Lisa Jatta, biological sciences major, is one of the women featured as part of The Signal’s #HawkHerStory coverage, celebrating Women’s History Month. This special coverage focuses on the stories and perspectives of the various women within the UHCL community.
Read The Signal’s Q&A with Jatta below and see the other Q&As conducted with students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni here.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, on both a personal and professional/educational level?
A: Yes, I am a first-generation college student and Army veteran graduating in May with a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a concentration in cellular & molecular biology. I am a second-generation immigrant who longs to travel and meet her paternal side of the family in The Gambia, Africa. Lastly, I am also a member of a few organizations at school—Pathways to STEM, Tri-Beta, and Society of Future Medical Professionals (SFMP).
Q: What are some activities you enjoy doing?
A: I truly enjoy traveling but since COVID-19, I’ve been doing more reading than traveling and a lot of introspection and self-care. Those activities have been lifesaving and extremely important for my mental care. I enjoy connecting with family over Facetime/Zoom whenever possible and trying new food.
Q: Q: Are there modern-day women role models today you wish you had growing up?
A: There are so many, but to name a few: Dr. Korie Grayson, Ph.D., Dr. Kiona, Ph.D., M.S., M.A., Angela Basset, and Viola Davis. All of them encompass the determination and strong-will, and boldness that I admire wish they were my personal support system growing up.
Q: What are some problems you anticipate/have encountered as a woman in your field?
A: I have not had any direct encounters, yet, but I anticipate that there will be some misogyny and discrimination from people who still think that women belong at home or being a caretaker. I, for sure, will not be deterred in my goals and what I seek to accomplish because of someone’s flawed outlook on women’s abilities.
Q: What advice would you give to other women and young girls?
A: Be the support you wish you had. If you encounter someone along the way that is going through it, be the helping hand, if you can. The world needs a little more care and kindness to go around.
Q: Is there anything you would like our readers to know?
A: “It’s important to surround yourself with good people, interesting people, young people, young ideas. Go places, learn new stuff. Look at the world with wonder – don’t be tired about it.” – Angela Bassett