Kenya Wilcots

Tell me a bit about your research?

My doctoral research focused on light-sensing photopigment melanopsin which has been associated with blue light recognition. Before my research, melanopsin was well-studied for its role in blue light detection and its behavioral implications on the human body. My research aimed to study the loss of melanopsin and its effects on the eye. My findings revealed melanopsin loss resulted in retinal damage.

What led you to this point in your career?

During my undergraduate matriculation, I found chemistry to be a challenging subject. The continuous challenge occupied my interest and inspired me to tutor others. Shortly after graduating, I sought to explore a career in teaching, prompting me to seek a graduate degree. I applied to Cleveland State University with the initial intention of pursuing a master’s degree. What attracted me to Cleveland State was the ability to seamlessly switch my discipline from biology to chemistry.

What inspired you to pursue this career path?

My inspiration to pursue this career path was the result of two very influential women in my life. My grandmother Alice and cousin Dr. Handford incessantly encouraged me to stay true to myself and have courage.

What does it mean to be a woman in science? What challenges or advantages have you faced?

To be a woman in science means bringing your unique understanding to your field of interest. Converting experience into innovation is the true advantage. I love functioning through my feminine lens, because it allows me to go beyond superficial interactions and explore the complexity of professional relationships creating valuable connections. As a woman in science, I can effortlessly harness my cooperative ability to lead and delegate with grace. I enjoy the ability to recognize emotional barriers and build meaningful and lifelong relationships.

What advice do you have for other women in STEM?

Stand in who you are and what you believe, integrity is unwavering.

Tell me a bit about your research?

My research focuses on the role of certain enzymes and how they affect metabolic pathways. My aim is to find out if the enzyme our lab studies plays a role or not in metabolic syndrome.

What led you to this point in your career?

My career path hasn’t been a straight route. I graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences in chemistry and worked in the manufacturing industry as a quality technician for two years. I didn’t see myself growing there because it became a routine and not challenging so I decided to go back to graduate school, hence my enrollment in the clinical chemistry program.

What inspired you to pursue this career path?

I loved translational research, so when I first enrolled in the program, I talked to Dr. Kalafatis about research opportunities as a master’s student and his response inspired me so much into pursuing this career path. I switched from the master’s degree after my first semester to the Ph.D. I have met great mentors in my research career who have been so helpful for my success. My mom has no college degree, but she believes in higher education. I am originally from Ghana and growing up we didn’t have much, so being here with all these opportunities inspires me to push forward and be a role model for my children and other women as well.

What does it mean to be a woman in science? What challenges or advantages have you faced?

It’s amazing to be a woman pursuing a career in science. Here in Cleveland State, I haven’t met any professor who is not interested in students’ success. Every professor I have reached out to, be it with research or career questions, they are always available and willing to talk. I love talking to my female mentors and they give the greatest advice all the time: Dr. Bond, Dr. Weyman, Dr. DePaoli, Dr. Sandlers, Dr. Moravick and Dr. Traughber.

What advice do you have for other women in STEM?

You are amazing and you are doing a great job. Don’t give up and enjoy the science.