This week’s Wednesday’s Women in STEM series features Sophia McCall, a Quality Control Microbiology and Cell Culture supervisor who is also getting her PhD in Organizational Leadership. Read on to hear Sophia’s STEM journey led her to where she is today and why we should all embrace being uncomfortable sometimes!
When did you first become interested in STEM?
That is a great question! I wanted to understand how the world worked around me. I was fascinated by the way everything seemed so connected. From a very young age, I also realized I wanted to help people and make the world better. And I feel like, every day, in some way, working in STEM, I do!!
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I grew up going to private school. I learned to love learning early in my education. I loved to read (and still very much do). I went to college at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). I majored in Geoscience and obtained two minors, one in Environmental Studies and one in Urban Studies. I was particularly interested in microbiology and biogeochemical cycles and interconnected ALL systems. I also liked creating maps, laboratory work, and anything that involved high focus and lots of details!
I obtained my Master of Science degree in Physical Science through Emporia State University (ESU); I studied the effects of urbanization on the hydrology and fluvial geomorphology of the Blue River Basin from the late 19th century to the 21st century. I used population data, assessed wetland influence (microbial and chemical) to sequester carbon and the impacts of channelization along with the dissipation of wetlands due to urban expansion on the Blue River and how that impacted the ecosystem and habitats.
I’m currently pursuing my Ph.D. while not in Science. I’ve found that we need more leadership individuals to help develop and shape the bright minds that are entering the workforce. For that reason, I am working on my Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership at Concordia University- Chicago.
I have too many interesting stories about studying science to express here without writing a novel!! From using microbiology and chemistry to solve real world problems when I was in consulting (i.e., spills that impacted aquatic life that I could use bioremediation to clean up) to ensuring product quality before releasing products in the pharmaceutical industry–all of it has been a fantastic adventure!!
What is your current career and how do you use your interests in STEM on a day-today basis?
I am the Quality Control Microbiology and Cell Culture supervisor for a very busy laboratory in the Pharmaceutical industry based in Kansas. I use my interest in STEM every single day; if it is not researching a question someone on my team has, it assists in investigations, deviations, or quality decisions.
What do you like most about your current job? What do you find most challenging?
I love what I do, the incredibly bright minds that I get to work with, and the fact that what we are doing goes to assisting real people or projects that someday, very well may change the world. That is amazing. I could not be more grateful. The challenging part of my day is finding the time in a workday to finish and focus on all the areas that need my attention.
What advice would you give to young girls who are interested in pursuing STEM activities or careers?
As you go through your lives, not everyone’s path is linear. You do NOT have to know what you want to be or do with your life right now. All you need to do is be curious, take chances, and explore all areas that interest you. You need the fundamentals of science to understand how to think and learn like a scientist. However, outside of that, the rest of the journey is advancing those skillsets and using your will, wit, and grit always to challenge yourself to keep learning and growing! And above all things, embrace being uncomfortable. In moments you are uncomfortable and are in an unknown space, you learn and develop the most. Be okay with that feeling, and this will pay dividends in your life, growth, relationships, and careers.
Also, I’m a mom, wife, and I believe deeply in doing the right thing. If you have questions or need guidance, I’d be happy to help! And good luck; I’m wishing you and your family the very best on your journey in STEM!