Interview Evaluation

1. What is your job title?

Senior Research Technologist

2. What is your education/background?

B.S. Chemistry

3.​ ​When did you first know that you wanted to go into research?
High school

4.​ ​How long have you been in research?

37 years

5.​ ​What are the positives and negatives of your job?

Intellectually and spiritually it is extremely rewarding. It’s like working on a puzzle. It
can be demanding. It is often not a nine to five, Monday through Friday type of job. The
schedule is determined by the science.

6.​ ​How important do you think it is for the average person to understand research?
It is very important for everyone to understand the basics. They need to understand that
basic research, the processes that go on inside a cell, animal, or chemical reaction. They need to
understand that if science gives you an answer you do not like, it does not mean that it is not true.

7.​ ​How important is it for those in the medical field to understand research?
Those in the medical field usually ​do​ understand research; they have advanced
science-based degrees. If they do not understand a particular aspect, they have the tool set to
learn it quickly.

Sometimes they get impatient and forget the time involved to go from point A to B.
Oftentimes they forget that Zero can be the answer, not a very glamorous one but the answer
nonetheless.

8.​ ​What are some experiments you have previously been involved in?
I have also participated in multiple studies using MHC-humanized mice. The Major
Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is a group (complex) of genes responsible for a large
portion of the vertebrate immune response. Humanized mice are transgenic mice that have had
their mouse MHC inactivated (knocked out) and then the analogous human gene is transfected
in. This allows you to study the effects of human MHC in a living system.

Our main focus was in arthritis, diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, and toxic shock syndrome.
Each disease has specific gene(s) associated with it. In some cases, the genes confer
susceptibility (you will get the disease) and in some cases they confer resistance (you will not get
it, or it will not be as bad).
9.​ ​What skills are needed to go into research?
There are so many different fields; it is difficult to be specific. My area of interest leans
towards biology.

You will need a solid foundation in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and/or
Biology and Math. (Remember when you thought you’d never need algebra again? Sorry, we
use it forever. Also, calculus is the basis of a lot of field specific specialized programing and
instrumentation). Basic computer skills (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word) are an absolute must. If
you​ have an interest in programming, follow it. It could be very useful later.

10.​ ​What advice would you give about carrying out research?

When you are in college, try to take a course or two that simply look “interesting”. You
may find the exact thing that will be “it”. After college, never stop learning.

11.​ ​How has research with mesenchymal cells and keratinocytes advanced skin
grafting techniques?

Using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and keratinocytes on a 3-dimensional scaffold is a way
to bypass the traditional skin grafting technique. ​(​In this case, a scaffold is a 3-dimensional
matrix used to hold the cells in position on the wound. They can be either biologic or synthetic
in nature).

Skin grafts require a portion of relatively healthy skin from the patient to engraft. This is typically
difficult to acquire on a patient with 70% or more burn involvement.​ ​Scarring and wound
contracture are also issues with traditional techniques. MSCs and keratinocytes on a scaffold
have the potential to give a more normal skin appearance, which is especially important on the
face. It would also hopefully alleviate some of the wound contracture common with scarring.
(When scarring occurs over a joint, it can contract the area, causing a loss of mobility in the
joint).
INTERVIEW EVALUATION FORM
Thank you so much for volunteering your time to be interviewed by a student
concerning his/her Senior Project. The Senior Project program affords students the
opportunity to gain specific information regarding an occupation, body of knowledge, or
skill from an adult expert adult in that field.

We would find it very helpful if you could spend a few minutes after the interview filling
out the following information concerning the interview. We would like you to help us
determine how effectively the student used this opportunity. You may either give this
completed evaluation to the student after the interview or send it to his/her teacher at
school. Your evaluation is an important part of his/her research and learning
experience.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your expertise with our students. School
and community working together benefits everyone. ​-Triton High School Staff

Students Name: Gabriela Staub

Area of Study: Human Cellular Therapy Laboratory

Volunteers Name: Michele Smart

Volunteers Phone Number: 284-1744

1. Did the student ask thorough questions? Yes____x___ No

2. Was the student professional? Yes__x____No

3. Did you feel the interview was valuable? Please explain.

Yes. I think it is important for students to explore any career avenue that they might find
of interest. They are about to go to college where they will be asked to choose what they want to
do for the rest of their life. That is a lot to ask of an 18-22 year old. Talking to people working
in area that they might find interesting helps narrow the field.

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