Hi there! My name is Taylor, and I am a third-year Ph.D. graduate student at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I graduated in 2018 from Florida State University with a major in Environmental Science and a minor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. During my science journey, I have found a passion for science communication, making science more accessible regardless of background. For my career goals, I would like to focus on clearing the air with nutrition science and give everyone the knowledge to make educated decisions regarding their nutritional health.
How I first became interested in science
Ever since I was little, I have loved science museums, and the basic concepts have always “clicked” with me. Going into college, I knew I wanted to be in the science field, but I thought I wanted to go into environmental sciences as my major suggests. That changed when I witnessed my hero, my grandpa, fight for his life against cancer, taking over his physical body. I wanted to help people like him not suffer from the ailments that plague us. In response, I started to focus more on the Biomedical sciences.
My path to STEM was taken one step further when I took Biology 101 at Florida State University with Dr. Jonathan Dennis. Dr. Dennis changed my perception of molecular biology and graciously allowed me to join his research laboratory after writing my interest on the back of his final exam in class. Joining the laboratory opened my eyes to science that I have never been exposed to before. We were actively discovering new phenomena, not memorizing textbook information but challenging them.
Path to my career goals in science communication and nutrition
During my undergraduate career, I didn’t know the broad career opportunities for scientists. The only career path I was exposed to was becoming a professor and joining academia. However, soon after starting graduate school, I realized this path was not for me. I enjoy talking to people about science, not worrying about submitting my paper in the best possible journal, or receiving grants. I then wandered into the field of science communication.
The path of finding my passion was full of trial and error, as I have not had a mentor or internship in science communication. When explaining my science projects to my fiancée or my parents, I found that they would respond with blank stares and groans. I knew then that there has to be a better way to get scientific information out to the masses, so they are well-informed members of our scientific society!
With that in mind, I attempted to teach my friends and family science in a way that has become fun and engaging. It came to the point when I would get the “what do you think of this” or “How should I treat that” conversations regularly. At that point, I thought of moving my science communication career to the next step.
I recently set out to convey science nutrition in a relevant and evidence-based way, and Nutrition Fueled was born. I created an Instagram @nutritionfueled, and I am working on a website to portray evidence-based nutrition information that is challenging out-of-date theories. I am excited to see where this opportunity takes me and whom I will get to meet along the way.
Future steps and advice
I am in the latter half of my graduate career now, so I am starting to look at viable career options in the future. I can see myself working for industry or myself as a scientific writer on my way to becoming a reputable expert in science communication and nutrition. It’s also important to note that things may change, not everything is set in stone, and you should have your eyes open for every opportunity that presents itself.
My advice for those getting into science is to talk to people. A lot of people. Get different perspectives on science journeys and become knowledgeable of the opportunities out there for scientists. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and no path taken is a wrong path, just different. Also, be open to opportunities in disguise. You never know when you will make a connection that you need in the years to come. I have gotten useful information and even job offers from those I did not perceive in the scientific community. You never know who you will run into!
If you ever want to reach out, don’t hesitate to contact me through my Instagram, @Nutritionfueled.
