Candice Z. Ulmer
Chemistry Branch Chief, Eastern Laboratory, US Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, USA
Secret to success? I credit most of my success in the early part of my career to my involvement in high school STEM outreach programs, participation in mass spectrometry-related undergraduate research, and long-lasting mentorship opportunities through organizations like the South Carolina Alliance for Minority Participation (SCAMP), the McNair Scholars Program, and the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program.
Advice? My advice for someone following in my footsteps is to fight feelings of discouragement during your academic tenure by focusing on your mental health, seeking guidance/mentorship, finding those one or two inspirational quotes that keep you motivated, and never losing sight of your end-goal.
