COA Alumni

91

Bar Harbor, ME

Scientific Communications Consultant for Eli Lilly and Co.

I work in oncology drug development. I amass data from clinical trials for cancer treatments and work with investigators to publish the findings in peer review journals.

I’m married with one child and three stepsons. I also have three dogs, two cats, loads of chickens, a python and a bearded dragon!

My extended family is the running community. Running has become a huge part of my life. I remember the moment I decided I was going to be a runner. I have multiple sclerosis (MS) and was at a point with that disease where I was feeling strong. I happened to be at Don’s Shop and Save (now, Hannaford) the day before the 2011 MDI marathon and the store was just full of runners – they seemed so excited, happy, and motivated. I went back home and told my husband, “I’m going to run the MDI marathon.” He said, “Okay, but you don’t run.”

The day after the marathon I registered for the 2012 MDI marathon and then threw on some old tennis shoes and started training. I felt like dying after 100 feet. Quitting seemed like a real possibility, so I announced my intentions on Facebook and also started raising money for the National MS Society. I figured those steps would ensure I’d be at the start line and ready.

I ran that 2012 marathon and have run 42 races of marathon-distance or greater since then, including six 100-mile races. 100 miles is my favorite distance.  That’s a good thing, because this year I’m shooting to run the Ultra Marathon Grand Slam, a series of five 100-mile races during one summer. I’ll be running as an honorary COA Black Fly Trail Runner and will also be raising money for Vermont Adaptive, an organization that helps folks with disabilities enjoy the outdoors.

University of Maine

PhD in Molecular Biology

Both my internship and senior project were focused on food systems. I took a deep dive into the economics of small scale farming and organic agriculture, working at Beech Hill Farm before COA owed that property. I loved farming, but I realized the difficulties inherent in making a living on a small scale, organic farm, so decided not to pursue that track as a career. I’d have to get my farming fix through chickens and a garden.

My time at COA was a time of exploration and human ecology let me explore things and didn’t push me into a “you have to do this or that” mindset. I used that flexibility to explore a whole lot.

Have fun and follow your heart rather than doing what might be expected of you. COA gives you that opportunity for exploration better than just about anywhere.