Carly York, Assistant professor of Biology, Lenoir-Rhyne University
By: Tiffany Whitfield & Maya Reid
A love for squids brought alumnus Carly York to Old Dominion University for her Ph.D. in Biological Sciences and set her on a path to inspire the next generation of women scientists.
York developed an extreme passion for cephalopods, better known as squids, octopus, cuttlefish, or nautilus, as a Master of Science student in Biology at Western Kentucky University. "Cephalopods are incredible because they are aliens on earth and have been on this earth for 500 million years making them extremely successful at surviving adversity," said York. That passion bloomed and led York back to ODU to get a doctorate in Biology. "I chose ODU because of the amazing work done by my advisor Dr. Ian Bartol and the overall excellence of the biology department," said York. "Dr. Bartol's biomechanics work is cutting edge in the field, and he has technology found at few other prestigious universities."
"Carly is an innovative researcher, who has significantly advanced our understanding of how squid detect, react to, and escape from predators throughout ontogeny," said Dr. Bartol, Professor of Biological Sciences. "I very much enjoyed working with Carly in my lab, as she was both a creative hard-working scientist and an engaged global citizen, helping establish several women in science programs at ODU." Dr. Bartol mentored York through her first peer-reviewed journal article international conference. "I knew that by joining Dr. Bartol's lab, I would be getting a top-notch research experience and gain skills that would serve me well in my career," said York.
York now teaches Animal Physiology and Vertebrate Zoology as an assistant professor of biology at Lenoir-Rhyne University. "My goals are to maintain a research program that allows for students to get hands on experience in the lab," said York. Her latest research on a colony of African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) integrates physics into biology to get a full picture of how forces acting on an animal affects its life processes. "I am particularly interested in how the frogs' sensory systems contribute to prey acquisition and the ecological effect of these animals as invasive species," said York.
York's influence on the scientific world has taken on a new layer as she makes her presence known as an expert science communicator. She regularly participates in the non-profit Skype a Scientist, where classrooms around the world can have a virtual conversation with a scientist. "During the pandemic I met with over 15 families to discuss life as a scientist," said York. She has also participated in several web series such as TEDed Lesson, The Dinosaur Show, The Sunday Talks, and Science Café with North Carolina Museum. "We are simultaneously battling a global pandemic and the pressing problem of our changing climate," said York. "Now, more than ever, scientists need to hone their communication skills to help the general public understand how these issues will affect their daily lives, and the actions that they can take to make an impact."
"My favorite form of science communication is talking with children, particularly young girls," said York. Growing up, she said she "never saw a female scientist." "I only had one female involved in seven years of graduate school at two different institutions," said York. She has made it her mission to encourage more women to enter the sciences. "People often assume a discipline is not for them if they never see a face like theirs in the crowd, so I am thrilled to show young girls that they too can be a scientist," said York.
York strives to be an example of how women can influence the sciences. Her efforts at Lenoir-Rhyne have been recognized with the Faculty of the Year Award in 2019 and Advisor of the Year Award in 2020. Her curiosity for animals and her drive to get more women in STEM careers will continue to be a motivating factor for years to come. "I love seeing people recognize that they absolutely can understand science when it is framed in a way to account for different levels of scientific literacy," said York.