Hannah Majors

What inspired you to pursue your field of study?

I have always been drawn to learning about the nature of the world. Although I had no clue where this would take me, it always felt like my calling was to be a scientist. Once I got to college, I fell in love with genetics.

What motivates you to keep pushing forward, even during difficult times?

My main motivator is being better than I was yesterday. As a first-generation student, it was hard growing up without academic role models. In my hardest times, I think of my nieces and nephews and how I want to inspire them to follow their passions when they grow up.

What problem in your field or community are you most passionate about solving?

I have seen many family members suffer from side effects from treatments like chemotherapy. This led me to my interest in personalized medicine. I believe in treating the patients rather than the disease, we can vastly improve outcomes.

Do you have a favorite quote, motto, or idea that guides you?

My mom always tells me: “All you can do is the best you can do, and the best you can do is all you can do.”

What are your plans after graduation?

I have always enjoyed teaching, so I plan to stay in academia. I love research just as much so preferably I could both run a lab and teach.