Catherine Drennan
Professor of Biology and Chemistry
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, MA USA
“No one is so above everyone else that they don’t need other people’s help.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationCatherine Drennan
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
As a child, my school struggled to place me at the correct reading level—I seemed very intelligent to my teachers but I had undiagnosed dyslexia and therefore had difficulty reading.
My mom advocated for me and did a lot of research to get the right diagnosis and support for me.
I always knew I wanted to go to college and chose Vassar College because I wanted a more liberal and contemporary atmosphere.
I originally thought I’d either study biopsychology or drama, but I took a chemistry class, fell in love with it, and ended up earning my bachelor’s degree in chemistry.
After earning my undergraduate degree, I taught high school for three years—I found that I really enjoyed teaching and working with students.
I earned my Ph.D. in biological chemistry from the University of Michigan.
I’m currently a professor of biology and chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
In addition to teaching at MIT, I’m a professor and investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Doctorate
Biological Chemistry
University of Michigan
Biological Chemistry
University of Michigan
Career
Professor of Biology and Chemistry
I teach biology and chemistry to college students.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Science
Education
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
I currently teach a large introductory biology course to 500 students. I’ll give a lecture and then have various interactions with the students. I also spend time doing research as well as writing papers and grants. Then I also devote time to my lab, where I lead undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students in research. At least once or twice a month I travel around the world to give talks.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for high school students
Follow your curiosity and you can overcome almost any hurdle. If you want to do science, put yourself out there and do it—even if your school didn't have the proper resources and you feel as if you're behind everyone else. Seek out other resources and look for opportunities. I also strongly advise students to find a mentor to support and guide them. This is such an exciting time for science! The students who are training now are going to make major change in the world.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Peers:
"I don't think you can do that with your dyslexia. That's too much for you."
Challenges I Overcame
Learning Issues
Imposter Syndrome
Interviewed By
Do It Differently
Paths to fulfilling work for all learning styles
