Amber Cook: My Next Great Impossible

“The brain has a beautifully folded structure…”

The brain has a beautifully folded structure that allows space for the neural circuitry required to function normally. Currently, I’m using the cerebella of several different species as a model to represent brain folding. Investigating a range of species can help us to accurately determine whether these same mechanics are present in the folding of the human brain.

“…understanding how the human brain folds will allow us to recognize complications when they arise during development.”

Improper brain folding is associated with a variety of health issues. Understanding how the human brain folds allows us to recognize complications when they arise during development. Further, a deeper understanding will shed light on how these complications may be prevented.

“She never quits, even when things get hard.”

My mom inspires me to keep striving to solve my Next Great Impossible. My mom is a successful businesswoman. Growing up, I could see how much time and effort she poured into her career to achieve success, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry. She never quits, even when things get hard.

“…if it was that easy, someone would’ve done it already.” 

I think it’s important to remember that just because an experiment fails, or you don’t get the results you wanted, it doesn’t mean you’re a failing scientist. Instead, it means that the science is trying to tell you something; telling you to try something different or ask different questions. With this type of work, there will always be times when experiments fail. Countless hours in the lab will seem to produce no data to show for it. I’m finally at a point where I can get usable data; I’m excited because this means that experiments will be more successful moving forward. It’s great to celebrate with people who understand how frustrating this type of work can be, however, I’ve become a much better scientist through the times when I’ve tried and failed and tried again. You have to remember if it was that easy, someone would’ve done it already.

FAQ

Q:  What kind of mindset do you need to achieve the Next Great Impossible? 

A:  I think perseverance is the most important quality.