 Dr. Karen Schmeichel, assistant professor of biology, knows what it’s like for students unsure of their life paths. One of three new faculty members this year, Karen always had an interest in cellular biology but wasn’t sure which career track would best suit her. Luckily for her students, her “long training path” led her to experience science from many perspectives.
After studying cellular biology at Middlebury College in Vermont, Karen spent two years as a research technician before heading to graduate school at the University of Utah. An interview during ski season drew the New Englander out West. “Winter sports are a big passion of mine,” said Karen, who played ice hockey at Middblebury.
During her seven years of training for her doctorate, Karen learned that she enjoyed working with her colleagues in the lab, but “I always enjoyed teaching new students the ropes of the lab,” she added. “That was the first thought I had toward teaching.”
Karen did her post-doctoral work in general and cellular biology at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, where she focused on the cellular biology of breast cancer.
Moving to Atlanta after her husband got a job with the CDC, Karen studied breast cancer at Emory for four years. For two years she worked at the CDC researching public perceptions of breast cancer from an epidemiological perspective and how environmental agents may contribute to cancer.
“I’ve been working toward a single goal of this cancer question,” she said, “but I’ve been in a variety of places. My focus may have been cellular biology, but I was aware of other aspects. I’m fortunate to have a broad understanding.”
She hopes her knowledge base will translate to new ideas in the classroom. “I’m excited to bring some ideas from my research here, to maybe introduce new techniques or approaches to students,” said Karen. “My advisors always said innovation comes from where two fields meet, so I look forward to future discussions and collaborations.”
Karen also plans to expose students to Atlanta’s vast scientific community. “Most people I’ve worked with are ready to get people excited about science, so it’s not much of a stretch to call up a colleague and ask for help.”
“The great thing about Oglethorpe is you may have a class of 20, but you can still connect with each student.” Adding her advice to students, Karen said, “Do good work, work hard and look at all your options. The best thing to do is to see what’s best for you. You’ve got to balance family and work to be happy.”
“I’m really happy to be at Oglethorpe. Having grown up at a liberal arts college, it’s great to be at a place that appreciates the big picture,” she said. “I think my husband is totally jealous of my job now.”
As for her course load of genetics, cellular biology, developmental biology and general biology, Karen said, “The topics are diverse, but similar at the same time. I’ve got a sense of things that will be exciting to share with other people.”
Karen will also be a student during her first year at Oglethorpe, sitting in on the natural science Core course she will begin teaching next year. “I look forward to getting my feet wet in all areas at Oglethorpe,” she said.
“Even when I went to graduate school, people thought students from smaller schools were more desirable. I want to help my students find their voice and ask questions. I certainly hope to be here for awhile and plan to invest myself into the teaching experience.”
Ever an innovator and science promoter, Karen is ready to spread her excitement on the Oglethorpe campus.
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