Karen Chapman-Arispe: 25 years
Research Scientist
Department of Biophysics, Rosenbaum Lab
First UTSW job: Research Technician in the Department of Pharmacology.
Best part about my job: The people I’ve met over the years.
How co-workers describe me: Lab Mom. I try to make sure things run as smoothly as possible.
Recipe for success: My sense of responsibility and dedication.
Funny UTSW memory: When my daughter was young, the only thing she knew about my job was that I had to take care of the cells. One day she was explaining that to someone, and they asked her if I worked at the prison.
I wish I were an instant expert at: Cooking delicious, healthy meals. Luckily my husband eats everything I make, even when it is a little bit burnt or not very tasty.
Passions: My daughter and husband. My work at UTSW allowed me to care for my daughter as a single mom for many years. I was lucky to have the stability, benefits, and work-life balance my job provided.
Final note: It was wonderful to start my career in the Pharmacology Department just before the late Dr. Alfred Gilman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1994. We celebrated in both serious and silly ways. I still have a photo of Dr. Gilman in a cap that says “I know Jack.”