“At Weill Cornell Medicine, there are so many different people and so many different ideas that they bring from their cultures and countries. It’s a great environment to work in, and you can’t find it anywhere else.”
When Monica first interviewed for a role at Weill Cornell Medicine, the institution was well known for its research efforts, but she saw that big changes were coming soon. Construction was underway at the Belfer Research Building, which would soon double Weill Cornell’s laboratory space with state-of-the-art facilities, and more and more talented physicians and scientists were joining the institution. Now, Monica works in the Belfer Research Building, managing the laboratory of one of the world’s leading cancer researchers, Dr. Lewis C. Cantley. “Dr. Cantley discovered a major signaling pathway called phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and its role in cancer metabolism. His research has resulted in revolutionary treatments for cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.”
Monica’s career at Weill Cornell Medicine has provided her with opportunities for both hands-on bench work and administrative duties. Prior to joining Dr. Cantley’s lab, she was a Research Technician in in the lab of Dr. Ari Melnick where she was contributed to a number of publications focused on lymphoma. It’s given her a unique insight into how important both types of roles are to translational research. “In my earlier roles when I was part of the research projects, it was very rewarding to be doing the actual work to lead to better insight into a certain disease. Now I’m helping others get to that point. We all have to work together. If the team can’t conduct their research safely and efficiently, discoveries can’t happen.”
She sees Weill Cornell Medicine as a place where research support staff with a variety of experience can thrive as long as they are dedicated to excellence in their work. “At this institution, they’re looking to see what you can offer. As long as you can prove yourself, they are willing to give you a chance.”
It’s also a place that’s enriched by the diversity of the faculty and staff who are drawn here from all over the world. “At Weill Cornell Medicine, there are so many different people and so many different ideas that they bring from their cultures and countries. It’s a great environment to work in, and you can’t find it anywhere else.”
What would Monica tell someone considering a career at Weill Cornell Medicine? “Definitely apply. I’ve been here for eight years, and I started from a low position and worked my way up. If I didn’t think this was a great place to be, I wouldn’t be here.”