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We recently sat down with Christine Akdeniz, the Center for Synthetic Biology’s (CSB) Senior Education and Outreach Coordinator, to learn more about her story and what brought her to Northwestern.

What did you do before coming to Northwestern?

Before coming to Northwestern in 2023, I was an elementary school teacher for 11 years. I taught second grade, third grade, and ESL. I was also a tech coach at the middle school level. Before that, I was an IT project manager for 10 years. I come from a family of teachers, so I should have gone that route to begin with, but when you’re 20-something, you don’t know what you don’t know (laughs).

I don’t have any regrets, but ultimately teaching through the pandemic took its toll and it was time to make a change. I’ve always enjoyed working in an educational setting. I’ve worked at community colleges and universities before, so when I was looking to leave teaching, I knew I still wanted to stay within the education field. So far, I’ve been very happy here.

What are your current job responsibilities?

I wear many hats. On the education side, I support Julius [Lucks] and Danielle [Tullman-Ercek] with their various grants providing post-award support. On the outreach side, I’m responsible for bridging connections with local high schools, community colleges and universities.

I also help run our summer programs and CSB events.  Summer is always a very busy time. Our biggest program is SynBREU, our research experience for undergraduate program. It’s exciting to go from seeing their applications to selecting the cohort, booking their travel, and finally meeting them. I always look forward to their field trips and workshops and seeing them present at the program’s culminating symposium. It is always very rewarding.

What do you like best about your job?

No two days are the same. Sometimes, I think that I will work on A, B and C today, and then a time-sensitive matter comes up and I have to pivot. There’s always so much going on, so the variety is nice.

I also love working with the students, especially since I don’t have a formal science background coming into this role.  Sitting in their cohort meetings, being at the socials and hearing them talk about their research has really opened my eyes to all the amazing things that they’re doing in synthetic biology.

What skills from your past positions have helped you in your current role?

Multitasking and being flexible. As a teacher, I might have had a certain lesson plan for the day and then something would come up and require me to do something else. I’m also experienced working with a lot of different personalities. It’s nice. I still get to work with students, but I don’t have to repeat myself as much anymore (smiles). Sometimes I still sort of hear the teacher voice come out of me—something I did for a long time.

If you could choose any other career what would it be?

I love anything related to food and travel—an Anthony Bourdain or Phil Rosenthal-type personality would be fun.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?

Ice hockey is a big part of my life. I’ve liked it ever since I was a kid. Both of my kids also play, so I am in ice rinks pretty much every weekend throughout the Chicagoland area. I love to watch the Hawks and the Wolves, and obviously, watch my own kids’ games as well.

by Lisa La Vallee