Mary Scott

Mary joined the Molecular Foundry as a Faculty Staff Scientist in 2017, while also joining the UC Berkeley Materials Science and Engineering Department as an Assistant Professor. She was previously a postdoc in the same department at UC Berkeley. Prior to that, she was a graduate student at UCLA and a long-term user at the National Center for Electron Microscopy within the Foundry.

What inspires you to work in STEM or operations?

As a kid, I loved to read, and would read books about science and space like "A Brief History of Time". I was fascinated with understanding how our universe worked, and I loved the idea that mathematics was a universal language that humans could use to understand our world.

I am inspired to work in STEM from both because it gives me the opportunity to generate and pass on knowledge to others, and from the pure excitement of scientific observation and discovery.

What excites you about your work at Berkeley Lab?

The high density of creative ideas generated by the co-location of so many brilliant people.

How can our country engage more women, girls, and members of other underrepresented groups in STEM or operations?

Our country must address educational inequity at all levels, but especially early education, where the "leaky pipeline" to STEM begins. Without equal opportunity to learn and flourish in grades K-12, we will not achieve equity in STEM careers.

Do you have tips you would recommend for someone looking to enter your field of work?

Opportunity often comes when you show up early. Ask lots of questions! And remember that no one is perfect, failures will happen but they do not define you.

When you have free time, what are your hobbies?

I enjoy gardening, and grow my own hot peppers to make into hot sauces. I like to run, hike and in general be outdoors, and to watch scary movies.