Janae Carrothers, MESA Program Director Artwork

Science Lives

Science Lives provides information about lesser-known careers that rely on a science education and scientific way of thinking. Scientists working in these fields tell us about their jobs and the personal journeys that led to them. Science Lives strives to be both informative and inspirational, providing reassurance to those unsure of what their next steps are and where they will lead

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Science Lives

Janae Carrothers, MESA Program Director

December 26, 2021 • Peter Coward • Episode 33

In this episode, I speak with Janae Carrothers, MESA Program Director at Spokane Falls Community College in Washington. MESA stands for Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement, and is an academic preparation program that supports pre-college, community college, and university-level students from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. Janae has a BS in biology education and an MS in zoology, both from Washington State University, Pullman. Growing up “in the woods” in rural Washington, Janae wanted to become a field biologist like Dian Fossey or Jane Goodall. However, once in college, circumstances and personal interest nudged her towards science education, which became her primary focus following her experience as a teaching assistant in graduate school. We’ll hear about these formative events and of course find out about what her job is like.