Pamela Green was a middle school student when she helped build a submarine. She and her classmates joined students around the country for the Office of Naval Research-sponsored SeaPerch, an educational program and kit that gives elementary, middle, and high-school students the tools and understanding to construct a simple, remotely operated underwater vehicle.
“I guess it was my first real exposure to science and where I realized science was cool,” she says. “In the classes, they teach you the basics or whatever, but for SeaPerch really gives you the reins. They’re like, okay, now it’s your turn. See if you can use the things you learned and be creative with science and try to make something out of it.”
Since then, the second-year biochemistry and German studies major at the University of Virginia has participated in the SEAP, NREIP and NREIP Fall Engagement programs at the Naval Research Laboratory’s optics division and later in the lab’s bioanalytical department.
These opportunities, she recalls now, helped her develop the relationships crucial to shaping her approach to scientific research and helped her see herself as a future practitioner.
“These experiences underscored the importance of mentorship in science,” Pamela says. “I don’t have anyone in my family or anyone I even know who has a career in science. So it was really nice to get exposed to people who went through the process and can provide guidance.”
Her work at NRL, particularly with Dr. Dasha Leary, an analytical chemist studying proteomics, inspired her decision to pursue a career that combines the rigors of medical research with tackling challenging health issues. “I was going to be a biology major, but after working with Dr. Leary this fall about what she does in her lab it really got me into biochemistry instead,” she says. Pamela is now considering pursuing a MD-PhD program.
Pamela’s academic path was further shaped by her study of German. She actively participates in UVA’s German community events and promotes cultural exchange, further demonstrating her multifaceted interests.
“I started learning German in high school because I thought it sounded interesting and I sort of fell in love with the language and I got a state department scholarship to study abroad in Germany for free for an entire year,” she says. “There’s also actually surprisingly a lot of chemistry majors here who also speak German since there’s a lot of historical relationships there.”
Germany regularly ranks among the highest for chemistry and other scientific research, so it may also prove to a be a useful skill in her future research goals.
