Alumni Profiles Series: Kolla Kristjansdottir

Kolbrun (Kolla) Kristjansdottir, originally from Iceland, came to Duke in 1999 after earning her B.S. and M.S. in biochemistry at The University of Iceland. At Duke, she completed her Ph.D. in the Department of Biochemistry where she studied the cell cycle regulatory kinase, Myt1, under Dr. Johannes Rudolph. Dr. Kristjansdottir then went on to complete a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago where she used mass spectrometry to perform phosphoproteomic analysis of yeast and breast cancer. In 2012, Dr. Kristjansdottir joined Midwestern University as an assistant professor in Biomedical Sciences, and she was later promoted to associate professor and the associate director of the brand-new Precision Medicine Program. In her free time, Dr. Kristjansdottir enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons and playing paddle (platform) tennis.

What brought you to Duke?

I was drawn to Duke University while looking at schools on the East Coast. Duke's high rankings and academic prestige caught my attention, and when I visited, the friendliness and relaxed yet rigorous environment impressed me. I met a few faculty members and students who were incredibly welcoming. The community felt collaborative rather than competitive, which was very appealing to me. That visit was pivotal in my decision to join Duke, where I started my Ph.D. in the fall of 1999. My experience there was wonderful, both academically and personally—I even met my husband there.

How did your career focus evolve throughout graduate school and your postdoc?

From a young age, I wanted to pursue a Ph.D., inspired by my father who has a Ph.D. in philosophy. My love for learning kept me on the academic path. Although I did consider industry at one point due to the saturated academic job market, I realized that mentoring and working with students brought me the most fulfillment. This realization guided me back to pursue academia. During my postdoc at the University of Chicago, I remained interested in diverse careers, though. I even chaired the seminar committee for the postdoctoral association (PDA), inviting speakers from various fields to help fellow postdocs explore diverse career options.

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How did you navigate self-doubt during graduate school and the various points in your career?

The hardest times for me were always toward the end of a phase, whether it was the end of grad school or my postdoc. At Duke, my classmates and I supported each other through these challenging times. As a postdoc, the process of transitioning to a faculty role was long and sometimes discouraging. I learned not to take rejections personally, understanding that many factors beyond one's control play into hiring decisions. Networking and reaching out to people for informational interviews were crucial in finding opportunities I wouldn't have considered otherwise.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received, and what advice would you give to others?

The best advice I've received is to focus on what you love and ensure you’re in a role that allows continuous learning and growth. For others, I’d say keep an open mind and explore all opportunities. Talk to people in different fields to understand various career paths and find what truly fits you. When applying for jobs, show genuine interest in the positions and tailor your applications accordingly. Lastly, don't take rejections personally; persistence and resilience are key.

What resources helped you the most in forming your network and navigating your career?

The International House at Duke (now the Duke International Student Center) was incredibly helpful when I first arrived. They assisted with practical needs like shopping and setting up my apartment and provided a lot of guidance for international students. At Duke, the supportive community of students and faculty, along with various seminars, enriched my experience. At the University of Chicago, the postdoc association played a similar role, offering a supportive network and valuable career resources. Forming a network is crucial in any stage of your career for support and opportunities.

Author

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Karly Forker

Ph.D. student, Biochemistry

Karly Forker is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Biochemistry at Duke University. Working in the Zhou lab, she researches the structure of a protein complex involved in a DNA damage tolerance pathway implicated in chemoresistance. In her free time, she enjoys running, exploring local restaurants, and watching movies.