Several panelists from varied backgrounds spoke to Wistar trainees about their current positions as education professionals for science departments and institutions.
What was the moment you knew you wanted to teach? How do you balance research and education? What are some skills or qualities in a person that helps them be a strong educator? These are some of the questions trainees asked education professionals at Wistar’s Education Career Panel on Friday, July 22.
The panel included Dr. Jason Diaz, Wistar’s new Education Program Director of the Institute’s Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Education and Training Center; Dr. Kate Milani, Assistant Professor at Rowan University’s School of Medicine Molecular Biology Department; and Dr. David Garbe, Director of Outreach and Education for the Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research (PSBR).
Panelists spoke about their personal academic and career journeys and what led them to where they are today as well as offered advice on what they wish they knew before transitioning into STEM education career paths.
“It is always an exciting and gratifying experience to witness someone’s understanding expand and puzzle pieces coming together,” Diaz shared about his motivation and favorite part of his role at Wistar. “There is a great synergy around bringing research into the classroom, and having students work on projects tied to real research really enriches the learning experience.”