Career Roadmap
Esther's work combines: Technology, Science, and Problem Solving
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Chemistry, General
University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor's Degree
History, General
University of Pennsylvania
Doctorate
Organic Chemistry
Ohio State University-Main Campus
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Materials Scientists:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Chemistry, General
Bachelor's Degree: History, General
Doctorate: Organic Chemistry
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
As an undergraduate, I was a double major in chemistry and history.
2.
I decided to go to graduate school specifically for chemistry.
3.
I used grad school as an opportunity to focus on a field and put everything I could into that field.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Society in general:
There are very few women in your field.
How I responded:
When I was starting out in this field, I would attend technical conferences and see very few other women. However, I think the numbers have been getting better over the years, which is great—it's important for women to recognize that we have a very critical role to play because of our unique perspective. All young scientists just need to have resilience and to keep moving forward. Try to never focus on the negative stuff; focus on what works, rather than on what doesn't work.