Ryan Gillespe, PhD
Program Coordinator
Cardiac Care Network (CCN)
e. gheme@hotmail.com
Interview:
Q: Tell us a bit about your graduate research. What were your most exciting findings?
I conducted my graduate work in the Beier Lab. I worked on a tissue specific mouse model where we deleted the gene GSK-3beta from bone forming cells, the osteoblasts. The most exciting finding was that there were metabolic effects and male specific mortality.
Q: Did you know when you entered graduate school that you would most likely pursue a career outside academia?
No, I thought I would go down the academic route. But when my current position presented itself I took it because it was a good opportunity to get into health care. It was one of the toughest decisions of my life.
Q: What skills did you acquire in graduate school that help you in your current position? How did your degree give you an advantage in attaining your position?
The most tangible skill I acquired was learning how to understand the data and how to display it. The critical thinking and problem solving skills that go hand-in-hand with grad school are extremely valuable. My degree opened the door and got me the meeting with the CEO, and my skills allow me to keep it.
Q: What are some specific examples of extracurricular activities (outside of research) that you participated in, which helped you get to the position you are at now?
I was involved with the grad student council, department meetings, as well as taking on a lot of teaching duties. I gained various types of new experiences and learned how to handle different situations. Team sports, such as soccer and volleyball, helped as working with a team is extremely important in my job. You have to know how to work with different types of people.
Q: How did you learn about the posting for your current job?
My current job wasn’t posted. In fact, there wasn’t even a position available when I met with the CEO. She hired me and then I just fell into/developed my position as I went along.
Q: What are some suggestions for networking?
Stay in contact with everyone through Facebook, LinkedIn, or whatever the kids are using now-a-days. You really never know where your next job connection comes from.
Q: What is one piece of advice you can offer to current graduate students? To current post-doctoral fellows?
Start looking early, starting talking to people early, and tell everyone you are looking. You never know where an opportunity will come from.
Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
The best thing about my job is having real world effects. I coordinate a program that evaluates facilities performing echocardiography. Every time we make recommendations it means the care for patients gets improved. Maybe a life threatening disease gets identified where previously it would have been missed.
Q: What does your perfect Sunday look like?
Hiking with my wife in a forest, spotting wildlife, snacking on some mangoes, Swiss Chalet for dinner with friends, and finally watching the sun paint the sky while it drops into Lake Huron.
