W. Marcus Lambert
Outside of science, Marcus keeps busy with his four children!
W. Marcus Lambert, Ph.D., is the Director of Diversity and Student Services at Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences.
Marcus grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, but left his hometown during his teenage year in order to attend a religious high school in Atlanta, Georgia. During that time, he boarded with four different families. He credits that experience for giving him the fortitude and resiliency to make it in science.
According to Marcus, “Science is all about resilience”.
What’s your favorite thing about being a scientist? Did you always want to be a scientist?
“The freedom of thought. The encouragement to challenge convention. I didn’t want to become a scientist until someone exposed me to this world. I frankly didn’t know it existed. The right people helped and guided me along the way, which is why I do what I do now.”
Can you think of a specific time when you found science or pursuing science challenging?
“My first year of graduate school was the hardest for me. It was like learning a new language, the language of science.”
If you could give one piece of advice to young scientists or students, what would it be?
“Find and cultivate relationships with mentors. My greatest shortcomings have come from not consulting with those who have traveled similar roads before me.”