Scholar Profile

Caroline Ajo-Franklin

Voted Most Likely To:
To tunnel

Graduated:
Emory University, Class of 1997
Stanford University, PhD

Currently Working As:
Staff Scientist, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab

What do you love about your job?
I love getting the opportunity to do the science I'm most excited about and essentially trying to chart the future. And I get to do it with stellar scientists from very different disciplines who hail from all over the globe.

What has been the most exciting part of your career so far?
The most exciting part is having one of my group members walk into my office with data that s/he is excited about or confused about, working through the data, and having that amazing moment of discovery where suddenly it all makes sense.

What would you tell yourself at age 18?
That being a scientist is even more rewarding, challenging, and fun than you imagine.

How has ACS Scholars impacted your life and career?
Being part of the ACS Scholars program greatly alleviated the financial stress of college and allowed me to do undergraduate research, which I loved. That undergraduate research experience was essential preparation for graduate school and put me on the track for a career in scientific research.