When was the last time that you went to the CAMB office? If you can run a PCR faster than you can recall your last visit, it’s time to consider making the trip.
Tucked away on the 4th floor of the Anatomy/Chemistry building, room 404 houses the all-star team of women that is integral to the success of the CAMB program. The dynamic trio of CAMB coordinators Meagan Schofer, Anna Kline, and Kathy O’Connor-Cooley has been functioning seamlessly for over 10 years. Their calm demeanor and the expedience with which they respond to a daily barrage of emails belie the multitude of responsibilities that each coordinator handles. These tasks range from organizing faculty mini talks to event planning. Each coordinator has a designated focus, but the open layout of the office underscores the importance of teamwork and collaboration. In fact, the coordinators traded in their cubicles for adjoining desks when the CAMB office was renovated a few years ago.
The camaraderie between the CAMB coordinators is apparent instantly. Throughout the interview, they completed each other’s sentences and constantly reiterated how much they genuinely enjoy working together. They share many common interests and are the proud mothers of a combined total of five children aged 4-19. Perhaps the most striking commonality was the enthusiasm with which they explained why they love their job. All three coordinators asserted that it is incredibly rewarding to watch students grow and flourish in the CAMB program. The coordinators are in a unique position to observe the transformation that students make as they gain a sense of confidence and ownership of their project. In this article we will delve into resources and advice for CAMB students and become better acquainted with the CAMB coordinators.
Relevant Resources
The CAMB office contains a wealth of underutilized resources for students. Notably, the free access to black-and-white and color printers make the CAMB office the perfect place to print documents ranging from Cell 600 slides to an entire thesis. There is also an adjacent conference room that can be scheduled to hold study sessions and meetings. Since refreshments make any meeting worth attending, there is a full refrigerator and freezer conveniently located inside the CAMB office. This EHRS-friendly alternative provides a better place to stash birthday cakes and beverages than the closest cold room. Last, but certainly not least, there are boxes of free CAMB t-shirts in several sizes and colors that are always up for grabs. Stop by for the swag or just to say hello. The CAMB coordinators relish the opportunity to interact with students.
Words of Wisdom
With annual enrollment approaching 300 students, the CAMB coordinators have dealt with nearly every possible scenario and have spectacular advice to offer about how to ensure success. First and foremost, the resounding consensus among the coordinators is that communication is key. Often, students are too afraid to ask questions and seek help. However, no question is too trivial and even if the coordinators don’t know the answer, they are more than happy to troubleshoot and point students in the right direction. It is important to keep each program specific coordinator in the loop, especially when correspondence pertains to academic inquiries and thesis committee meetings. To streamline all information and communication that concerns academic milestones and thesis progress, the trio has become a quartet. Christina Strathearn just joined the team as a fourth coordinator. Her primary focus will be to track the academic affairs of current students to ensure successful progress throughout the stages of the CAMB program.
Another important point that the coordinators raised is that students should not enroll themselves in classes. While the Penn InTouch platform interface is simple to navigate, course registration for CAMB students involves complicated logistics. Finally, the coordinators explicitly want to emphasize that one of their main roles is to facilitate interactions between students. Students can access records of where every student has rotated, which is a great resource for first year students deliberating between different labs. The CAMB coordinators also have an extensive database of alumni affiliations and contact information. This archive is a fantastic tool to initiate communication with CAMB alumni that have chosen a wide variety of career paths.
Meet Meagan
Sub Programs: DSRB, GGR
Primary Focus: Schedules faculty interviews and facilitates logistics for admissions and recruitment.
Favorite Philly Attractions: While it is difficult for her to choose a favorite place, Meagan appreciates Philly’s vibrant, affordable restaurant scene. She loves how approachable and fun the city is and enjoys dining out.
Fun fact: Before her arrival at Penn, Meagan was a preschool teacher. Her experience managing three year olds likely instilled in her many of the traits that enable her to oversee large groups of scientists.
All About Anna
Sub Programs: GTV, MVP
Primary Focus: Orchestrates the annual CAMB symposium and organizes combined degree (MD-PhD) recruitment.
Favorite Philly Attractions: Anna’s top picks are Wissahickon Creek, Frankford Avenue, and the multitude of festivals held throughout the city. All of these attractions are free, which is a price point that any PhD student can get behind.
Fun fact: Anna earned degrees in art and art education. She has lived in a multitude of places, including Alaska.
Get to Know Kathy
Sub Programs: CPM, CB
Primary Focus: Spearheads course registration, monitors faculty and student participation, and facilitates new faculty joining.
Favorite Philly Attraction: The Italian Market, especially Tortillaria San Roman. Located on 9th and Christian, this establishment serves up the perfect combination of authentic, affordable Mexican fare.
Fun fact: Kathy enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 18 and served for a total of nine years. Her experiences span geographical boundaries, as she lived abroad in Europe for five years.
The role of CAMB coordinator is certainly not a typical desk job. These impressive women have to draw upon their troubleshooting, organizational, and interpersonal skills on a daily basis. Always focused on the big picture, the coordinators ensure that all aspects of the CAMB program function smoothly. We are so fortunate to have Meagan, Anna, and Kathy here at Penn.