Alumni Profiles Series: Erin Strickland

Dr. Erin Strickland did her undergraduate study in forensic science at Eastern Kentucky University and graduated from Duke University with a Ph.D. in chemistry. She worked as a research scientist in urine toxicology at Ameritox, then a postdoctoral fellow at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory in Quantico, VA through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, and now a supervising toxicologist at Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

What brought you to grad school?

I matriculated into grad school at Duke in 2008 and graduated in 2013. My degree specialty was bioanalytical chemistry. My career path wasn't linear: I started in forensic science as an undergrad at Eastern Kentucky University to pursue a career in forensic pathology, but realized medical school wasn't for me. Grad school became a way to build more opportunities, especially during the recession. I joined Michael Fitzgerald's lab, where I worked on a project using mass spectrometry to understand how the breast cancer drug tamoxifen interacts with proteins, which was a great experience that built my technical skills.

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How did you take your Ph.D. training and apply it to your current job in forensics?

The hands-on skills with mass spectrometry were the biggest direct transfer. A lot of forensics are analytical chemistry, so having experience with that technology made me marketable. The pharmacology and toxicology knowledge was also crucial. My first job came from networking when my PI encouraged us to be involved in the Triangle Area Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group. I gave a presentation there, and my future boss was in the audience and later offered me a job.

What advice do you have for graduate students on networking?

Don't be afraid to be awkward. Everyone is. The first time I attended a conference, I was following my boss around to get introductions; so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and ask to be introduced to people or try presenting for the first time. Oral presentations are especially effective for getting noticed, and you are the expert on your specific project. During these opportunities, prepare your own business cards in advance and use them. If you remember a conversation, write a note on the card to jog your memory later. Lastly, I recommend joining committees in professional organizations. It's a great way to meet people you wouldn't normally and build a network you can rely on for help later.

What is the best career advice you've ever received?

My first boss taught me two great rules. The first one was "there's no franchise on good ideas." Collaborate and champion good ideas, even if they aren't yours. It's okay to not be the smartest person in the room; go to the expert for help. The second one was to "under-promise and over-deliver." This taught me to manage expectations by giving myself a buffer on deadlines. It’s better to deliver early than to disappoint by missing a promised date.

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How do you find balance between your professional and personal life?

It's challenging, but I've learned a few things. In grad school, I did karate and was involved with Duke basketball. Having a grounding activity is crucial for sanity. Also, it’s important to remember that it's okay to say "no." You don't have to do everything just because you can. Focus on the things you truly enjoy. 

Another thing I learned recently is knowing when to let go. After nine years on the Young Forensic Toxicologists Committee, I'm stepping down to take a break and rediscovering my love for writing science publications.

What are some core traits of people in forensic science?

We get a lot of people who are curious, detail-oriented, and like puzzles. However, a surprising and necessary trait is the ability to do public speaking. We need to be able to testify in court and explain complex science in a simple, accessible way to a jury. While many are introverted, we can't be afraid of that public-facing part of the job. This also requires using applied analytical chemistry, so being a well-rounded chemist is the key.

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What has been the most surprising thing about your current job?

There have been two big surprises. On the challenging side, as a first-time supervisor, I was surprised that not everyone acts like an adult, and you sometimes must deal with issues you never expected. On the bright side, I was pleasantly surprised to find my toxicology section is predominantly female. It's a very welcoming, supportive, and female-led environment, which was a positive shift from my previous experiences and has been very encouraging.

What is one of your favorite memories from Duke?

It's hard to pick one! I have so many, from the 2010 national championship in basketball to making liquid nitrogen ice cream for visiting students. A very special tradition was that my advisor, Dr. Michael Fitzgerald, opened a bottle of champagne for the lab after I passed my defense, and he initialed and dated the cork for me to keep. I still have that cork. It represents all the great memories and the supportive community I had at Duke.

AUTHOR

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Christina-Jingzhi Zhou

Ph.D. student, Chemistry

Christina-Jingzhi Zhou is currently a Chemistry Ph.D. student at Duke University. Her research focuses on medicinal chemistry and pharmacology in drug discovery. She is curious and passionate about understanding how medicines work molecularly and how that can improve therapeutics for people. When she is not working, she enjoys contemplating philosophy, violin, and sailing.