Applications Scientist, Production Genomics
Fluidigm
ASHG: If you could go back to when you were a trainee, what is one piece of advice you would give yourself for your current career?
Dr. Lee: I would have taken the time to learn some bioinformatics and dealing with big data. My PI always thought I should have taken on some bioinformatics courses when I was training. I should have listened to him. I thought I was busy then, but once you leave your training period, people will expect you to drop running and there is no time to learn on your own.
ASHG: What are your favorite and least favorite parts of your job?
Dr. Lee: My favorite part is combining science with my communication and soft skills to educate audiences about the cool new tech my company has developed. While in grad school and post docing, people kept saying that I should be out speaking and interacting with people. Well-known professors complimented me on my speaking and my seminar content. So, when I decided to try industry, I looked for a job where I could interact with other scientists and still utilize my training.
Traveling for work gets old after a few years of business travel. I have been to many lovely places in the world only to drive by the sites on the way to a meeting.
ASHG: What do you think the future holds for the field of genetics?
Dr. Lee: I think personalized and molecular medicine is the future of genetics and I’m so excited to be working toward that goal.
Want more interviews? Join the ASHG Trainee Forum to keep up with new ones!