Meet Jasmine Clark: GA State Representative & Sr. Lecturer in Microbiology

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jasmine Clark and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jasmine, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When I think of taking risk, I immediately think of the saying “going out on a limb.” The imagery is of someone standing on a limb and hoping it doesn’t break under their weight. The reality is being on the limb will elevate you from where you started and get you closer to where you want to go, if, and only if, it does not break. In this context, it is important, when taking a risk, to consider many factors: where do you want to go; how do you want to get there; is it feasible (even if it will be difficult); and what are the consequences if you are wrong?

While I generally consider myself to be risk averse, and am not one to chase after risky situations, or will choose the least risky path forward, there have been times where I have felt the risk was worth it. One such time was when I decided to run for political office. Running for office carries many risks, as you are allowing yourself to be exposed to the public in ways many people are not used to. Your every move is scrutinized. Every picture you take can be used for malicious purposes. People will search your internet history to find the one time you used flowery or unacceptable language, and hold it against you. You will lose extremely valuable time with family and friends. It is draining on your peace, your health, and your finances.

My decision to run for office came as a result of me seeing a problem that needed a solution (or at least a problem solver) and me looking around the room and realizing I am the solution I am seeking. I decided to put my name on the ballot and accept all the risks that come not only with running a campaign, but also with winning one. Where did I want to go–to the decision making table. How did I want to get there–through campaigning and networking. Was it feasible–yes, but not without major sacrifice. What were the consequences if I was wrong–I could leave myself and my family exposed and vulnerable, and the problem I hoped to solve would still be there. All these things considered, the risk was worth it. I am glad I made the decision. It not only showed me that it can be done (by a political outsider starting from the ground up), but it also laid the groundwork for others after me to know that the risk was worth it and they too should take that leap if they feel it is important.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a State Representative and also a Sr. Lecturer in Microbiology. Two paths that don’t often cross, but that I felt needed to cross in order to have more diverse representation of thought in politics in the State of GA.

Going into Microbiology was the easy part. I love science and have always loved science. When I was younger I wanted to be a doctor, just like my dad. However, when I went off to college, I had the opportunity to take part in a research project as a part of my Honors thesis, which then opened my eyes to a career in the sciences. After going to graduate school, I realized my true passion was in teaching the sciences and finding innovative ways to reveal the biological world to eager students. Thus my career in the sciences was born and nurtured.

Going into politics was much harder. It required me to exercise a muscle in my brain I was not used to using. However, my scientific training prepared me well, as the skills learned in a science setting are translatable to a political setting when you know how to apply them. To be in science, to do research, and even to teach, is to be a problem solver. Politics (if you’re doing it for the right reasons) should also be about problem solving. That is the way I go about doing my job. I ran as the “mad scientists,” and after being elected I became the “legislator in the lab coat.” Both of these put a unique spotlight on me that guides my decision making. I want to be true to my word and mission to lend a science voice to policymaking in GA.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re coming to visit me in Atlanta, you’ve got to join me for some great food! Where do we start? Maybe Ponce City Market. There we can decide between pizza, chicken, ramen, or we can a beer or a glass of wine. For dinner, since we are in the South after all, let’s get some southern food at Mary Mac’s. And then, for after hours fun, we MUST do karaoke at Metro Cafe Diner (and yes, you will sing!).

For the remainder of your trip we can go hiking, biking on the Beltline, maybe catch some food trucks at a park, and other “Atlanta” things happening around the city. If you want to go shopping we can try Perimeter mall (one of the last standing malls around here), and then after that maybe go grab a coffee and treat from Cafe Intermezzo.

And since you are here for a week, let’s take an overnight trip down to Savannah. We don’t have beaches in Atlanta but the beach is a 4 hour drive away. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family is my rock. My dad gave me a model of what I wanted to be when I “grow up.” I’m still growing and he is still serving as the a lighthouse on my journey. My mom is the model of love and resilience. She may never know how much she inspires me to be a great person, and to love hard. My children are my little navigators. I know they are watching my every move. I see it in the way they mimic my facial expressions, or how they work hard to live to their fullest potential and make mommy proud. Knowing they are my captive audience, I work everyday to be a good model for them.

Website: jasmine4ga.com

Instagram: instagram.com/jasmineforhd108

Linkedin: linkedin.com/dr-jasmine-clark-4a82a810

Twitter: twitter.com/jasmineforhd108

Facebook: facebook.com/jasmineclarkhd108