Career Pathways: Meet Madeleine (Laws) Anderson, BSC, Research Associate II at UbiVac

What is your background and what brought you to Portland? Originally from Southern Illinois, I moved to Portland to attend Portland State University where I received my BS in Micro/Molecular Biology. Portland drew me in with the rainy weather, proximity to the mountains, and the sharp cultural differences from my midwestern roots.What influenced you to pursue a degree in science? Did you have any science role models?Growing up I benefitted from having two parents in the medical field who emphasized and encouraged curiosity, exploration, and education. This created an environment where very early on I was making observations of the world around me and conducting “science experiments” of mixing together materials and incubating them. Often these materials were glitter, plant matter, water, and really anything I could get my hands on. The end results of these experiments were usually nothing or various types of exciting molds. From there a further education in science was a natural progression.Tell us about your current role at work and what led you to this position.I currently work for a small biotech company, UbiVac, with a formal job description of R&D and MFG. Because the company is small, I have had the opportunity to expand beyond my assigned job duties by writing, editing, and validating SOPs, performing the operations duties of material tracking, and helping to build a GMP facility. Previous to UbiVac I managed a lab for the Department of Dermatology at OHSU supporting clinical trials, adapting and writing new protocols, and performing basic science research. Years at OHSU built confidence and knowledge in both a lab and clinical setting which made it possible for me to take on my current role. That confidence building was largely because the PI I worked for was always willing to give me an opportunity to try new techniques and supported my desire to design experimentsWhat future goals do you have for your career?Eventually, I would like to find myself in a position where I can support scientists and research missions by providing logistic support and helping to flesh out achievable timelines and goals for projects. To support that goal and gain the skills and experience required to effectively do that job I regularly take classes or workforce training in addition to volunteering for projects where I can learn new skillsDo you have any advice for women who are pursuing careers in science?Imposter syndrome is very real and very challenging to overcome, you have to lean in to the discomfort and not be afraid to ask for help. If you are willing to put yourself outside of your comfort zone then people will be willing to help you. Active listening is one of the most powerful tools you can develop.What are some challenges you faced along the way as a scientist? The largest initial hurdle was landing my first paying job. Despite selecting lab heavy coursework and spending 2 years working in a virology lab during college, it was incredibly challenging for me to find that first position. In hindsight, I started my search with too much insecurity. I was embarrassed to ask for help on my interview skills and my resume had very little on it since I was at the beginning of my career. It was only after I reached out for help from instructors, peers, and those with a work ethic I admired that I had success, it was an extremely humbling experience.What made you get involved in WIS and why is it important to you? WIS is a new community to me, and I am so happy it exists! Building a network of strong female role models that support each other and the scientific community in Portland can only increase the quality of our careers.What is a fun fact about you that not many people know? 2020 will be my 11th annual Pumpkin Month! Every October I try to creatively incorporate pumpkin into my daily diet and carve as many pumpkins as possible. Fortunately, I have yet to turn orange from my efforts.