Rebecca Gerth Brady ’02

Rebecca Gerth Brady ’02
Major at EC: Biology

What have been the highlights of your life and career?
By far, the highlights of my life are being a wife to Sean Brady ’02, and a mother to our little girl Fiona. Though I love my work, nothing compares with building a family. Professionally, the highlights would include earning my Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. My work at UMB focused on Staph infections, which are caused by a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus. These infections can be deadly and are often resistant to antibiotic treatment. Upon finishing graduate school, I moved on to the United States Food and Drug Administration, where I perform research on bacterial vaccines and develop tests to measure the immune response to them. Working for the federal government allows me to have an impact on the public health of our nation, something that is extremely rewarding as a scientist.


What hobbies, activities, community service, foreign travel, etc. are you or have you been involved in? (Awards)
I was honored to win the Otani Award from the Graduate Program in the Life Sciences at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. This award is given to graduate students who demonstrate exceptional promise as an independent investigator and show high levels of service to the community and the University. I received the Department of Microbiology and Immunology Ollie Eylar Award, which is given by the Department to the senior graduate student with the highest GPA and number of publications. I was awarded a two-year fellowship on the Department of Microbiology and Immunology’s Ruth L. Kirshstein National Research Service Award, which is given to junior graduate students showing outstanding potential in their research. I also received the University of Maryland, Baltimore Graduate Merit Award for my performance in my graduate coursework.

I have been fortunate to present my work at several national and international meetings and symposia, the highlight of which allowed me to travel to Vienna, Austria. I currently have ten publications (peer reviewed research, reviews, and book chapters) and am an author on two patents.

What are your fondest memories of your days at Elmira College?
There are too many to list! Meeting Sean ’02, of course—thanks to Dr. B’s freshman chemistry class! Also, getting to know the people who became my closest friends at EC-- “Studio 54” became my second family and I miss them all terribly. Welcoming my sister (Colleen Gerth O’Neil ’03) to EC and getting her in on all of the fun also ranks highly. Other great memories include Mountain Day, Orientation (both mine and the ones I assisted with as an Orientation Leader), and all the EC traditions.

Were you involved in any clubs/organizations/teams/activities?
I was an Orientation Leader every year and was a member of Beta Beta Beta, the Biological Honor Society. I also was a junior varsity cheerleader sophomore and junior years.

Which class, club, activity, individual, organization or team do you believe best prepared you for your career?
Without a doubt, the upper level biology classes were what helped me narrow my focus and led me to determine that I wanted to further my education in biology. However, Dr. Charles Deutch, who taught Microbiology and Molecular Biology, is the reason I am a microbiologist today. He allowed me to do independent research in his laboratory, which showed me that “real” science is nothing like what is done in classroom laboratories. He taught me it is OK to fail (and that most experiments do!) and how to critically think about science. The research I did with Dr. Deutch proved to graduate schools that I was serious about my future and that I had the skills needed to hit the ground running in my dissertation studies.

Did you take advantage of Elmira College’s Term III or Junior Year Abroad travel opportunities? If so, how did that experience affect you?
I was fortunate to be able to take the Term III Marine and Island Ecology course in the Bahamas. Living at the field station and seeing firsthand how field research is done taught me I would rather perform research in a lab than outside in the heat! However, those four weeks were some of the most fun I have ever had—the memories of that time are irreplaceable.

What advice would you give students about preparing for graduate school or careers?
So many science majors enter college thinking, “I must go into medicine.” I know I did. However, before making a decision, take the time to really enjoy and explore science. The Biology major exposes students to everything, from botany to animal behavior to genetics. I must have changed my mind about my career goals ten times while at EC. I promise, however, you WILL find what you love. That might, in fact, be medicine. Nonetheless, it is very possible to have a successful, satisfying career in science that does not involve getting a medical degree (however, you will likely need some sort of advanced degree). While it is not for everyone, research can be one of the most rewarding careers. My advice is to start early—do well in your courses, get research experience in a lab if you can (internships are also great for this), and network with people in the careers you are considering. And, most of all, enjoy your time in college. It will be the best four years of your life.