Sara Margit Wallace
Sara Wallace is a dedicated Chemistry Stockroom and Safety Technician at the University of North Dakota, where she oversees laboratory safety operations, manages chemical inventories, and supports instructional activities for faculty and students. In her role, she maintains hazardous and standard chemical materials, ensures proper waste disposal, advises on safety compliance, and supervises student employees, creating an environment where learning and safety go hand in hand. Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to best practices make her a trusted resource in the department.
Sara earned her Master of Science in Biology from the University of North Dakota in 2025, building on her undergraduate studies in Biological Sciences at Adrian College. Throughout her academic journey, she engaged in hands-on research projects, including studying microbial communities of Megachilidae bees and analyzing watershed ecosystems, gaining extensive experience in laboratory techniques, DNA analysis, and environmental research. Her graduate and undergraduate work reflect a passion for bridging scientific inquiry with practical applications in both the lab and the field.
Beyond her technical expertise, Sara has cultivated a reputation for leadership, mentorship, and collaboration. She has served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, guiding undergraduate students through lab exercises and coursework, and has trained technicians in nutrient and soil analysis at AGVISE Laboratories. Certified in First Aid and CPR, she combines safety awareness with scientific rigor, demonstrating a holistic approach to laboratory management. Active in professional communities, Sara continues to advance her knowledge and contribute meaningfully to both science and education.
• First Aid
• Heartsaver CPR & AED
• Adrian College - BS
• University of North Dakota - MS
• Entomological Society of America — Member
• STEM Education & Laboratory Safety Community
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of curiosity, responsibility, and a commitment to care, principles that have guided me throughout my career in science. As a Lead Chemistry Safety Supervisor and Stockroom Technician, I oversee laboratory safety for nearly 1,500 students each semester, manage teaching lab experiments, and supervise seven student employees, ensuring that learning occurs in an environment where safety is never an afterthought. Recently completing my graduate degree at the University of North Dakota reflects years of persistence and growth, and while my professional focus is increasingly on chemical safety, my passion for entomology remains strong. My long-term goal is to teach entomology while continuing hands-on laboratory work, bridging education, research, and safety to benefit both students and the broader scientific community. As an active member of the Entomological Society of America, I stay engaged with peers who fuel my curiosity and remind me that, like people, insects teach patience, observation, and respect for complexity.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve learned from colleagues, supervisors, and educators who demonstrated integrity and dedication through their actions. One person who stands out is Dr. Becky Simmons, whose leadership and example left a lasting impression on me. She showed what it means to lead with authenticity, kindness, and patience values I strive to embody every day in my own teaching and supervisory roles.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
As I look ahead, my goals remain rooted in education, safety, and service. I want students especially women and those from underrepresented backgrounds to know that science is not reserved for a select few. It belongs to anyone willing to ask questions, show up consistently, and persevere through uncertainty.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Being a woman in STEM has shaped my journey in profound ways. This field can be intimidating, particularly in male-dominated spaces where funding, recognition, and opportunity often feel harder to access. During my master’s program, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship, but like many women in science, formal recognition hasn’t always followed me into my professional roles. Still, perseverance has been my greatest credential. I’ve learned that confidence is built through experience, not permission—and that belonging in science is something we claim through our work, not something we wait to be granted.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being authentic, showing up fully as myself not trying to appease others. being kind and patient .Advocacy is another cornerstone of who I am. Beyond my professional life, I am deeply committed to supporting individuals with disabilities, inspired in large part by my brother, who has autism. His experiences have shaped my understanding of inclusion, access, and the importance of creating systems that work for everyone. Whether in education or the workplace, equity is not optional it’s essential.