Farewell to Parting Director, Sharon Gerecht

from 2021 Nano-Bio Report

Engineering in Aging Research: Highlights of the 14th Nano-Bio Symposium

Dear colleagues and friends, As most of you know I have accepted a faculty position at Duke University in North Carolina. I never thought I’d leave Hopkin but when the opportunity at Duke presented itself, it was one I could not let pass. The choice is bittersweet as I’ve accomplished much at this great institution and cultivated wonderful relationships. In 2007, I arrived at Hopkins after completing my postdoctoral fellowship at MIT and became a chemical and biomolecular engineering assistant professor with an eye to grow my expertise in tissue repair and regeneration using stem cells. Upon my arrival I was immediately recruited by Denis Wirtz to become a member of the INBT. The years passed and I went on to become full professor in 2016 and by 2017 I was the INBT’s new director.

Academia has no shortage of duties and responsibilities, and I’ve had a full 15 years of them. But my most prized responsibility and accomplishment is training, and hopefully inspiring, future STEM generations. I have had over 100 trainees, from high school students to postdoctoral fellows. My former trainees have completed many more professional achievements and I am glad to have played a part in helping them become the professionals they want to be. Integral to training the future STEM generations, and an important component to my career, is ensuring underrepresented minorities have representation in STEM fields. I’ve strived to create opportunities and participate in activities that recruits diverse student populations, and to create an inclusive environment for all. Diversifying our lab and community not only helps excel research, but I strongly believe it enriches our experiences and strengthens our ability to face adversities.

As I packed my home, office, and laboratory I was reminded of the fond memories I have made at Hopkins. I thank everyone who has been a part of my journey and appreciate those who supported me. I hope I have done the same for you. I look forward to forging a new chapter and I take the friendships I have made at Hopkins and Baltimore with me.