From Biology to Chemistry, UWG Alumna Offers Current Students a Perspective on Scientific ResearchShare this page
Being able to work for one of the largest public health agencies in the world would probably never cross anyone’s mind. But for Dr. Dali Davis ’19, she knew her hard work and dedication would pay off, thanks to her time at the University of West Georgia and her research achievements.
For as long as the UWG alumna can remember, she knew that choosing a science-related major in college was going to be the right decision.
“I initially was a biology major with a pre-med track,” Davis explained. “However, when I took organic chemistry, I became fascinated with the understanding how organic molecules interacted and gave rise to life.”
Davis was introduced to UWG through the Advanced Academy of Georgia, which was a residential joint high school and early college entrance program at the university. After graduating from high school and completing the program, Davis enrolled at UWG as a full-time student.
“I appreciated the connections I made with the faculty and the teaching opportunities that were available to me as an undergraduate student,” Davis said.
During her time in university, Davis kept up the hard work within her studies as she incorporated herself into working on an anti-tumor drug synthesis. This passion for research later sparked yet another opportunity.
“I wanted to gain experience with synthetic techniques and see if my love for organic chemistry was only pen deep or if I also enjoyed the bench work,” she said.
All of Davis’s efforts led to her participating in the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the University of Michigan, which is a program that presents the outstanding achievements of research from undergraduate students.
After graduating from UWG, Davis decided to take things up a notch and move forward to her dream of attending graduate school.
“Before applying and attending grad school, I wanted to make sure I could see myself enjoying that type of life,” she explained. “Both experiences, the REU and my time at UWG, aligned with my career goals because I was making the pivot from being pre-med to becoming grad-school bound. These experiences helped me become more competitive when applying to graduate schools.”
Furthering her graduate studies at Princeton University, where she eventually earned her Ph.D., Davis became a graduate student researcher and focused on combining organic chemistry, chemical biology and geosciences. During this time, she switched labs and began a new lab that focused on collaborative work.
“I helped create the opportunity myself talking with my principal investigator, or PI, and reaching out to another faculty member to help foster a collaboration between the labs,” she said. “I learned that I enjoy this type of collaborative work the most. You can gain so much insight and different ways of thinking by listening to how others solve problems.”
Since Davis’ focus was working on her research projects, it didn’t take long for her to consider what she wanted to do after finishing her education. Learning about the independence of research, as well as the responsibilities, Davis found her dream job working for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“While on a recruiting trip at a conference, there was a CDC table,” Davis said. “This is when I learned about the Laboratory Leadership Service Fellowship. I thought it would be a perfect fit as it emphasized leadership, quality and public health-related research.”
With the support from her professors and the massive opportunities that were given to her, recently returning to UWG to share her story with current students was a joyful moment for Davis.
“I have so many fond memories of being in the chemistry program,” she shared. “Whenever there is a chance for me to come and see the professors, I take it.”
Returning to UWG also afforded Davis an opportunity to give some heartfelt advice to students who may want to follow a similar path.
“Find opportunities and don’t be afraid to take on new challenges, whether they be internal or external to the university,” Davis told students. “There are so many people that want to see you succeed, so don’t hesitate or feel too proud to ask.”