Laura Laranjo, MS'17 and PhD'19, Molecular and Cell Biology
Assistant Professor of Biology, Salem State University
June 18, 2025
Can you describe your career path and how it has led to your current work?
I completed my bachelor’s in biology at UMass Lowell and then went straight into the PhD program in molecular and cell biology at Brandeis University. I joined the Lovett Lab, which was a great fit for me because it is a microbiology lab, and my project was in genetics—giving me experience in both areas. I always knew I wanted to teach, and Dr. Susan Lovett supported me from the start. During graduate school, I took on several teaching and mentorship roles: I was a TA in both lecture and lab courses, a Posse mentor, and even created and taught my own course at Brandeis. I also taught as an adjunct at UMass Lowell and worked with adult learners at the BOLLI Institute at Brandeis. I mentored students in the lab and took every opportunity to grow in teaching. All of this prepared me to apply for a tenure-track position. I applied, got the job, and this year I received tenure.
What does a typical day/week look like for you in this position?
I teach four courses each semester and a remote class in the summer. During the school year, I teach in the mornings, work in the lab, and mentor research students in the afternoons. I also coordinate events with pre-health and SACNAS chapter students. I meet with students during office hours, attend faculty meetings, work with other professors, and participate in professional development workshops.
What skills from your Brandeis degree have you found most valuable in your current work?
Research skills have been essential, but the most valuable skill I use every day is teaching—the kind I learned from my PI, Dr. Susan Lovett. Whether I'm teaching a class or running a lab, I often think about her advice and approach. She always made things engaging, and her patience and support left a lasting impact on me. Her mentorship made a big difference in my life, and I try to offer the same kind of support to my own students.
What advice do you have for current students as they embark on their career exploration or job search?
Talk to your PI! Your PI should know what you’re planning—or if you’re unsure, they can help you figure it out. They have the resources, connections, and experience to support you. Also talk to other professors. I was lucky to have many mentors at Brandeis. Some sent me to conferences, introduced me to collaborations, and helped me publish an educational paper with Dr. Melissa Kosinski-Collins. These connections shaped my career and also gave me lasting friendships.