I’m.a.Gene: Destined for a Career in the Sciences

Abstract

Please don’t laugh, my parents named me Margaret “Imogene” Kanipes. Imogene is pronounced as “im-uh-jeen.” Webster’s Dictionary defines a gene as “a unit of DNA that is usually located on a chromosome and that controls the development of one or more traits and is the basic unit by which genetic information is passed from parent to offspring.” So you see, I was destined for a career in the sciences. Bob Goshen said, “Leaders should…influence others…in such a way that it builds people up, encourages and edifies them so they can duplicate this attitude in others.” I am who I am today, because of great mentors throughout my life and career. My goals have ALWAYS been to mentor and shape young people into great scientists. I feel that it is so important for me to pay it forward and hopefully my mentees will do likewise.

About the Author

Education and Professional Career

1990:

BS Chemistry, NC Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC.

1997:

PhD Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA.

1997:

Postdoctoral Fellow, Biochemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC.

2001:

Assistant Professor of Biology, Department of Natural Sciences, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC.

2004:

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, NC Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC.

2011:

Interim Chair, Department of Chemistry, NC Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC.

2016:

Director, STEM Center for Excellence and Active Learning, NC Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC.

2016:

Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, NC Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC.

Honors and Awards (Selected)

2016:

Faculty Mentor—Minority Access National Role Model Award; American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education Fellow

2010:

Navy-American Society for Engineering Education Summer Faculty Research Fellow

2007:

Young Investigator of the Year Award-North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

2000:

Young Investigator Award, Sixth Conference of the International Endotoxin Society

Margaret is active member in many associations, including the ACS, the American Association of University Women (campus coordinator), Iota Sigma Pi National Honor Society for Women, and Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society (national treasurer).