What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

Sacrifices are non-negotiable; you must be ready to sacrifice for the good of your followers.

What do you consider to be your most important career achievement or milestone?

Getting accepted into a PhD program.

What do you aspire to accomplish in your career and why? What obstacles will you overcome?

I’m deeply concerned about the global increase in the spread of dengue virus and other flaviviruses. I want to devise pan-flavivirus therapeutics, and a vaccine as well in the near future. As a mother and a wife in graduate school, time management is very key to me. NO time wastage!

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

As an AWIS member, I have the opportunity to inspire other young girls, women and mothers to go for their goals and never be scared to do the impossible. All things are possible to all who believe!

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

As a new member, I was fascinated that there are women out there making waves and doing great things. This inspired to be a part of this and accomplish great things in my career too.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Go

How do you define it?

Keep going no matter what happens!

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

Never back out, regardless of the situation.

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

It has given me the opportunity to meet other awesome women. Networking with others in the field of science is one great way I have been impacted by AWIS.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

I am writing some notes, getting ready for my preliminary exam.

What do you consider the best professional or personal advice you’ve ever received?

Keep moving; don’t stop making progress. Setbacks and failures are sure, but do not relent. Keep pressing forward.

Mercy Orukpe Moses is a graduate student in Professor Richard Kuhn’s Lab at Purdue University. Her research is on flavivirus nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) and its interactions with host proteins. She is a very passionate, diligent, and determined scientist who believes nothing is impossible because she can do all things through Christ which strengthens her!