Kandice Tanner
Power Words
Where were you born?
Trinidad, Tobago
What school did you attend?
2002 B.S. (Dual degree in Electrical Engineering Tech/Physics), South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC, 2003 M.S., (Physics) University of Illinois- Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, 2006 Ph.D. (Physics), University of Illinois- Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
What gained you interest in the NIH?
While interdisciplinary research is becoming more broadly appreciated, there are still very few places outside of the NIH that put a physicist next to cancer biologists in such a collaborative environment. Everyone here is focused on some aspect of human health, and NIH is so adept at unifying different viewpoints to achieve this common goal. I knew that by coming here, I could really make an impact.
What kind of work do you do at the NIH?
We integrate concepts from molecular biophysics and cell biology to learn how cells and tissues sense and respond to their physical microenvironment, and to thereby design therapeutics and cellular biotechnology.
What message would you like to send to young Blacks who are considering going to college?
There are too many negative stereotypes that bombard and unfortunately shape our self perception. Therefore, do not let anyone define who you are or who you want to become.