Fourth-Year PhD Candidate in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Samantha (Sam) Liu was one of the organizers behind Science Day 2025.
What program are you in, and what inspired you to pursue this field of study?
SAM: I am currently a fourth year student in MCB, in the biochemistry and cell biology department. My research experiences during my undergraduate studies sparked deep interest in the world of scientific research. Through a mixture of both coursework and personal experiences, these interests focused on questions surrounding general cell biology and protein/organelle homeostasis.
Where do you consider your hometown, and how has it impacted who you are today?
SAM: I grew up in Cambridge, MA, where I was incredibly lucky to be surrounded by science everywhere. The MIT Museum hosts a week long annual Cambridge Science Festival, an event I remember going to as a kid. I loved seeing all of the different experiments each of the scientists across a multitude of disciplines presented. The fact that one could dedicate their life to studying such amazing phenomena in the world around us that could be used to help people, excited me. This was something I wanted to be able to contribute to.
Where did you earn your undergraduate degree, and how did your academic journey lead you to Dartmouth?
SAM: My journey from undergrad to where I am today is only possible because of the amazing mentors I have been incredibly lucky to have the privilege of working with. I attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst for my undergraduate studies and earned my bachelor of science in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Through the Biology Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship (BURA) program, I joined the Learning Lab in the department of developmental psychology led by Dr. Jennifer McDermott, where I was involved in a project investigating the impact of gendered-play preferences on learning and attention in young children. I am forever grateful for Jen and the lab for this opportunity, welcoming a high school graduate with no prior research experience to dive straight into the world of scientific research.
As I took more cell biology courses, and witnessed family members battle various neurodegenerative disorders, my interests began to shift from developmental psychology towards biochemistry and biology. During my junior year I joined the lab of Dr. Amanda Woerman, where I studied the role of protein misfolding in neurodegeneration. Working with Amanda and the rest of the lab cemented my desire to pursue a career in biological research – a gift I can never thank them enough for. Amanda herself was actually the one who encouraged me to apply to the Dartmouth MCB program, one (of many) great pieces of advice I have received from her.
Which faculty members are you collaborating with on your current project, and how have they influenced your research?
SAM: I currently work in Dr. Christopher Shoemaker’s lab, where we are interested in understanding mechanisms of selective autophagy and general protein quality control. Chris’ enthusiasm, passion, and dedication to our training as graduate students has laid the foundation for an enriching learning environment. Chris is a huge support to me throughout my time at Dartmouth, and also challenges me to grow as a scientist.
My committee members, Drs. Charlie Barlowe and Mike Ragusa, have also been an immense support, as well as all of my lab members, past and present. As I said before, strong mentorship has been a recurring theme I have been lucky enough to experience throughout my research training. This is something I hope to emulate throughout my own career.
What motivated you to get involved in organizing Science Day, and what do you hope participants take away from the event?
SAM: Science outreach had a huge positive impact on me growing up. As a large research institution, I think we are responsible for ensuring that the future generations of scientists are encouraged and welcomed with open arms. This mission can be supported by creating opportunities and events to spark curiosity in science, especially gearing towards individuals who have been historically excluded from the field. I hope that Science Day at Dartmouth continues to be one (of several) opportunities in the Upper Valley area for young scientists to keep exploring what science has to offer, while having fun.
I would like to highlight the fact that this event would not have been possible without all of the 135 volunteers we had running each of the stations, welcoming attendees, coordinating each of the booths, leading tours, and guiding visitors throughout their Science Day experiences. Volunteers include graduate students, professors, postdoctoral scholars, staff, and undergraduate students. It is incredibly moving that despite being busy with many other responsibilities, all of the volunteers dedicated their time and effort to making Science Day an amazing experience. I think this just goes to show how special the people inside of Dartmouth are and the passion that they have for science and sharing it with others. I am beyond grateful for each and every single one of the wonderful volunteers.
Can you share a memorable moment from this year’s Science Day? How do you think events like this impact the broader community?
SAM: It was amazing to see our volunteers sharing their scientific disciplines with enthusiasm, and being met with that same level of energy in curiosity among all of the participants. I remember seeing a faculty member guide a young child on maneuvering a robotic boat simulation and cheering them on, a group of students exclaim in delight as they isolated DNA from strawberries, and participants sitting in awe as they explored the world of virtual reality.
As scientists, part of our job in addition to doing the actual science, is to build trust with the public and share it with the world in an accessible and digestible way. Seeing all of these scientists convey their passions to so many young students was incredibly inspiring to witness. As science is facing repeated attacks, now more than ever, science needs to be highlighted and supported. One of the ways we can do so is by promoting early and sustained access to science.
Why did you choose Dartmouth to pursue your degree?
SAM: Even though my interview at Dartmouth was entirely virtual, one thing that was clearly conveyed to me even through a screen was the impact and atmosphere of the graduate student community at Dartmouth. All the students I met with were incredibly kind, honest, and supportive, even taking time after the visit to answer my many questions about the program and life in the Upper Valley. Four years later, I am incredibly grateful for all of the people I met during my interview and since then.
Outside of your studies, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
SAM: I love photography, drawing, skiing, swimming, cooking, and just being outside (no matter the season).
What are your favorite places or activities at Dartmouth or in the Upper Valley, and why?
SAM: It has been so nice to be immediately surrounded by so many beautiful outdoor locations at Dartmouth. I love going on walks in Pine Park, the farmers markets, and being on the river during the summertime, whether that be on a kayak or in the water.
