Ambassador For Scientific Research: Carrie G. Markgraf, Ph.D.

An accomplished scientist and dedicated educator, Carrie G. Markgraf has been focusing on scientific research and community outreach since 1987, when she received her Ph.D. from the University of Vermont. Dr. Markgraf completed two post doctoral fellowships-in Psychology at the University of Miami Florida and in Neurology at the University of Miami Medical School-and served as Assistant Professor at the University of Texas-Houston Medical School and Health Science Center, Research Scientist at Marion Merrell Dow, Inc., Research Associate and Instructor at the University of Miami, and Adjunct Professor at the University of Cincinnati before joining Schering-Plough in May of 2001.

In her current position, Dr. Markgraf is responsible for all aspects of GLP-compliant program in Safety Neuro-pharmacology, acting as Study Director/Study Monitor for both regulatory and exploratory studies in neuropharmacology, providing guidance to therapy teams, and validating computer systems and animal models.

In addition....Dr. Markgraf is the Founder of New Jersey Brain Bee Association, an educational outreach group designed to promote interest in neuroscience education in New Jersey K-12 schools and the Coordinator of the Schering-Plough Research Institute (SPRI) Summer Institute for Teachers at Lafayette, an innovative program that brings local middle & high school teachers into the Schering-Plough facility for a month long hands-on research experience. In the five years that she has been associated with the Summer Institute, teachers from 8 different Sussex County high schools and middle schools have participated.

The Summer Institute gives local science teachers a look at science in the "real world." SPRI Study Directors, technical staff and representatives of all the critical support groups guide teachers through the development of a fictional new compound. Presentations vary from informal office talks around the computer to hands-on experiences in the lab.

Dr. Markgraf has always had an interest in science education. Now into her fifth year as Coordinator of the Summer Institute, she continues to be impressed by the teachers who attend. "The Summer Institute has reaffirmed my belief in science teachers' commitment to their classrooms," she says. "I have total respect for middle and high school science teachers: unlike 'specialists,' they have to master a breadth of knowledge in order to fulfill their roles."

Caring Heart Award

Community Service Award

Ambassadors for Scientific Research

Programs For Scientific Literacy