Dr. Pamela Carroll ’81
As a specialist in biotechnology, Dr. Pamela Carroll ’81 dreams of what’s possible for oncology drug discovery. Pam recently joined Genocea Biosciences, a medical laboratory based in Cambridge Massachusetts, leading a team of scientists working towards revolutionizing cancer treatment. Her primary focus is on creating vaccines to establish new pharmacological lifelines for cancer patients. Through the translation of scientific research conducted by Pam and her team, these imperative cancer therapies will better all individuals affected by cancer. She hopes one day cancer with be a disease that will be easily cured with rare fatalities.
As the first woman in her family to go to college, Pam received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from St. Michael’s College in Vermont. Pam knew she wanted to continue her education in the sciences, but didn’t have the desire to go to medical school. She spent time between degrees working in a lab at the national cancer institute, expanding her experience in healthcare. During this time, her father passed away from cancer inspiring Pam to dedicate her time and energy to cancer research. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Cell Biology from Stony Brook University and later earned her Doctorate Degree from Stanford University.
Pam always had an interest and academic strength in biology stemming from middle school and continuing into high school. During her time at Albany Academy for Girls, she was enrolled in Chemistry with Mrs. Carolyn Nardillio and Biology with Mrs. Nan Rosenbach. Pam admits she didn’t love chemistry, but continued to excel in biology and ultimately enrolled in AP Biology her senior year. She explains, “Back in the day, most of the AP science classes were over at the boys school. It was the only time you would take a class at The Albany Academy as a female student since it was primarily single gender at the time. I was the only girl in my AP biology class and the experience was great. The Academies had more sophisticated lab equipment and opportunities than you could get at other schools at the time”. Many students from her graduating class continued into the STEAM fields including Jill Porter ’81 and Michelle Shayne ’81. Jill excelled in chemistry and physics going on to study at Massachusetts Institute of Technology to be a successful engineer while Michelle Shayne ‘81 became a medical doctor specializing in the treatment of breast cancer.
Throughout her career, Pam has relished the mission of making a difference in cancer research while also being a member of a large team of like-minded scientists who share her same energy and mission. The diversity of culture, educational background, and gender in her field benefits the mission and innovative solutions through all the unique perspectives and backgrounds of her colleagues.
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