June 23, 2020
Amy Fraley
Recent Medicinal Chemistry PhD graduate Amy Fraley shares her perspective as she starts her career.

Recent Medicinal Chemistry PhD graduate Amy Fraley shares her perspective as she starts her career 

U-M Pharmacy: What have you been doing since you defended your dissertation in 2019?

Amy: Since defending my dissertation, I helped implement the Pharmaceutical Discovery course at the University of Michigan Biological Station. Field work is an incredibly important part of the natural products discovery process, and our team was able to provide this experience through an undergraduate course for the College of Pharmacy. This course will continue to be available in the coming years, and will provide transformative field experiences for students of all backgrounds. I am now currently a Postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zürich, a research university in Switzerland.

U-M Pharmacy: How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your current work?

Amy: Like many research groups across the world, the Institute of Microbiology at ETH Zürich was closed for a few months in an attempt to flatten the curve. During this time, my work transitioned from laboratory experiments to computer work, including a hands-on laboratory course for undergraduates. We designed and implemented a bioinformatics-based natural products discovery course for the students, allowing them to write Master’s level research proposals based on their findings. We are currently shifting back to lab work, but the time outside of the lab was well-spent gaining insight into my research projects, as well as innovative methods for teaching.

U-M Pharmacy: What challenges or opportunities do you see for the future of your profession?

Amy: The future of academic research will be greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including increasingly limited positions and funding. As we have already observed, methods for teaching have also been affected. The challenges that we will face in academic research have, and will continue to be, unimaginable. Nevertheless, we will take them in stride, developing innovative educational strategies to facilitate the success of our students.

U-M Pharmacy: Was there a particular person or experience at U-M COP that most influenced your career path?

Amy: Of course, my advisors Prof. David Sherman and Prof. Janet Smith have both had a tremendous impact on my career path and related accomplishments. Their exceptional mentorship guided me on this difficult journey through my graduate career.

I would also like to mention that I would not be where I am today if I had not had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the U-M College of Pharmacy Interdisciplinary Research Experiences for Undergraduates (IREU) program as an undergraduate. Dr. Cherie Dotson’s belief in my abilities propelled me forward in my scientific career.


U-M Pharmacy: What advice do you have for current or prospective PhD students at the College?

Amy: Pursue your aspirations, no matter how big of a challenge they may seem. We all come from different places, different backgrounds that shape us, but in the end your perseverance and commitment will make your goals a reality. Dream big, remember to believe in yourself, and you will go far.

U-M Pharmacy: What’s next for you?

Amy: In the next ten years, I aim to be running my own research group, providing mentorship to young scientists and helping them to achieve their future aspirations.