5 Questions With Ebony Moore, Lab Client Lead, CIC Labs – Philadelphia
| This article is part of our 5 Questions With series, one of our ongoing People & Places Features. We love it because despite the consistent questioning, the answers are all unique. Be sure to FOLLOW us on LinkedIn to tell us what you think. |
1. What did you want to be when you grow up? How’d you get from there to here?
Originally, I wanted to be a writer, specifically, a novelist or even a journalist. I have always had expansive and sometimes sassy opinions on society and the inner workings of certain systems and events. As I began to express this passion, my mother vehemently pushed back against it, encouraging me to pursue an education in STEM, just as she had done at Wichita State University. Through her guidance and expertise, she shepherded my twin sister and I through STEM programs at Temple University (Biology and Neuroscience respectively). I eventually found out while taking a food break during my mandatory independent study at Temple’s School of Pharmacy (final semester of undergrad) that my mother had no science background whatsoever and was not familiar with any of the jargon I had been referencing for the last few years (her degree is actually in mass comm). After being found out she simply exclaimed, “Well it worked didn’t it?!” It indeed did, and I am grateful till this very day.
2. How are you helping to build a more connected community?
BioBuzz’s mission is simple: to be more connected. Our regionally-focused storytelling, programs, events and experiences create, connect and amplify impact across the life science workforce in growing biohubs. We vibe with people who value community and connection like us. We’d love for you to share how you’re building a more connected community… and any support that you need from our community to continue to accomplish this mission.
By sharing information whenever there is a chance for me to provide meaningful insights. I think there is an intrinsic tendency for people to withhold valuable knowledge for the sake of self preservation because many of us have been taught to adhere to a scarcity mindset. If I know of a better way, I will tell everyone about it, it’s really very simple. For example, I work closely with a STEM non-profit which is headed by Phil Brooks of the Science Center. The program is called BULB and teaches foundational STEM knowledge to adults of all ages and backgrounds in hopes of preparing them to work within the biotech sector. Instead of operating within a scarcity mind frame, I have told everyone that I encounter about it! The more scientists the merrier! Information breeds accessibility, and access can be life changing, that is how I choose to build a more connected community.
3. What are you currently buzzing about? Anything and everything…
After advancing from the prelims, I am preparing to compete in the quarterfinals of Helium Comedy Club’s annual contest, “Philly’s Phunniest Person”. I have been performing standup for a couple of years now and would love to one day have a Netflix special. I just recently completed the third draft of a 30-minute television script that I have been shopping to literary agents and producers in hopes of fulfilling one of my biggest goals, selling a script.
4. If you could travel back in time – what early career advice would you give yourself?
OR What career advice would you shout from the rooftops now?
Write the cover letter! I would also tell myself to detach from the outcome. Just do it. It sounds very cliché, but the fear of failure and rejection held me back from so many opportunities. At one point, my imposter syndrome was so very strong that I would apply for jobs and not answer the phone when they called me for interviews. I sometimes mourn and grieve those opportunities, because the process of becoming the woman that I am today did not have to be as immensely difficult as I forced it to be. I have since forgiven myself but I think about it often.
5. FUN question. Since you love to write… What would the name of your autobiography be?
“You Can’t Die from a Panic Attack” or “Go Ahead … Add Cheese to it”
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Passion. It’s what makes Cat tick. Born and raised in Baltimore, Cat is a former Division-I lacrosse athlete (Hofstra ’09), entrepreneur, and mom of three (crazy) boys. Over the last 12 years, she’s built and led countless teams (on the field, in the gym, and in the office), scaled programs and brands (in both scope and geography), and driven growth and impact in nearly everything she touches. She loves being part of something bigger than herself and has found a new home within the life sciences as BioBuzz’s Head of Marketing.
