Her Story
About Lynn
I received my PhD in 1972 and have spent my professional life in academia. My field of research is the effects of drugs on brain function, specifically focusing on how neuronal nicotinic receptors are regulated by phosphorylation mechanisms. This work impinges on treatments for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, helping us understand at the cellular level how communication is regulated. Throughout my career, I maintained an NIH (National Institutes of Health) funded research laboratory where I trained graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and I taught medical students and medical residents. I officially retired from the university as a distinguished Professor Emerita in 2019, but I remain active in my field. I am still mentoring PhD students, and just last night I received an email from the NIH asking me to sit on a review panel. My textbook that I edited reached its 7th edition in 2025, which I believe will be my last. I could not separate my teaching and mentoring from my research - I believe they are equally as important. I am a fellow of two professional societies and have been recognized for my contributions to the field.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lynn
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents and the way I was raised. I'm first generation American - my mother was born in Russia. My parents and relatives, my extended family, instilled a value system in all of us. Most of my cousins followed an academic path, and everybody has been fairly successful. They taught us about hard work, but we don't look at it as work if you know what I mean. I believe that if you do what you love, it's not work.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Follow your heart, and you will never work a day in your life. If you do what you love, it's not work.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't ever worry about a glass ceiling. Don't ever worry about balancing career and family. I believe you can do it all and figure it out if you love what you're doing. Early on, networking is critical. Networking is crucial.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Unfortunately, I think there is still a challenge of being a woman in science. But I think more and more opportunities are becoming available, and as long as you prove your worth, that's all it takes. Another challenge today is federal funding for medical research - that is a major challenge.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think ethical and moral behavior and doing for others are most important to me. I feel very strongly about giving back - it's the way I was raised. Since I retired and I'm not working 20 hours a day, I really get great pleasure and satisfaction from giving back. I've had a wonderful life, and I'll do what I can for society.
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