Teaching

Marie is currently a teaching assistant in the statistics department. Teaching is one of the things that she is most passionate about. She is a TA for a coding class and is teaching the students how to use the program SAS. “Teaching them how to code, especially the first-time coders, it’s really a different language that they’re learning,” she said. Teaching is rewarding for Marie. “When I tell people what to do, what the data is telling them, and they repeat it back to me, I’m like, “yes!”

Inspiration 

Marie has struggled with the infamous impostor syndrome, as most graduate students do. “I used to think, “oh a Phd. is for brilliant people,” but what do I define as “brilliant” and why do I not fit into that category when I defined it like that?” This realization changed Marie’s mindset in her program. Now instead of feeling intimidated by professors and researchers, she is encouraged. There is nothing that separates you from getting a PhD, she said, “you just have to believe in yourself.”

Determination 

Marie has worked hard in her graduate program and is the recipient of the McNair Scholarship, which gives funding to underrepresented populations to pursue PhDs. As a woman in STEM, Marie knows how difficult it can be to pursue a graduate degree. “Don’t be afraid to fail,” she says. “And don’t be afraid to try again. You will be challenged. It’s definitely a male-dominated field. Sometimes you might be undermined, but you just have to keep fighting.” There are challenges that women in STEM run into, but by working and mentoring, Marie can be part of a positive change in the field.

Mentorship 

Marie initially didn’t plan on pursuing a graduate degree in statistics. Her mentor at Grand Valley State University encouraged her to apply for graduate school. As she reflected, Marie realized that she enjoyed statistics and wanted to continue in the program. The undergraduate degree barely scratched the surface.