Spotlight on Rebecca Roberts
Dr. Rebecca Roberts, associate professor of biology and co-coordinator of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BCMB) Program came to Ursinus College in 2001. Roberts became interested in the field of BCMB field while at Clark University getting her undergraduate degree: “I started out as a Chemistry major, but a new BCMB major was introduced my sophomore year. I found the chemistry behind the biology to be so intriguing. I was in the first class to graduate from Clark with a degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. I still love this field – ask any of my students and they’ll tell you how giddy I get when talking to them about proteins! Yup, I’m a geek.”
Roberts developed a research program that investigates how estrogens affect a class of enzymes that are important in immune function. She has found that both natural estrogens and BPA regulate many of these enzymes. These enzymes are also important in cancer progression, and students in the lab are now investigating the regulation to determine if what we see in immune cells is also occurring in human breast cancer cells. Roberts’ research also connects to her life as a mother.
In 2005 when her daughter was born she became concerned that many baby bottles and sippy cups contained BPA that could leach out of the plastic, giving kids an extra dose of “estrogen” during critical times of development. She then became interested in the social justice issues related to environmental estrogens. Since then, Roberts has served as a bridge between the science community and the public about the health concerns of these compounds.
?When asked about her experience as a female scientist and professor, both of which are male dominated fields, Roberts reflected, “Amazingly, I have had few obstacles in my career that were related to my gender. There have certainly been times when I’ve looked around and found mostly men, especially when I was a graduate student in a male-dominated Chemistry Department. But, those are times when you just take a deep breath and jump into the conversation.” Roberts also was intentional about working at a place like Ursinus that respects her choice to pursue a profession she loves while keeping family as her first priority. She also views it as part of her job to role model to female students that they can be smart, self-confidentprofessionals within a science field and still have a family. She noted, “It’s not always easy, but it’s do-able.”
?When asked what advice Roberts has for students she shared that students should also remain open to following their passions. Roberts herself almost took a job as a science writer after finishing her postdoctoral, but then found her calling in the world of teaching and decided to pursue being a professor, although she still enjoys writing. Roberts advises students to, “Surround yourself with people who are interesting and passionate, they will hold you up when times are tough. Be purposeful about making choices that will lead to a balanced and fulfilled life.”.
-Olivia Keithley
Communications Fellow
Office of Sustainability