We had the good fortune of connecting with Erika Bowen and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Erika, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
During my academic journey, I found myself striving for perfectionism, dedicating excessive time to school-related activities at the expense of personal relaxation. This obsession stemmed from a clear goal I set at the age of 13 to become an engineer, recognizing the challenges ahead as a first-generation college student and woman. Initially, this focus kept me on track, satisfied my parents, and engaged me like a puzzle or game.
Over time, this pursuit led to a solitary lifestyle devoid of friendships, hobbies, or romantic relationships. While this didn’t bother me initially due to academic rewards, I realized in 2019, after experiencing a significant loss, that this wasn’t sustainable. The loss disrupted my academic momentum, leaving me feeling burdened by assignments and obligations without the support of friends or relationships to pull me through.
This experience taught me the importance of establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life. I learned to prioritize tasks, set specific work hours, and refrain from checking work emails during personal time. Instead of striving for perfection, I focused on completing essential tasks efficiently and scheduling dedicated time for personal activities and relaxation. Taking care of my physical and mental health became a priority, including adequate sleep, exercise, and activities that brought joy. For me, the balance still leans more towards work but I do not let it get out of control.
Through these adjustments, I’ve learned to maintain a healthier balance between work and personal life, preventing work from overtaking other aspects of my life.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of leading a project at the University of Georgia focused on optimizing a bioreactor for growing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to enhance their differentiation into bone tissue. This project, affiliated with the Cell Manufacturing and Technologies (CMaT) organization under the National Science Foundation (NSF), has been a source of excitement and fulfillment for me. Working in Dr. Cheryl Gomillion’s Regenerative Tissue RegenX Lab, who connected me with CMaT in the first place, has provided me with an incredible opportunity to apply my skills in 3D modeling and programming, which I acquired during my undergraduate research experiences. Additionally, I’ve had the chance to learn new skills such as cell culturing and collaboration, enriching my research journey. What I love most about this project is its dual role as a platform for teaching other students about research through programs like Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU). It’s been rewarding to guide aspiring researchers and equip them with the tools to navigate graduate school and beyond. One aspect that sets our lab apart is the strong sense of camaraderie among the students. We’ve fostered close relationships that serve as invaluable support systems. Our lab also stands out for its representation of women researchers, thanks to Dr. Gomillion’s deliberate DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) efforts in recruiting underrepresented students. Being part of an inclusive environment like Dr. Gomillion’s lab has been instrumental in my success, and I cherish the opportunity to connect with and learn from fellow female researchers to better support me in a male-dominated major. I’ve tried to follow in the same footsteps mentoring incoming women engineers through the UGA mentor program or including a diverse range of students in my projects.
As a first-generation college student, navigating the complexities of engineering without the guidance of role models or peers facing similar experiences in real-time was particularly challenging for me. I naively obtained two associates degrees despite knowing I was going to eventually pursue graduate school (don’t do this, it is a waste of time!) and will be graduating a little later than most people. To add, during the semester I transferred from UNG to UGA my partner passed away which made me have an extremely difficult time integrating. Going through those difficult semesters at UGA, particularly following the passing of my partner during the semester I transferred there, underscored how challenging circumstances have the capacity to reshape our thinking and foundational beliefs, ultimately fostering valuable lessons and personal growth. I feel like I did come out on the other side being a better speaker, thinker, and empathetic individual. I now try to pay forward to UGA for helping me through that rough period by supporting students in ways that I wasn’t.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Atlanta, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Georgia Aquarium located in downtown. It is renowned for its vast array of marine life and immersive exhibits making it a captivating destination for visitors of all ages. In the same area is the World of Coke which has a tasting room where visitors can indulge in sampling over 100 different beverages from around the world offering a unique and immersive sensory experience; my favorite clothes I’ve been wearing are actually from that gift shop. Here you could also find The Yard which has the most extravagant ice cream milkshakes I’ve come across in a while and is worth visiting. For food you could eat at The Vortex, a restaurant, bar, and comedy club which I have always found uniquely cool. Personally, I think the labs at Georgia Tech are cool and an opportunity to tour them as an academic seems fun as well as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) museum for the same reasons. Lenox Mall is a premier shopping destination in Atlanta, featuring upscale stores, trendy boutiques, and luxurious amenities that would be fun for a shopping spree day. There’s so much more I could say but that’s that first stuff that came to mind!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my parents, Robie and Kay Bowen, for their unwavering support and sacrifices, which enabled me to attend exceptional high school and college institutions, setting the foundation for my success. I am deeply grateful to my grandmother, Alma Bowen, for generously funding my college education until I was able to secure my own stipend. I am incredibly fortunate to have the steadfast support of my best friend and partner, Kaitlyn McDaniel-Castillo and Nathan Shamaun, who have been pillars of strength in my daily life.
I am indebted to my esteemed academic mentors, Dr. J. B. Sharma, Dr. Timothy Burg, and Dr. Cheryl Gomillion, whose guidance and wisdom have shaped my academic journey. I also express my appreciation to Kyndra Higgins and Damion Dixon for their invaluable mentorship in Dr. Gomillion’s lab, where they adeptly passed on their knowledge of cell culture and research skills to me.
I extend my thanks to CMaT (Cell Manufacturing and Technology), the University of North Georgia (UNG), and the University of Georgia (UGA) for providing me with invaluable resources and funding for my research endeavors. Lastly, I am IMMENSELY grateful to coffee for its unwavering support during long hours of research and study.
Website: https://meritpages.com/ErikaBowen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edoubleb24/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-bowen-227357286/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Erika-Bowen/100084212102978/
Other: https://gomillionlab.com/