Shea Elizabeth O'Connor

My career path was not a straight line. When I was attending the University of Missouri–Kansas City and pursuing my biology degree, I was still exploring several different options, including medical school mainly, but also physician assistant programs, and dental school. While I was interested in healthcare, I wasn't entirely sure which direction was the right fit for me. I wasn’t initially planning to pursue a chemistry degree. However, with the guidance of my chemistry teacher as later She became my amazing academic advisor, I was able to thoughtfully coordinate my coursework and ultimately complete both degrees.

Everything began to change when I met one of my professors, who would later become one of the most influential mentors in my life. After taking one of his classes, I would often stay after class to talk with him and learn more about his experiences. He was an exceptional teacher and mentor who saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself. One piece of advice he shared that has stayed with me ever since was that it is never too late to start something new. His own career journey reflected that belief, as he had entered his field later in life. His example showed me that success does not follow a single timeline.

He encouraged me to explore research and helped me recognize strengths and passions that I had not yet fully developed. More importantly, he believed in my abilities and encouraged me to pursue opportunities that aligned with my curiosity and desire to learn. His patience and guidance ultimately led me into research at UMKC around 2020, and I have remained in research ever since. I am incredibly grateful for the impact he and the Lead Principal Investigator had on both my personal and professional development.

Before entering research, I spent nearly a decade working in healthcare as a Certified Nurse Assistant, beginning at age 16. During that time, I worked with and supported patients in a variety of settings and gained a deep appreciation for patient care. I also attended nursing school for a period, but eventually realized that while I valued healthcare, my greatest passion was asking questions, solving problems, and exploring new ideas. I wanted a career that would allow me to satisfy my curiosity while still contributing to improving people's lives. Research provided that opportunity and felt like the right fit.

Another experience that significantly shaped my growth was participating in the PALS peer mentoring program during college. Both serving as a mentor and being mentored by others had a profound impact on me. It changed the way I think, communicate, and build relationships with those around me. The program reinforced the importance of community, support, and lifelong learning. The woman who led the program was an incredible role model whose leadership, dedication, and compassion continue to inspire me today.

More recently, joining my current company has been one of the most meaningful milestones in my career. The opportunities I have been given have strengthened my scientific expertise, expanded my professional skills, and helped me become a more organized and effective professional. I have been fortunate to work alongside talented colleagues and leaders who continue to challenge and support my growth.

Looking back, the most notable achievements in my journey are not tied to a single accomplishment but rather to the mentors, experiences, and opportunities that helped shape the scientist and professional I am today. Each step—from healthcare to research, from peer mentoring to professional growth—has contributed to a career that continues to challenge, inspire, and fulfill me.

The best career advice I have ever received is to believe in yourself. It sounds simple, but I think it is one of the most important things we can do. Everyone experiences moments of confidence as well as self-doubt, and there will be times in both life and career when challenges feel overwhelming. During those moments, believing in yourself can make the difference between giving up and continuing to move forward.

I have certainly faced my own challenges and low points, and while I was fortunate to have supportive mentors, friends, family, and colleagues encouraging me along the way, I learned that external support can only take you so far. At some point, you have to trust yourself and your abilities. Some of the greatest opportunities in my life came from taking a chance on myself before I felt completely ready.

Believing in yourself does not mean never experiencing doubt. It means having the courage to keep moving forward despite uncertainty and understanding that setbacks do not define your potential. Growth often happens outside of your comfort zone, and some of the most meaningful lessons come from pushing through difficult moments.

Another piece of advice that has stayed with me is that it is never too late to pursue a new interest, passion, or career path. One of my first research mentors began his career later in life, and his journey challenged the idea that success follows a specific timeline. He showed me that curiosity, determination, and a willingness to learn can be far more important than anything when pursuing your goals.

Together, these two lessons—believe in yourself and never think it is too late to start something new—have shaped how I approach both my career and my life. They remind me to stay curious, embrace new opportunities, and continue growing no matter where I am in my journey.

One quote that has always stayed with me is from E.E. Cummings:

“Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit.”

Believing in yourself is where it all begins. The passion and drive within you are already there—you simply need to trust them and allow them to guide you forward.

Seek out an environment where you feel valued, supported, and comfortable being yourself. Those places do exist, and they are waiting for talented individuals like you. Remember, the right workplace needs you just as much as you need it.

Be confident in your decisions and trust your instincts. Not every choice will make sense to those around you, but sometimes the biggest growth comes from taking a chance—whether that means accepting a new job, moving to a new city, or embracing a major life change. Following your gut can open doors you never expected and lead you in directions you may not have otherwise discovered.

There will be difficult days, and there will be incredible ones. Try not to dwell too long on the setbacks. Often, the next breakthrough, opportunity, or moment of success is closer than it seems.

Finally, remember that your career is only one part of your life. When you leave work, allow yourself to be present at home. Make time for the hobbies, passions, and interests you've been hesitant to explore. Nurture the parts of yourself that exist beyond your profession. Maintaining that balance will not only enrich your life but also help you bring your best self to your career.

Believe in yourself, trust your journey, and never stop growing. The opportunities ahead of you are often greater than you can imagine.

One of the greatest opportunities I have witnessed in my field is the continued growth and representation of women in science. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from and work alongside many strong female leaders who have inspired and encouraged me.

My academic advisor and PALS Program Manager played a significant role in my personal and professional development, consistently demonstrating kindness, patience, and a commitment to helping their students succeed. During my time at UMKC, I was also inspired by several female professors and leaders whose mentorship, guidance, and support helped shape my career path. I have a deep appreciation for my alma mater and the many people who contributed to my growth.

Today, I continue to be inspired by the women leaders within my organization. I am fortunate to work under a female manager and alongside talented female leaders and colleagues who serve as examples of resilience, professionalism, and strong leadership.

Despite this progress, challenges remain. Career advancement can still be difficult, and women’s contributions are sometimes overlooked or underrecognized. The field has become increasingly competitive, with advanced degrees often required for certain roles and fewer opportunities available at the entry level. Limited advancement opportunities, pay inequities, and barriers to leadership positions continue to impact many women in the industry.

While these challenges persist, I am encouraged by the progress I have seen throughout my career. Grateful to work for RFI Ingredients and do the job I do! The growing presence of female leaders, mentors, and advocates continues to create new opportunities and provides hope for the next generation of women entering the field.

The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are curiosity, continuous learning, community, and making a positive impact on others.

I have always been someone who genuinely loves learning. Even in high school, I found myself drawn to a wide variety of subjects, from science and business to marketing and technology. I worked as a garden assistant for a time at a plant shop at 16. That curiosity has stayed with me throughout my life and continues to shape who I am today. I enjoy exploring new ideas, developing new skills, and challenging myself in different ways. Sometimes I joke that I have too many hobbies, but I see them as opportunities to continue learning and growing. 

Outside of work, I enjoy a wide range of interests including film photography, painting, drawing, art classes, knitting, reading, caring for plants, and spending time exploring new coffee shops—I am definitely a coffee enthusiast. I also enjoy running and have completed a half marathon, with hopes to participate in more races in the future. I never would have imagined saying that in high school. Wellness is important to me as well more now, and I practice Kundalini yoga and meditation as a way to recharge, reflect, and maintain balance. I am also fascinated by technology and enjoy learning about computers, proteomics, and the growing role of AI in scientific research. I think what ties all of these interests together is a desire to keep exploring, creating, and discovering new perspectives.

Professionally, I am passionate about contributing to work that has a meaningful impact on people's lives. One of the reasons I enjoy working in food safety and quality is knowing that the products reaching consumers are safe and free from contamination and falsification. There is a strong sense of purpose in helping protect public health and ensuring people can trust the products they bring into their homes.

Another value that has remained important throughout my career is mentorship and community. Peer mentoring was incredibly impactful during my college years and helped shape the way I approach relationships, teamwork, and personal growth. It taught me the importance of supporting others, sharing knowledge, and being willing to learn from those around you. Today, I am fortunate to work with a team that embraces those same values. We regularly support one another through developments, exchange ideas, offer advice, and celebrate each other's successes.

As I've progressed through my career, I have also become increasingly focused recently on building a strong sense of community that extends beyond the workplace. I am so thankful for the friends I have gained through my current job and I recently joined a druid grove and a tarot study group. I value meaningful relationships, authentic connections, and creating spaces where people feel supported both personally and professionally. Whether through mentorship, collaboration, or shared interests, I believe some of the most rewarding experiences come from learning and growing alongside others. 

At the core of everything I do is a desire to keep learning, contribute to something meaningful, and build genuine connections with the people around me. Those values continue to guide both my professional journey and my personal life.