Joan Lorden, PH.D.

Growing up as a first generation, low income student, I was fortunate to have parents who valued education and encouraged my interests. Both my parents loved words and reading. My mother, who never graduated from high school, taught me how to read. But when it came time to apply to college, I relied on advice from the older sister of a friend. I had the advantage of living in New York City where I could walk to wonderful libraries and museums and could attend The City College of New York for free.  In college, one of the best choices I made was to join the honors program when I was offered entry in my junior year. Working in a lab alongside graduate students showed me what was possible. With support from a series of fellowships, I received a doctorate from Yale and started a career in science that eventually led to university administration. Having to find your own way may mean that you make some mistakes, but you can also benefit from informal mentors, learn self-reliance, and acquire self-confidence.