What inspired you towards a career in science?
During college, I worked in the Neuropsychopharmacology lab run by Donald A. Overton, PhD, and in the Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience directed by Diana S. Woodruff-Pak, PhD. Later, I joined the Chronic Pain lab, run by Gary J. Bennett, PhD, where I worked with a team that developed a model to study chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. There was a unifying theme across these various experiences: I was excited to be making new discoveries and inspired by the transformative potential of science. From this point on, I have always been involved in science. I knew I was on the right path when I realized that my job never felt like “work.”
What did you study and where?
I received my undergraduate degree from Temple University, where I studied Biology and minored in Cognitive Neuroscience. I completed my doctoral studies at Boston University in the Clinical Psychology program focusing on Neuropsychology. I completed my postdoctoral training in Clinical Neuropsychology at Brown University.
What was the topic of the first thesis you wrote?
In my dissertation, I examined facial emotion recognition abilities in people with various neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease.
Why did you choose that topic?
I was very interested in understanding the mechanisms underlying facial emotion recognition impairments. Studies of neurological conditions often overlook these psychosocial functions despite their effects on well-being. It’s important to me to shed light on overlooked aspects that impact the quality of life.
Which role do you have right now and what are you investigating?
I have a few roles currently. I direct my lab, the Neuropsychology and Neuroimaging Laboratory, at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. We investigate how various psychological stressors contribute to cognitive, affective, and behavioural abnormalities in adults, using neuropsychological and neuroimaging methods. I have a few areas of interest. My neuroHIV studies examine how early-life stress (ELS) contributes to cognitive and affective abnormalities in HIV+ adults. In an era in which HIV and ELS are highly comorbid, my research has provided some of the first evidence that ELS exacerbates brain structure/function changes, elevating cognitive and affective symptoms in HIV+ adults (e.g., Clark et al., 2012; Clark et al., 2017). Ultimately, this work aims to disentangle ELS-related mechanisms from those related to HIV to clarify potential therapeutic intervention targets more precisely. In another line of research, we are examining how “everyday” forms of social discrimination impact brain function in adults. We were the first team in the US (and second worldwide) to examine this question (Clark et al., 2018). In a relatively new line of research, we’re exploring associations between stress, neural function, and high-risk health behaviours. Overall, the long-term goal of my research program is to advance our ability to develop novel diagnostic approaches (e.g., neural markers) and intervention strategies (e.g., psychotherapeutic, pharmacologic) for affected individuals. My additional roles at Mount Sinai include serving as the Associate Director of our MD-PhD Program, Director of Research Development at our Center for Scientific Diversity, and Co-Director of our NIH FIRST Program’s Evaluation Core. I’m also deeply committed to enhancing equity in science and medicine (e.g., Clark & Hurd, 2020; Byrd et al., 2021; Bryant et al., 2022). Consistent with this commitment, some of my additional activities at Mount Sinai include serving on the Dean’s Faculty Diversity Council, as Chair of my department’s Diversity Committee, and as a member of our Racism and Bias Initiative’s Student Affairs Sphere.
What are the most enjoyable and the less enjoyable aspects of your daily routine?
I really enjoy working with students and colleagues. It’s truly gratifying to see how the collaborative process can shape and enhance an idea. I also enjoy the more solitary aspects of science, including hypothesis generation, writing, and data analysis. By contrast, though critically important, I find some administrative duties somewhat less engaging.
What is the most important lesson you have learnt during your career so far?
Many of us strive to be good team players, and we often excel at this, which is great because it’s essential to team science. However, there are times in which it’s necessary to put yourself first – whether this is in relation to your health, your personal life, or your research program. It’s important to know when and how to put yourself first.
What was the most challenging moment of your career, and how did you go through it?
Like most people, I’ve experienced several challenges over the years. For example, I’ve experienced times in which my funding (and position) was uncertain and times during which I’ve had to juggle personal hardships alongside my career. In these instances, I’ve found it’s important to: 1) maintain a hopeful perspective, 2) trust your instincts, 3) stay creative, 4) loop in others (friends, family, colleagues) for guidance and/or support, 5) make time for joyful activities and self-care, and 6) realize that this too shall pass. Time heals all wounds.
If you could travel in time, is there a career decision you would like to change and why?
I suppose I’m pretty satisfied with my choices so far. I’ve been able to work with some wonderful teams and ask a variety of interesting research questions.
Do you have any regrets career-wise?
I try not to have regrets in life.
Who are your role models?
I seek role models from across a wide spectrum, including from history, science, politics, literature, sports, and from my network of friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours. For example, one of my role models is my cousin, Richard A. Smith, MD, who worked in the US Surgeon General’s Office of Equal Health Opportunity and oversaw the desegregation of US hospitals in the 1960s. Overall, I look for role models who are inspiring, wise, empathic, determined, insightful, egalitarian, and brave.
Do you have a mentor?
I’m fortunate to have several (amazing) mentors. Having more than one mentor helps to increase your exposure to different scientific ideas and networks. Also, having a few different mentors can help you better navigate various aspects of your career, as each mentor will have different strengths, perspectives, and areas of expertise.
What did the mentor(s) teach you?
I wish it were possible to capture all that my mentors have taught me in terms of my scientific and career development. For example, they have taught me the importance of networking, finding a healthy work-life balance, and being deliberate with one’s time (e.g., not over-committing, saying “no” to tasks that don’t align with your values or career goals).
Which advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Know thyself. It’s so important to know your values and have a strong understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. With this knowledge, you are better able to build a training plan and team (e.g., of mentors, colleagues) that complement your abilities. Have faith. Having a positive attitude is so powerful. Don’t stress over things you can’t control. Being “the first” in any sphere is hard. Be persistent and stay the course.
What is your advice for young students who are unsure/undecided about their careers?
Speak to others to learn about their career paths. Try out different avenues to see what you enjoy and what is less appealing to you. Follow your passions, leverage your strengths, find your niche, and align your choices with your core values. If you find that you’re not on the right path, make a change without too much delay. Stay curious.
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