Specialist Makes Science Accessible at a Global Level

Name: Adolfo Lara (he/him)

PhD: Comparative Biology, Richard Gilder Graduate School, 2018

What was your main area of research?

I studied the early evolution of nervous systems using genetic sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. My project focused on sea anemones and jellyfish, as these organisms were one of the first to develop a network of neurons. I sequenced novel data and in combination with publicly available data determined anemones and jellyfish each have their unique communication mechanisms based on proteins used in neuron-neuron communication.

What is your current job?

I am a Specialist at Next Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics in Houston, Texas.

I assist in the planning, development, and execution of trainings focused on capacity building of laboratory and analysis capabilities in Global public labs.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is making science accessible at a global level.

What is the most important skill you developed or experience you had during your PhD that now helps you in your current position?

The most important skill I developed was to step back and look at the big picture. Being able to break down a problem but also being able to communicate that breakdown.

How did you build the skills necessary for your current role?

I participated in a 12-month leadership development training called "Emerging Leader Program". This program helped me develop my leadership skills but also to start to believe and see myself as a leader with helpful ideas.

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

I learned about my current company via a 12-month leadership training I participated in. Once I learned more about the company's culture, I found their career webpage and kept an eye on roles I may be a fit for. I eventually found a role and applied - the leadership program experience and networking helped.

PhD graduate ➡️ Museum Science Educator and Summer Science Teacher ➡️ Public Health Microbiologist and Postdoc ➡️ Specialist

If someone is interested in a similar role, what would you recommend they start doing now to prepare?

I recommend, if interested in a similar role, to develop skills in leadership, facilitation, and diplomacy.

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

The decision was difficult. Right after my PhD, I wanted to get a postdoc and then a professor position. I slowly realized I was not a good candidate. I figured if I got a couple of more publications I would be a better candidate. I remained in my Science Educator role and kept working on projects.

Then, 2020 hit and the pandemic started. I decided to shift from my science education role to a lab role in public health to help anyway I could in the pandemic. During the pandemic, and now in a laboratory role - I looked at professor roles and saw that pay was comparable to what I was earning. I realized my priorities were now centered around pay and work-life balance.

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

Do not feel guilty for pursuing a career outside academia.

Determine a list of non-academic roles you are interested in and determine if there are any certifications or project experience you may need and work on that.

Also, network network network.

Are there any components of your identity you would like to share, including how they have impacted your journey?

I am a 1st generation Mexican American, first to graduate college and graduate school. For a long time, I felt my ethnicity and language did not contribute much to what I could do in STEM. Now, my Spanish and STEM skills are my strength.