Building on a Dual Passion for Space and Science
Mitchell’s family lives in Clarksville, Tennessee, but most of her childhood was spent constantly moving around the U.S. “I’m a military kid, so I moved around 21 times before my parents retired in Tennessee,” she said. Her father served in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, while her mother was a U.S. Army nurse and is now a nurse practitioner. “I kind of grew up in the hospital with my mom taking us with her to work, so I had this love for science and medicine,” Mitchell said. “Plus, I have always loved space and wanted to be an astronaut. I never thought it could be possible to do both.”
Due to her exceptional engagement, Mitchell was invited to participate in research with Dr. Paul on a NASA Space Biology mission that launched this November from Kennedy Space Center . “I am very proud of her accomplishments so far, and I’m certain this is only the beginning for her,” said Paul, the Wessel endowed assistant professor of Aerospace Physiology and Immunology in the Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology. Ultimately, Mitchell said it has been the hands-on, one-on-one experience she has gained with Dr. Paul in the Omics Lab that has allowed her to present her research half a world away. “I have had opportunities here that I wouldn’t have at other universities,” said Mitchell.
Carol is one of those students that any principal investigator would be fortunate to have. She is hardworking, bright and a team leader. Her dedication to learning and passion for space biology was apparent early on in our initial conversations.
Dr. Amber M. Paul | Assistant Professor, Embry-Riddle Omics Lab
That’s why she was thrilled when she found a major — Aerospace Physiology — that combined her interests. After transferring to Embry-Riddle from Quinnipiac University, in Connecticut, Mitchell said she found a wealth of research opportunities that allowed her to excel in the field. “I did not have those research opportunities previously, and I was nervous about being able to gain research experience,” said Mitchell. “But I was lucky that Dr. Paul took a risk on me and taught me all the skills I needed.”
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