Scholar Profile

Marsha Cole

Voted Most Likely To:
Be abducted by aliens, brought back, and banned leaving me locked away on Earth with mankind

Graduated:
Grambling State University, Class of 2007
Louisiana State University, Ph. D. Chemistry

Currently Working As:
Lecturer, Louisiana Tech University

What do you love about your job?
I love the opportunity to help students realize their potential through hands-on experimentation on any chemistry project they're interested in. When students get their "Ah ha!" moment in class or in the lab, you start to see the evolution of an insatiable researcher, and that is the most rewarding aspect to working in academia. I also enjoy that journey for myself when seeing how I've actually contributed to a major industry.

What has been the most exciting part of your career so far?
The most exciting part has been traveling to different countries and seeing/learning how your intellectual property is improving or transforming their industry. Because of chemistry, I've traveled the world and have gone to places that I'd probably never go to. Also, having created and developed the USDA Starch Research method which might become an official ICUMSA method is so amazing!

What would you tell yourself at age 18?
Stay humble but quit doubting and minimizing yourself based off of what you perceive you should have or be based on other people. There is none like you and if you realized the amazing scientist brewing inside of you, it's no telling what greater impact you could have on yourself. You are enough, and never deficient. Don't lose your curious mind and drive. It's ok if they don't "get you", everyone is not meant to. I love your mind, perseverance, ambition, and heart of service; I love you.

How has ACS Scholars impacted your life and career?
ACS Scholars catapulted my academic career as a scientist. In high school, I was scared of chemistry and made a "C" letter grade as a result. When I received the award, it ignited confidence and reassured me that this is the community that has people like me. It uplifted my spirits in an indirect way. Almost as to say, we see you and believe in you, anomaly and all.