She Creates: Earyn McGee
“M
ost importantly always stay true to yourself
”
Earyn McGee
Earyn McGee is a fourth year PhD student in Natural Resources and the Environment. Her research focuses on how drought affects lizards in arid environments and also how social media can be used to increase the representation of African American women in natural resources careers. Earyn has served her community as a Doris Duke Conservation Scholars graduate mentor, the Co-chair of her department’s Inclusive Excellence committee, and as a science communicator. She runs a game on Twitter and Instagram called #FindThatLizard, where she teaches people about lizards in a fun and engaging way. She hopes that her work through all these activities will bring positive and meaningful changes to her department, her university, and our society.
How did you get your start?
I got my start in research while an undergrad at Howard University. I was working with Dr. George Middendorf in the Chiricahua Mountains on the habitat preference of Sceloprous jarrovii, Yarrow's spiny lizard. In grad school, my advisor, Michael Bogan, has been very active on social media. He inspired me to start sharing my science as well. .
What is your favorite thing about your job?
When I was a kid I always wanted to work with animals and I wanted to learn about them. I wanted to know what they ate, how they survived extreme temperatures, and other cool natural history facts. My favorite part about my job is that I am doing exactly what I was interested in doing when I was a kid.
What do you credit your success to?
I have a really great work ethic and I am determined to succeed. However, my support network, family, friends, advisors, labmates, and my graduate department have been crucial to my success. Because they believe in me, I have the courage to follow my dreams..
What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
My advice would be to surround yourself with a supportive network who believe in you and people who are also pursuing their dreams. Take opportunities as they come even if they aren't exactly what you want to do, you never know what kind of doors those experiences can open. And most importantly always stay true to yourself.
If there’s one small step we can take to get more women involved in STEM, what is it?
I think it is important to recognize that their is not a one size fits all solution to close the gender gap. Especially when it comes to increasing the representation of Black, Indigenous and other Women of Color in STEM. It is important that anyone seeking to increase representation, ask women in the communities they are serving what they need and what's holding them back from being successful and then act.
What do you want to be known for?
I want to be known as an amazing scientist and science communicator. Once I finish my PhD program, I want to continue in research, host a natural history tv show, and create research opportunities for underrepresented children.
College & Major ?
Howard University, Biology major, Chemistry minor.