Citizens of the World

3/18/2016

Montrose alumnae make a mark professionally.

Scientists or authors, business women or teachers, Montrose graduates answer the call to greatness in their work.

Laura Kuhl ’03 is a PhD candidate at Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, performing research in comparative climate policy. “My work is about answering the question, ‘How do we help the most vulnerable among us adapt to a changing climate?’” In her frequent travels to Honduras and Ethiopia, she has worked with local farmers, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and fellow academics.

The recipient of multiple awards, fellowships and certifications, Laura will join the faculty of Northeastern University as an assistant professor in the fall of 2017.

“In several ways, my Montrose education laid the foundation for this work,” Laura said. “The culture at Montrose encourages students to approach their work with a sense of purpose and mission. Montrose also helped instill confidence that enables me to approach any conversation--be it with a Minister of Agriculture, or a local farmer--with self-confidence and empathy, interest and understanding. And a strong foundation in the liberal arts gave me the freedom and flexibility to work in an interdisciplinary manner; I’m not afraid to combine areas of study in unconventional ways to solve a problem.”

Similarly, Dr. Nichole Mercier ‘94, a biotechnology director at Washington University in St. Louis, cites lessons learned at Montrose. “Montrose provided me with science and math courses of the highest standards,” Nichole recalled. At Washington University today, Nichole takes scientific breakthroughs and helps turn them into medications that can change lives.

In addition, Nichole used the vision she gained at Montrose to found the Women in Innovation and Entrepreneurship program at Washington University, the first of its kind in the U.S. She works to educate women in academia on the innovation process, seeking to close the large gap between men and women who participate. “Montrose reinforced the value of vision that my parents gave me, to focus on others who may need my support along their journey,” Nichole said.

Head of School Dr. Karen Bohlin hears these stories of professional success regularly, as she connects with alumnae living around the world. During her recent sabbatical she met with Tara McSherry ‘02, Associate Producer of the TV series Elementary in Hollywood, and Monika Borgers Gabas ‘94, an executive search director in Madrid.

"What both Montrose and my family have taught me is that what matters most is the quality of my work, my respect for my colleagues and to know that all work done well can have great meaning and serve others," said Tara.

“I met with Sheridan McCafferty '02 in Manhattan, an associate director of global marketing for WebMD,” said Dr. Bohlin. “She summed up the impact of our mission in this way: ‘Montrose taught me think analytically and deeply. It fostered a solid work ethic. And it gave me the ability to build relationships with different kinds of people. In a company that has grown and positioned me to work all over the world, these skills integrated with my faith have made all the difference.’”

“The open forum discussions in class at Montrose gave me the confidence to take intellectual risks and engage in healthy dialogue, both inside and outside the classroom,” said Diana Baker ‘09, an internal auditor for Nielsen Company in New York City. Having also worked in Singapore, Chicago and London, she explained, “With the support of my teachers and my advisor, I gained courage and determination as a leader and was able to take that into the wider world."

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