Meet the Scientist- Dr. Edith Gonzalez de Scollard
Dr. Gonzalez de Scollard’s lecture was tinged with that elusive “emotional element” that rarely makes its presence felt in academic lectures. That element, combined with her vivacious personality, endeared her to the audience and created an intimate atmosphere that is not found enough in the world of academia, awash as it oftentimes is with its static personalities and impersonal informational osmosis. Listening to Dr. Gonzalez de Scollard speak was about as palatable as a lecture can be, and even bordered on engaging.
Dr. Gonzalez de Scollard, the Associate Director of Federal Programs at the Office of Government Relations and Strategic Project Development at the American Museum of Natural History, began her academic career at Hunter College. Determined to study medicine, she changed her mind after taking an Anthropology class and finding her true love (Anthropology). After graduating from Hunter College, she enrolled at the University of Virginia to attain her Ph. D. While at the University of Virginia, her mentor there died, and the project they were working on together had to be discontinued. Even so, she persevered and graduated with honors before going to work in a variety of settings: underwater archaeology, a children’s museum, and others. She finally ended up in her current position at the American Museum of Natural History.
Several things can be gleaned from Dr. Gonzalez de Scollard’s lecture: Don’t be afraid to take risks, do what you love, persevere through adversity/don’t give up, and so on. A heartwarming story was hers indeed; Hallmark is in the process of acquiring the rights to turn her life story into a made-for-television movie. Reportedly, Gail O’ Grady will star. And if that’s the case, then chalk one up for the good guys.
-Luke
