Meet Rodylyn Ferry
“Preparing for a day of neuroscience in the vivarium; appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed for Biosafety Level 2 laboratories.”
Rodylyn currently works as a Research Laboratory Technician. She hold an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science, Anthropology, Biology from University of Toronto (2008). Some of Rodylyn’s hobbies include Roller Derby, Knitting/ Crochet, Calligraphy, Typewriters, Reading, Puzzle games, Rugby, and Odd music (heavy metal/rock, synthwave, grunge, rap).
When did your love of STEM begin?
At a very young age; I had told my grandfather that my goal was to become a doctor so I could fix his eye (little did I know it was a fake one!). Years later, I was part of an influx of females entering STEM due to influences in media via Gillian Anderson (Dana Scully of the X-Files), Kathy Reichs (read her books and watched the TV show adaptation), as well as those in the CSI television series. I also grew up with Bill Nye, Beakman's World and The Magic School Bus!
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
There is always something new and different to handle everyday; while my tasks are rather structured and fairly routine throughout the week, it's not always the case and there's something to troubleshoot, to problem solve, critically think about and discover. I'm a researcher that aids other academics going through their careers pursuing graduate degrees; while I may not be writing papers, I am doing a lot of wet lab duties to facilitate those that come to our lab and collaborative centre.
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
Don't take no for an answer; the path isn't always clear and definitive. There are many ways to get to the destination, and sometimes its the journey that matters. Look to mentors and always be curious. Ask questions--there is no such thing as a stupid question if you don't know the answer.
Tell us a fun fact about you and your current role!
Fun fact? That's hard to say since what I think may be cool isn't always cool to others (I do have a morbid sense of humor). That being said, the coolest thing I've done in the lab was have the longest standing hand poured agar dish (no antibiotics) to have never been contaminated while in cold storage (7 years); it only was thrown out since it dried out! From my personal life, people always ask me how I got into roller derby, or what it's like having a typewriter collection--my oldest typewriter is a 1931 Corona--it still works.