Howdy! My name is Samantha Heldman. I obtained a B.S. in Biology and a Grade 7-12 Life Science Teacher Certification at Texas A&M University (Gig 'Em!). During that time, I completed some undergraduate research in which I modeled and predicted the spread of invasive plant species across the southeastern United States. After graduation, I followed my partner across the country for their job where I decided to put my plans to become a teacher on (indefinite?) hold to get some experience in the practical application of science. My hunt for jobs in the private sector coincidentally landed me on the doorstep of Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. There, I was encouraged by several faculty to apply to graduate school, which led me to where I am now: a 5th year pharmacology Ph.D. candidate (with a concentration in environmental toxicology) at Wayne State University in Christopher Kassotis’ lab.
The Kassotis lab focuses on exploring the metabolic health impacts of exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors individually and in complex mixtures as well as characterizing the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. My work specifically focuses on evaluating a novel class of persistent environmental contaminants, liquid crystal monomers and their mixtures, for endocrine and metabolism disrupting potential using in vitro and in vivo models. This work has made me broadly interested in regulatory toxicology by fostering a desire to better understand the techniques used to determine chemical safety prior to market release and ubiquitous use.
In terms of broad interests for my career; I would like to pursue a career a bit more upstream of the problem than academia— that is, I would like to be involved in evaluating chemicals for safety prior to their release into the environment and delayed discovery as harmful pollutants. I figure that, with my background using in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate toxicity, it would be easiest to transition into a career assisting with either the development or refinement of experimental methods used to evaluate chemicals for toxicity. However, I’m interested in identifying alternative careers that will also allow me to achieve my broader goal. Through this mentor match program I hope to gain advice regarding where this goal is best achieved (industry/government), how to get there (government post docs, internships, etc.), and what skills I should work on developing now that will make me a competitive candidate.