Snapshot: Andrea Zuhl

Position: Graduate student in the Scripps Research Institute’s Kellogg School of Science and Technology, working in the Chemistry laboratory of Professor Dale Boger and the Chemical Physiology laboratory of Professor Ben Cravatt. 

Background: A native of Salt Lake City, Zuhl holds a B.A. in Chemistry magna cum laude from Northwestern University, where she performed research with Professor Karl Scheidt in organocatlysis. She was drawn to a career in science for the “intellectual stimulation, to help people, and for the opportunity to challenge yourself every day.” 

Projects: In the Boger lab, Zuhl works on the total synthesis of natural products. In the Cravatt lab, her research focuses on uncovering the biology of poorly characterized serine hydrolase enzymes using newly developed inhibitors. 

Awards: National Science Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship

Arrived at Scripps Research: August 2006

Impressions of Scripps Research: “I first heard about Scripps Research early in my science career, because of its prominence among research organizations working at the chemistry-biology interface.  This is a fast-paced and exciting place to do interdisciplinary research, and I feel very lucky to be a part of it.” 

Professional Activities: Zuhl is president of the Scripps California Network for Women in Science (NWiS), member of the Association of Women in Science, San Diego chapter, and member of the American Chemical Society. 

Zuhl first became interested in NWiS to learn about issues affecting female scientists. She has found the group “is comprised of many of the most ambitious and energetic men and women I’ve met on campus. Being part of that group has been a fun and rewarding component of my time at Scripps.” Involvement in NWIS has helped her develop leadership, networking, and organization skills that complement her training in the lab, Zuhl said.

Extracurricular activities: An active member of San Diego rock-climbing community, Zuhl relishes the sport’s analytical challenge to apply personal strengths to problem solving—reaching the top of the rock. She has tackled rock climbing throughout the Western U.S., but especially enjoys climbing Mt. Woodson locally and Little Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake City. Zuhl also plays second base and outfield on the Scripps Research softball league.

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