Abigail Weaver

Undergraduate Degree: B.A. in Biology, Anderson University

As an undergraduate I was influenced by a female professor with whom I could ask very practical questions about career choices and balancing family with a career. Following undergrad, I had a negative experience in graduate school (not at Notre Dame) and left the PhD program early with an MS. Years later an important experience came through a Notre Dame Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program (similar to Research Experience for Undergraduates, REU), that allowed me to work in a research lab over the summer. This experience led me back to graduate school, finishing my PhD, and eventually becoming research faculty. This long route to my current position has taught me to worry less about “being too late” to follow a career path and has allowed me to pursue my interests.