Meet the Scientists

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  Casey

  I’m a PhD candidate in microbiology at Duke, where I am working to understand how tuberculosis survives within the host, in an effort order to create a better tuberculosis vaccine. In my spare time I love to play harp, cook, cheer on my beloved Buffalo Bills and am training for a marathon.
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  Ryan

  I’ve visited the Museum since I was a child and have seen it grow and change remarkably over the years. I have a strong interest in nature, animals and the environment and have studied environmental sciences for years. I hope to help others enjoy the museum as much as possible.
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  Lynn

  I moved to Durham in the fall of 2008 and immediately started volunteering at the museum. My science background includes a Chemistry degree from Wake Forest University and over a decade of teaching and substituting in Davidson County Schools, as well as raising 3 sons who all have chosen science as a career – 2 engineers and a computer programmer.
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  Katherine

  I adore learning about all fields of science, but my main interest is meteorology, especially the study of severe weather. North Carolina is a great place for weather enthusiasts – we get some really interesting weather here, from snow and ice storms to hurricanes and tornadoes. I have recently registered as a Storm Spotter for the Central North Carolina Skywarn Network – a nice volunteer activity for anyone who is interested in the weather!
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  Lauren

  I’m a graduate student in neuroscience at Duke University, loving what I’m learning about how the immune system and the brain interact. The lab at the Museum of Life and Science is one of the best places to share my love of science with everyone who visits us.
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  Larry

  I am a retired physician (radiology) with interests in science, photography, and digital art. I enjoy working with people of all ages as they experiment with various scientific principles in the Investigative Health Lab. Watching the "light bulb" going off in their eyes as they grasp the point of an experiment is very gratifying, but having them develop questions about the world around them is even better. Passing on the joy of exploring and learning is exciting, and I find it deeply personally satisfying.
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  Rachelle

  I graduated from UNC in 2009 with a BA in Exercise Science and a BS in Psychology. I will start graduate school at UGA in fall of 2010 to get my masters in Exercise Physiology. I love science, and I love working with kids!
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  Molly

  I am a biochemistry student at Elon University, and I love learning in The Lab and helping others to, as well! My favorite things I’ve done in The Lab are learning to handle Rosie the beautiful tarantula and some jazzy reptiles. For fun, I like asking questions, being outside, and creating.
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  Beth

  I work as a toxicologist at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  I don't work in a lab, but instead work on science assessments for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards under the Clean Air Act.  I love getting kids excited about science.  As the commercial says, the geeks shall inherit the earth.  I hope we are inspiring future geeks here at The Lab.
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  Lauren

  A native of Roswell, NM, I came to Durham to work on my PhD in Genetics at Duke.  I research cell invasion using the nematode worm C. elegans.  I am lucky I have The Lab to share my love of science with others!
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  Bayyinah

  I have a BS degree in Biology and a Master of Environmental Management degree from Duke University.  Since then, I have worked in environmental education, consulting, field and laboratory research, and helping assess the marine environmental impacts of the Palm Islands constructed in the Arabian gulf.  I enjoy volunteering at the Butterfly Conservatory and in the Health Lab where I can share the joy of discovery and witness the development of deeper scientific knowledge and understanding in both children and adults.  I call it my "smile time."