Nancy Corson
Lab Technician, The Gorbunova/Seluanov Labs
What is your current role in the biology department?
I am a laboratory technician in the lab of Drs. Andrei Seluanov and Vera Gorbunova. My current role is to manage the Naked mole rat and Damaraland mole rat satellite facility. I also oversee lab animal protocols, which details the many animal protocols currently being implemented in the lab.
What sparked your interest in biology?
My love of animals started at an early age. I was always asking my parents for a pet. I quickly learned it was a big responsibility! In 5th grade science class, my spark and interest in living things grew. I was assigned taking home our class pet, a mouse during school breaks. In college I found a veterinary assistant program, which lead me to study biology and eventually animal research.
What do you enjoy most about working here at the U of R?
The thing I enjoy most about working at the University is the continued process of learning. Over my years in several labs, I have watched how science has changed and developed. I have also been lucky to have a great group of diverse teachers, who were always willing to share their knowledge.
How would you describe our department and the people you work with?
I was hired last August over a Zoom interview. Even with required health checks, masking and social-distancing, everyone I have been in contact with in the lab and biology department is very helpful and welcoming.
How do you unwind when you’re not in the lab?
I enjoy gardening, being outside and staying active. I enjoy spending time with my daughters and granddaughters. We cook and enjoy yearly camping trips to hike, swim and relax together.