“How I knew that I had finally made it to where I wanted to be: when my husband asked, ‘If we win the lottery tonight, would you quit your job?’ I replied, no.”
Eckerd College prides itself on small classroom sizes and the bond created between professors and students. Professor Denise Flaherty’s genetics and molecular biology section is a fantastic example of the spirit at Eckerd. Though it is one of the larger classes taught on campus (40 students enrolled), Professor Flaherty’s teaching style is fun and exciting, provoking thought from each individual student. She has a way of getting every student involved in the discussion whether it’s calling on students randomly, setting up a human performance depicting transcription or using her outside voice to get the class pumped for a new lesson plan. Professor Flaherty is truly an inspiration to women in the sciences.
Professor Flaherty received her bachelor of arts from Wheaton College in biology, her Ph.D. from Emory University in biochemistry and cell and developmental biology. Currently, Professor Denise Flaherty teaches five undergrad courses (cell biology, developmental biology, scientific method, neurotoxins in the environment, and genetics), as well as conducting her own research in the lab. This multifaceted woman not only works hard in the classroom and lab but also enjoys spending time with her family.
Why did you decide to go into the sciences?
I wanted to understand how things work at the cellular level, studying things such as growth, change, and disease. I began figuring out what I was most interested in through internships in the fields of genetics and biotechnology. There is a huge difference between being good at something and having a passion for it.
Being a female studying the sciences, did you hit any roadblocks?
During my second year of grad school my husband and I decided to conceive our first child. My advisor at the time treated me like I couldn’t be serious about going into the sciences if I had made such a choice. I decided to take a semester and the summer off before starting over again. My faith and supportive relationship with my husband are what kept me going, and today I can honestly say I wouldn’t change a thing.
What was the hardest class you ever had to take?
Metabolism—so many reactions, so little time!
What is your current research on?
I have 3 current projects:
- Toxicology- Cell physiological effects of residual levels of pesticides and triclosan. (Studying the effects of antibacterial products such as hand soap on the human body)
- Positive effects of natural product polyphenols to look at their in vivo antioxidant activity. (Screening products that claim they contain antioxidants such as teas and herbs to verify their healing properties as claimed in ancient history)
- Mutagenesis screen on C.elegans to find a new mutation in the dopamine transporter protein in order to find a new tool to study Parkinson’s disease.
What would your advice to students majoring in the sciences be?
- There will be times when you’ll wonder if “this is all worth it”. If you never wonder this you are not trying hard enough. Answer: yes, it’s worth it.
- It is possible to make a number of bad choices with your academic career and still turn out okay.
- The academic track of life is a jealous lover, but don’t let it consume every part of your life. You will need something else (positive) to provide balance.
How does it feel to be such a great role model to female science majors?
Awesome. I look at mentoring as one of THE most important things I do!
What made you decide to teach at Eckerd?
I was inspired by my female professors at Wheaton and knew I wanted to teach at a small liberal arts school. I had three reasons for choosing Eckerd specifically:
- It has a great scientific reputation
- When I was interviewed, everyone I met was happy
- Going to lunch with the students, they were all genuine and passionate
What is your favorite part of teaching at Eckerd?
The “Aha!” moment
What are your hobbies?
Scrap booking and fun with my family—I don’t have time for much else!
How did you become involved in relay for life?
I am passionate about the struggle to beat cancer. I understand on a cellular level the wicked mechanisms effecting the cells and feel that we must keep working to find a cure. The cell has wisdom to give us and we need to unlock it…we just need to find it.
Where is your favorite place to be on campus?
Either in front of a classroom or looking through a microscope.
If you could be stranded on an aquaglide in Frenchman’s creek with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
My husband, Dennis.
Be Sure to come out and pie Professor Flaherty and others at Relay for Life on April 29th!