The AdaMarie Mirrors reflect back to us the many roads (often winding, never smooth) to success! Real stories of real women to see yourself reflected in. At first, you’ll see Gillian in this mirror, but eventually, we hope you’ll see yourself.

Welcome, Gillian Choquette!

Orthopaedic Research PhD Student Gillian Choquette reminds us that one stressful workplace experience shouldn’t deter us from pursuing our lifelong passion for science!

Getting to Know You:

Field of Work: Academia/University
Expertise In: Orthopaedic Research
Current Company: University of Maryland, Baltimore
Job Title: PhD Student
One-liner about what you’re working on: Fat metabolism and bone loss in aging!
Currently geeking out over: Cute STEM merch on Etsy
STEM Hero: Marie Curie

Tell us about your professional journey – how did you get where you are now?

Growing up, I always had so much interest in the sciences.

I can't remember a time that I didn't want to be some sort of scientist when I "grew up."

After taking biology and chemistry in high school, I knew I wanted to major in Chemistry with a focus in Biochem. However, I could hardly find any resources about what life as a female biochemistry scientist was like. I was always particularly nervous about the work-life balance!

Since then, I have loved sharing my own scientific journey through YouTube, social media, and my podcast. I am now a PhD student in Baltimore, and I always look back and think about how my younger self would be so proud!

We’re also curious to know your personal story and upbringing. What has made you “you”?

As a first-generation college student, I have always truly valued hard work and education. My parents were unable to afford college in their younger years, but have since worked really hard to get where they are now. Growing up, they always reminded me that learning is a beautiful opportunity that we have in this country.

However, because I don't have many close family members in the sciences, I never thought I could pursue a PhD until college. My amazing mentor encouraged me to give it a shot! The support of my mentor and my family gave me the push I needed to believe in myself and submit applications to PhD programs, and I am so glad they did!

We know that real life isn’t a smooth and linear journey. What was your initiating moment that led you to your calling - can you tell us about that moment, what helped you move forward, what you learned/discovered?

In between college and my PhD, I really struggled with the lab environment I was in. My boss had very high expectations of me which made me begin to question…

"Am I cut out for this?"

"Will a PhD be too hard for me to balance?"

I felt stuck, but my desire to contribute to the research kept me there. This helped me realize that, despite finding myself in a tough work environment, I still had the drive and passion for helping others through my research.

It’s why I still ultimately applied for the PhD. I love to tell others this story because it taught my the importance of valuing your work environment!

You’re a working woman in a performance-driven industry. Where do you find balance?

Sometimes it is so hard to allow myself time to decompress. So sometimes I actually schedule time to have fun! I am a huge planner gal and it helps to plan my time each week to spend with friends, doing workout classes, or writing in my planner a time to practice some self-care!

If you were a part of the human body, what would you be?

I think I would be a C6 vertebrae! (because it always just looks like it is smiling and happy to be here!)

We’d love to feature your work! How can we spread the word about what you’re doing?

I love sharing my PhD experience and other tips through my podcast Bloom Theory and my other social media (@gillian_sci)