By Monica Sandoval-Johnson, PhD | Co-Founder of Boomerang New Mexico

“I started my scientific journey like many of you, as an undergraduate with limited direction and a passion for science”

Dr. Sandoval-Johnson

My career has been anything but linear. As a young undergraduate student at the University of New Mexico, I was eager to soak it all in as a researcher. From the moment I stepped foot in the lab, I loved it all! From the experiments, to the questions, to the presentations. I found my niche. The passion led me to pursue a PhD at the University of Colorado, chosen for their excellent program – but if I am being honest, for their convenient location to home. New Mexico is where I grew up, spending summer nights with my gaggle of cousins and friends, bonding over camping and fishing trips up in Jemez, San Juan, and the likes. I am a New Mexico girl, through and through.

Drilled into me from the onset was the notion that to be a ‘successful’ scientist, you would have to move to different universities to broaden your network and skill set. This intention has led me to some great experiences, all away from the Land of Enchantment. I attended a summer internship at Baylor, followed by a series of graduate school interviews and the nerve-wrecking but ecstatic moment I was accepted in the PhD program of my choice. The high of acceptance was followed by almost 6 years of what I term “the hardest track of my life” – boy was I naive. Although graduate school was beyond difficult, it taught me some life lessons that have deemed useful beyond the educational components – how to lead a team, work together, get along with many “types” of individuals (nicely putting it), and budgeting both time and always limited resources.

Following my PhD, I was still very much trying to figure out what my long-term career trajectory looked like. Graduate school was a whirl-whine, but I learned very little about career options beyond academia. Therefore, I stayed on track and followed a postdoctoral appointment at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Yes, even further away from home. Although this work experience added to my growing skill set of both laboratory and leadership skills, I was still eager to see what life looked like beyond academia.

After almost 9 years away from New Mexico, I made my third (and hopefully final) cross-country move back home. What led me here is a mix of nostalgia and eagerness to finally settle down in one place. A young scientist no more, I felt the need to find a more stable place for my husband and I to grow our family. And unexpectedly, moving away from a postdoc led me (by luck and a great network) to pursue other career options beyond my expertise or comfort zone. Biomedical positions in New Mexico can feel few and far between, so I decided to put my leadership skills to the test in an endeavor that has turned me into an entrepreneur. This has been exhilarating and terrifying. If there is one thing that is consistent among scientists is our ability to be nimble and accept change. Although I am sure this is not the last stop on my winding road of a career, it has been another great one. My advice, take all the opportunities that come your way, and if you must, keep knocking until those doors (or windows) open.