Brandy Walker is a third-year PhD student in the Genetics & Epigenetics program. Her current research investigates the cellular behaviors driving kidney development. Keep reading to learn more about Brandy's journey to the Graduate School.

What sparked your interest in science?

As a young girl, I grew up in a family that believed women were meant to marry and raise children, so those expectations narrowed my perspective. When I began my undergraduate studies after establishing a family, I had no idea what degree I wanted to pursue or what I would do with that degree once I had it. However, I discovered I was fascinated with the biological sciences. It was only after joining a research lab during my senior year of undergraduate studies that I realized I had a passion and excitement for working in a lab and that I wanted to pursue a career in biomedical research. My passion for understanding the undefined and unknown drove my excitement for biomedical research. The obstacles I faced in the lab quickly became my favorite part of my research. The hurdles I encountered when experiments went wrong only made me more determined. I strived to work harder and smarter, even while frustrated. The laboratory became my sanctuary, my favorite place to be during the day. It was a place where, while searching for answers and analyzing results, I discovered myself outside of being a wife and mother.

What did you do before graduate school, and how did you decide to pursue your PhD?

I married my best friend when I was 20 years old and seven years later, I had a daughter of my own. The last thing I wanted was for her to grow up feeling limited by following in my footsteps. I want her to grow to be a strong, independent, educated young woman. Most importantly, I want her to know that she has the potential to become anything if she works hard for it. Therefore, when she and her twin brother began elementary school, I set out to be a better example. With the support of my husband, hard work, and a great deal of dedication, I was awarded my Associate of Science degree, then my Bachelor of Science with a concentration in microbiology, both with magna cum laude honors, before pursuing my MS and ongoing PhD degrees in the Genetics & Epigenetics program at the Graduate School.

I decided to pursue my PhD because as my time in undergrad came to an end, I didn't feel like I should be done. There was still so much I wanted to learn, but I had earned my degree and achieved my goal of setting a better example for my daughter. So, when one of my professors asked what was next, I gave her the same response I had given many times: "I don't know. I haven't really thought about it. All I know is that I'm done." I was shocked when she responded, "No, you're not!" This was far from the reaction I expected, but it was because of her that I realized I didn't have to be done, and that I could expand my goal to include graduate school.

What is your current research project?

I'm currently working in the Miller lab at UTHealth McGovern Medical School, where I study the cellular behaviors driving kidney development and the abnormalities that arise when those complex processes go awry. 

What do you want to do after you graduate?

I still haven't decided what will come after graduation. The only thing I know for sure is that wherever the future takes me, I would like benchwork to be a big part of what I do.

What advice do you have for future students?

The biggest and most important thing is don't be afraid to ask. Reach out, ask for help. Everyone's willing to help you.