-author on a research paper published in the journal Biomolecules.
López-Duarte, an assistant professor of biological sciences, knows Mitchem as a student in her classes, a lab member through Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates and a teaching assistant for an introductory marine science class.
“Megan is the perfect example of what happens when talent meets opportunity. The combination of her focus, drive and curiosity make her exceptional. Megan also works to pay it forward. She is constantly sharing information, resources and advice with other students about different scholarships, fellowships and internships.”
– López-Duarte
Mitchem, a volunteer mentor with the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science, is working with fellow doctoral student Siddhi Omkar to restart a career ladder program at Charlotte. To her, these are critical engagement activities, along with bringing science to schools.
“While I don’t know exactly how my career in science will evolve, I want to make sure outreach, particularly in regard to diversity and inclusion, is a part of anything I do,” she said. “It is how we encourage innovation.”
For Mitchem, no setting is off limits when it comes to expanding perceptions of science and scientists. In her son’s classroom, she was overjoyed when a classmate pointed at her and exclaimed to her family, “That’s the scientist!”
Lynn Roberson is director of communications for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.
