Chelsea Crooks was a STEM Public Service Fellow in 2021 while pursuing a PhD in the Microbiology Doctoral Training Program and Department of Pathobiological Sciences. Today, she is a postdoc in Dr. Sallie Permar’s lab in the Department of Pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM). She is studying virological and immunological determinants of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), a leading cause of birth defects, with the ultimate goal of developing effective vaccines for the prevention of cCMV. In addition to her scientific research, she is working on a project to identify barriers to and policy solutions for the inclusion of children and pregnant and lactating people in vaccine clinical trials. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outside with her dog, baking, and trying new restaurants in NYC. She is also part of the organizing committee for her postdoc union at WCM.
What was your favorite part of this program?
My favorite part of the PSF program was the relationships I formed with my cohort. I learned so much from the unique perspectives that everyone brought to class discussions. My cohort was incredibly supportive both with regard to my work within and outside of the program.
What was one of the most valuable things you learned as a Fellow?
Although I came into the program with some policy experience, I learned a lot of the research and theory behind community engagement principles. This broadened my mindset regarding community engagement and helped me to identify ways to connect basic science research to the community.
How have you applied the skills and knowledge from this program in your career?
In my current work identifying policy solutions for the inclusion of pregnant and lactating people in clinical trials, the frameworks that I learned in PSF were helpful in considering the stakeholders that we wanted to include. I recognized that community engagement from people that these policies would affect was critical to include in addition to the scientists and policymakers.
What advice do you have for new Fellows coming into this program?
Take time to invest in the relationships with your cohort!
Learn more about STEM Public Service Fellows.