Dr. Wenda Greer is the director of a DNA diagnostic lab. Her lab tests
for the presence of genetic alterations associated with leukemia or lymphomas.
"This information is useful in diagnosing some types of cancer and often
provides prognostic information. These genetic alterations are also very useful
in assessing residual disease after treatment. We also do genetic analysis
to diagnose the carrier status of individuals from families with inherited
diseases such as hemophilia."
Though the work can be very stressful, Greer has learned to adapt. "The
most stressful part is trying to maintain funding for the research work. One
needs to be constantly productive in order to have grants renewed, and sometimes
even that doesn't help."
What is the best thing about being a geneticist? "It's interesting
and provides a feeling of satisfaction when we can directly help patients.
It allows for independent and creative thinking, particularly in the research
work," she says.
"The field of genetics is expanding so rapidly that it is always changing
and exciting. It's great to be part of the cutting edge of science as
it moves from the lab bench to the clinical bedside.
"The worst thing about the work is that it's so time-consuming that
it makes it difficult to have a balanced life with family or hobbies. If one
is interested in a scientific career, the work must become your life, which
isn't necessarily bad. I've found a great deal of happiness in my
work."
As a professor of human genetics, Jane Evans teaches undergraduates, graduate
students and residents. She also does research into congenital malformations
and prenatal diagnosis and screening, in addition to chairing or serving on
numerous genetic-related committees.
"I see patients for counseling in the genetics clinics and consult on cases
with birth defects, especially limb abnormalities. I'm a co-director
of [a] prenatal screening program for neural tube defects and Down syndrome."
Why did Evans go into genetics? "I think it was all those mystery novels
and cryptic crosswords I did as a young person and still enjoy. I like solving
puzzles, and genetics is a wonderful field for a researcher.
"We know a lot more than we did when I started, but there's a long
way to go. It's a booming field for bright young scientists, and one
with a strong component of very successful women, who can be good role models
for young women interested in science, medicine and technology."
Dr. Claire Rinehart at Western Kentucky University offers this advice to
students: "Since the work career of a student today may involve several fields,
I'd suggest that beginning students be as diverse as possible in the
types of classes that they take. Students entering the sciences should familiarize
themselves with scientific tools that will allow them to be flexible, yet
competent in the careers in which they may find themselves.
"Some of these tools include a good grounding in mathematics, computer
productivity and information management, chemistry and quantitative methods,
biological principles found in molecular biology, biochemistry and ecology
and finally physics. If students are interested in applications of science
in society, they may also want to include psychology, sociology or business
courses.
"As a student progresses, the range of topics that they can focus on narrows
considerably. Certainly as a PhD candidate, one needs to refine that focus
to the point that they become the expert in any problem they address."
Mike Courtney is a plant breeder and geneticist who specializes in herbaceous
perennials. He earned a PhD in plant science and did his dissertation on tomato
breeding.
"Some seed companies prefer a lesser degree. I went all the way because
I intended to teach at the university level. Graduate degrees are required
if you intend to work at a more basic and less applied level."
Even as a child, Courtney made crosses between different plants in his
backyard garden. He was fascinated with the new plant types that resulted
from his efforts, and his love for plant breeding has continued to this day.
A career in plant breeding and genetics can take several different paths.
"With the advent of biotechnology, plant genetics has taken on new meanings.
Before that, plant breeders spent all of their time either in the field or
in the greenhouse getting an up close and personal view of plants. Now, new
developments require some breeders to spend time in the lab," he says.
"Some breeding efforts involve a sort of mid-level technology -- tissue
culture. This is a very easy technique to manage for those who feel comfortable
in the lab. The ultimate in genetics is the high-tech approach. This involves
isolating genes from one plant, not necessarily related to the plant you're
working with...and inserting it into the plant that you're interested
in."
Courtney still enjoys playing with plants. "The best thing about my career
is the sense of achievement I get when I come up with a plant that nobody
has ever seen before.
"A lot of people express their artistic urges through painting or music
or drama. Breeding is my artistic outlet. There are still a lot of opportunities
for the amateur breeder if you work with less-than-common plants, but even
that may elicit interest from the big boys before long."