Fourth-Year PhD Candidate in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Sarah Vandal was one of the organizers behind Science Day 2025.
What program are you in, and what inspired you to pursue this field of study?
SARAH: I am a 4th year in the molecular and cellular biology (MCB) program, specifically in the biochemistry and cell biology department. During a summer internship in college, I had the opportunity to conduct cell biology research. It really opened my eyes to how complex cells are and how much there is still left to understand. It’s amazing that understanding the very basics of how a molecular pathway works can generate direction for therapeutics to treat all kinds of illnesses and diseases in the body.
Where do you consider your hometown, and how has it impacted who you are today?
SARAH: My hometown is Shrewsbury MA. Growing up in a suburb of Massachusetts, I was immersed in a community that put a lot of emphasis on education and had a lot of resources to do so. It not only made me strive for big goals but also recognize my privilege in doing so.
Where did you earn your undergraduate degree, and how did your academic journey lead you to Dartmouth?
SARAH: I earned my bachelor of arts at Colby College in Waterville, ME. Starting college, I knew I was interested in science but wasn’t sure which area or future career path. While there, I had some amazing professors and lab instructors that not only made learning course material fun but also encouraged me to explore the field of research. It was through a REU summer internship at the University of Vermont, where I really started to see research as my future career path.
Which faculty members are you collaborating with on your current project, and how have they influenced your research?
SARAH: I work in the lab of Jamie Moseley, where we study how cells control their size, through growth and division. He is an incredibly smart, curious, and understanding mentor who has helped guide my research in meaningful directions but has also helped me think through the next steps of my career.
I also have to shout out my committee members Harry Higgs and Amanda Amodeo and the rest of the biochemistry department that have served as great additional mentors.
What motivated you to get involved in organizing Science Day, and what do you hope participants take away from the event?
SARAH: During undergrad, I participated in different kinds of volunteering and outreach events and really enjoyed it. Coming to Dartmouth I knew I wanted to be involved in something similar. I also realized through the COVID pandemic and aftermath how important making science information accessible and understandable to all is for making personal and community health choices. So I decided to revive Science Day post-COVID with the help of Irma, Sam, and alum Sarah Valles. I hope attendees come away from Science Day with new insights, a positive view of science research, and an excitement for discovery!
Can you share a memorable moment from this year’s Science Day? How do you think events like this impact the broader community?
SARAH: I think the most memorable moments were just seeing kids walk out of a classroom with so much excitement about what they just saw, built, or learned. It makes me really proud of the graduate students that put in a lot of work to make an activity fun and informative.
Additionally, it makes me excited and hopeful for each kid’s future, whether they decide to pursue science further or not, they will at least have a good appreciation and basic understanding of science. I think that is one of the main impacts this event has on the broader community: making science knowledge valuable, accessible, and fun.
Why did you choose Dartmouth to pursue your degree?
SARAH: I chose Dartmouth because of the collaborative and friendly nature of all of the professors and graduate students in the MCB program. It was really important for me to find an environment that I felt comfortable enough to challenge myself in, and Dartmouth did just that.
Outside of your studies, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
SARAH: Outside of school I love spending time outside, whether that’s running, hiking or skiing. I also enjoy baking and art!
What are your favorite places or activities at Dartmouth or in the Upper Valley, and why?
SARAH: I really enjoy attending different community events in the area, like the Norwich Farmers Market, the Field and Feast Concert Series, and many others! I think one thing that makes the Upper Valley special is how central community and being a kind and compassionate neighbor is to everyone’s daily life.
