Vik Meadows, PhD
Meet this month’s Member Spotlight, Vik Meadows, PhD, an IRACDA Postdoctoral Fellow at Rutgers University. Dr. Meadows serves on the ASIP Committee for Equal Representation and Opportunity, as co-leader of the Liver Pathobiology Scientific Interest Group, and co-hosts the Behind Our Science podcast supported by the ASIP and The Histochemical Society with Dr. Daisy Shu and Dr. Roberto Mota Alvidrez
Background
Dr. Meadows completed her BS at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, MS at Oregon Health & Science University, and PhD at Indiana University School of Medicine. In addition to being deeply involved with the ASIP, she serves as a MAS Mentor (SACNAS).
Dr. Meadows’ research is geared at understanding the gut liver axis and how it impacts liver health and disease. She is a recipient of the 2022-2023 Momental Foundation Mistletoe Research Fellowship and the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology 2022-2023 Postdoctoral Scala Scholar. Her previous awards include the ASIP Monga-Hans Trainee Scholar Award for Excellence in Liver Pathobiology Research, ASIP PISA Graduate Student Award and Postdoctoral Award for Outstanding Research, and the 2022 William M Plater Civic Engagement Medallion and Sherry Queen Graduate Student Excellence Award for her outreach and research efforts within Indiana University School of Medicine and the local Indianapolis community.
Q&A
What is your favorite part about being a member of the ASIP?
The ASIP community! I have formed friendships with fascinating scientists in all fields of biomedical research. ASIP has really cultivated a supportive environment that helps trainees connect with scientists (peers and mentors) that are outside of our field or network. I am indebted to ASIP for the opportunities it has afforded me and the growth I’ve experienced by volunteering within the organization. I would not be where I am today without the support and training that ASIP offers!
Future goals and aspirations for your career?
I love teaching, mentoring, and benchwork—I hope to combine these passions in my career to impact the next generation of scientists! My goal is to stay in academic research and give back to the community that brought me here. My goal is to remove obstacles and provide guidance and support to Latino/as in STEM. I want to increase the admission and retention of all minoritized communities in research and work towards having true diversity in STEM.
Where is the next place on your travel bucket list?
Iceland! I want to see the aurora borealis, volcanoes, and glaciers all in one place. Also—there is a town named Vik with a nearby meadow and it just seems too perfect an opportunity to be Vik Meadows at the Vik meadows… you know?