Biological sciences doctoral candidate journeys from childhood microscopes to cutting-edge research

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—When faced with a scientific mystery, Western Michigan University doctoral candidate Samantha Hack cannot help but try to solve it. A detective in the biological sciences currently interested in adult stem cells and tissue regeneration in flatworms, Hack has dedicated herself to pursuing research in Western’s biological studies programs since her undergraduate studies.

Hack’s interest in science was sparked at a young age when her grandfather gave her a subscription to National Geographic. She became intrigued by biology and was inspired to conduct her own childhood research, eager to learn more. 

“I had a little microscope where I could go out and cut leaves, put them on glass slides and make wet mounts,” says Hack. “When the book fair came around, I would beg for any kit that was science related.”

This passion steered Hack toward a career in science, a path she likens to solving an intricate puzzle, each twist and turn yielding a fresh revelation.

“I think that discovery, where you’re the only one who knows what you found, is so cool,” says Hack. “I don't really know how to describe how it feels, but it’s a very powerful feeling being the only one that knows what you just found.”

Hack’s interests brought her to Western. After successfully completing both baccalaureate and Master's degrees in biological sciences, she has continued her studies in pursuit of a doctoral degree, which she expects to complete in June 2024. Currently conducting research in Dr. Wendy Beane’s lab, Hack credits Beane and her doctoral committee with being incredibly supportive mentors. 

“My experience has been fantastic in the Ph.D program because of how awesome my mentors are,” says Hack. “They have not put a limit to what I can do, which has been really nice.”

Throughout her time at Western, Hack has garnered numerous accolades, including the All-University Graduate Research and Creative Scholar award. This year, she was selected to receive a Graduate College Dissertation Completion Fellowship. Her other accomplishments include oral presentations at the Society for Developmental Biology Annual Meeting and WMed Research Day, co-authoring two journal publications with three more in the pipeline, and being selected from highly competitive pools of international applicants to enroll n three advanced research courses at Cold Spring Harbor and Marine Biological Laboratories. She was also selected for two highly competitive post-doctoral fellow recruitment programs at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Institute.

“I feel like getting your Ph.D. just feels like an upward battle,” says Hack. “You have to love it or else it's just kind of brutal. People really only stay in it if they really love what they’re doing.”

Hack’s next goal is to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship at an academic institution or research hospital. She would particularly enjoy remaining in academia by teaching at a university and overseeing her own research lab. However, she is happy with whatever comes her way for the time being. 

“I love teaching,” says Hack. “It has been really nice to share my knowledge with other grad students in the department.”

As Hack approaches the end of her doctoral journey, she anticipates the bittersweet farewell to the academic environment at Western that has been so instrumental “in helping to foster critical thinking, which is really what a Ph.D is all about.” 

Ready for wherever her passion and expertise will lead her next, Hack affirms that her time at Western has fully satisfied the love she has for science that her grandfather’s gift first inspired. 

“I'm ready to take the next step: excited maybe, scared yes,” says Hack. “I have come to the point where I'm ready to be independent and on my own, moving onto something where I can really take charge and ownership of the project.” 

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