About two weeks ago I had a chance to interview Jaime Curtis-Fisk, a 2015 Rising Star Award winner recognized by the American Chemical Society’s Women Chemists Committee.
Like many scientists I have previously interviewed, Curtis-Fisk’s professional achievements are impressive. But what struck me the most is how she successfully switched her career path from academia to industry.
Curtis-Fisk landed her dream job, an assistant professor position, right after earning her PhD in Chemistry. The dream job, however, didn’t last long. Her husband landed a new position and the family needed to relocate. To stay with her family, Curtis-Fisk accepted an industry position, leaving her dream job behind.
But she kept her passion for education alive. Recognizing her enduring passion, Curtis-Fisk’s supervisors created a unique dual-role position for her. In her new role, she got to conduct research as a R&D scientist and implement a volunteer-based outreach program as a STEM leader, all at the same time.
Today Curtis-Fisk is thriving in both roles. And she feels fulfilled. Even though she gives credit to many people who have supported her, her determination to keep her passion alive no doubt has played a huge role in her ultimate success.
Curtis-Fisk’s story got me to think about medical writing, the challenges of entering the medical writing field, and how to overcome them.