How are you?
I’m doing relatively well in these trying times. Things are weird and rough for scientists as a whole right now, but I’m grateful to be still moving forward one day at a time.
Please introduce yourself. What should the world know about Dre’Von Dobson?
I’m a molecular biologist focusing on cardiovascular research. I’m passionate about cultivating and supporting diverse voices in science and advancing biomedical science to ultimately improve health outcomes for the public. Outside of science, I’m an avid musician, playing and recording music with different professionals across the state as time permits.
Can you tell us about your research area and what projects you are working on right now?
Currently, I study the impact and effects of inhaled toxicants (like ozone, wood smoke, diesel exhaust, etc.) on cardiovascular health. I did my graduate school work in the Blood Research Center here at UNC, which cultivated my interest in cardiovascular health. Then I transitioned to the Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology for my postdoctoral research fellowship, which has allowed me to study inhalation toxicology and respiratory health. Now, I’m in the process of combining my past experiences to further understand research problems that are at the intersection of my two fields of expertise.
You recently did an internship with the Office of Technology Commercialization at UNC-CH. Can you tell us what drove you to explore this opportunity, and how did you get involved?
I was exploring potential alternatives to an academic career and came across the field of intellectual property. I thought it seemed really interesting and then applied to the internship at UNC OTC. I knew the experience would give me great insights into the process of technology commercialization and patent law, allowing me to decide if the career path was for me or not. I was excited to be accepted into the program and have a chance to learn something new.
What kinds of projects or tasks did you work on during the internship?
During the internship, I worked with a tech commercialization manager on their portfolio of UNC inventors. After reviewing their portfolio, I was able to attend meetings to help assess the needs of inventors, facilitate discussions between UNC inventors and patent attorneys, and work on marketing strategies for inventions that have already been patented and can be licensed for use outside of UNC. Overall, all of these tasks helped me gain some experience in technology commercialization and a better understanding of intellectual property.
What were the most valuable things you learned during your time with OTC?
The internship started with a very informative 3-day boot camp. This made sure everyone had a working basic knowledge of intellectual property before starting the internship. This was very helpful and useful. Beyond that, I learned valuable lessons about marketing strategy and the steps required to take an invention or a product all the way from the lab bench and into the hands of a customer.
Overall, how would you describe your experience at UNC as a postdoc? Do you have any advice for new postdocs, or things that you wish you had known when you first started?
So far, I’ve had a great experience at UNC as a postdoc. I’ve been fortunate to have really positive experiences with my lab, my mentors, my funding, and my research. The only advice I could offer is to keep an open mind. Many things have turned out differently than I thought they would, but everything has evolved in exciting and new directions. Keeping an open mind will allow you to “roll with the punches” and adapt to unforeseen hurdles and challenges.
Can you recommend any interesting things for postdocs to experience while living in the Triangle area?
The Triangle has a lot of cool and fun things to do. If you can drive or take a ride, there are plenty of places to visit and experience things. The Triangle has live music, comedy clubs, live theatre, great restaurants, and sporting events. This area usually has something for everyone’s interest.
Can you share a book, movie, or podcast that has had a meaningful impact on you?
I would recommend The Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Barlett. It has a lot of thought-provoking content.
Where do you hope to see yourself in the next 5 years?
In the next five years, I would like to think I will be somewhere interfacing with great science, great music, and great people. Beyond that, I’m not sure, but I don’t think I could ask for more at this point.