Tell Us about Yourself
Dr. Aikins: Mentor – Assistant Professor at Delaware State University – REAP PR Program Director and Mentor
Clare: Apprentice – Chemistry Junior at Delaware State University
What AEOP program(s) did you participate in?
What got you interested in the field?
Dr Aikins: When I took my first microbiology course in college, I was very impressed by how the “tiny things” we know as microorganisms can survive and protect us and also have the ability to cause harm and become pathogenic. That was when I knew I wanted to pursue my interest further in graduate school to become a microbiologist and an educator.
Clare: I plan to work in the health care field to help patients, understand bodily functions and fulfill my calling to treat disease and building my STEM knowledge will help me to fulfill that dream.
What is the most important part of the mentor relationship?
Dr. Aikins: Helping students explore their passion and interests in STEM. The feeling of being able to stimulate scientific curiosity in others is priceless!
Clare: The mentor relationship I had was so strong. Not only did my mentors help in the lab, they also offered valuable advice about college, careers and life that I will never forget.
Advice to a student, just beginning to consider a career in science?
Dr. Aikins: To be open minded and proactive in exploring all their options.
Clare: Let your passion for knowledge and experimentation drive your success in the science field. Don’t get discouraged by difficult concepts, competitive peers or failed experiments. Your intelligence and understanding of the world can only grow from here on out.
