(continued)

She eventually declared biochemistry as her major, but the steady diet of hard sciences left the more human side of her interests unfulfilled. Professor Chris Landry suggested neuroscience might be a better fit, and she found her niche in that department.

Atkinson discovered she could do meaningful research as an undergraduate–as a sophomore she began working as a research assistant for the UVM MindBody Medicine Clinic.

“It ended up being the perfect opportunity for me – working in a psychiatry lab, researching the physical and psychological impacts of chronic musculoskeletal pain and how patients respond to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.”

Between her junior and senior years, she received the Summer Neuroscience Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SNURF) award, which allowed her to conduct her own research in the clinic. SNURF is one of several UVM programs funded by the National Science Foundation that funds undergraduate research opportunities. Atkinson’s investigation into genetic predispositions to chronic musculoskeletal pain ended up being the subject of her UVM honors thesis.

Approaching graduation, Atkinson faced another important decision.

“I looked at PhD programs and medical schools, but I wasn’t ready to make that commitment right away—I wanted to work and save some money before jumping into a several-year program.”

That’s when her lab supervisor and mentor, Alan French, suggested consulting work.

“He had worked in a pharmaceutical consulting firm for years and thought I would be good at it. He invited me to shadow him in New York to see what it was all about and I was fascinated to learn about what goes into launching new drugs and creating patient access programs in an environment as complex as the US healthcare system.”

Atkinson went back to New York for a formal job interview, and was subsequently offered a position in their Boston office just weeks after graduating.

Her work in Boston connected her with other professionals in the field, and this networking led to her current position as a Senior Consultant with a startup in Essex called EQUITAS Life Sciences.
“I’m able to work in the life science industry in a way I didn’t know was possible. It is still research-intensive, but rather than in a lab I am working in an office, traveling to meet with clients across the country, and working with people around the world to help increase patient access to life-saving medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostic equipment. The effects of my work are fast-paced, far-reaching, and so rewarding.”

It was the advice and support of her mentors along the way that connected her with such a rewarding career.

“I felt I had so much support at UVM. The hands-on research and networking opportunities were critical both as an undergrad and as a consultant. I hope other undergrads look at my experience and know that there are so many options out there, and that the relationships you make along the way are just as important as the major you pick or the research you conduct.”