Meet Dr. Brooks Pond
Meet Dr. Brooks Pond, from Kingsport, Tennessee. In 2007, Dr. Pond became one of the inaugural faculty at Gatton College of Pharmacy. Brooks received her Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Duke University and then completed a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship in Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Although her expertise is in the field of neuropharmacology, she enjoys teaching in many areas of physiology and pharmacology. Brooks also loves working with both graduate students and pharmacy students in the laboratory where she seeks to better understand the consequences of psychostimulant use on the brain.
Why did you want to pursue your PhD/chosen field?
BP: As an undergraduate student at Centre College, I did research with a faculty member in neurobiology. I fell in love with the complexities of the field and developed a passion for research. As a graduate student at Duke University, I rotated through all neuro labs. However, my principal investigator’s primary appointment was in Pharmacology. After joining her lab, I took my first pharmacology course and realized it was a great fit for me. I had always loved physiology, and pharmacology is essentially applied physiology.
How does research and work in labs help students make a greater impact in their profession?
BP: One of the most exciting aspects of research is being the first to find out an answer to a question. I think pharmacy students enjoy that as well, and hopefully, it helps them to develop a love of learning. I also think it is beneficial for them to see the scientific process- the process of asking a question, developing a hypothesis, determining how to test your hypothesis, setting the proper controls, and carrying out the experiment. Ultimately, there will be challenges as well, as things rarely work the first time. I think students gain an appreciation for the difficulties of bench work, and experience trouble-shooting offers great opportunities to develop problem-solving skills.
What brought you to Gatton?
BP: Shortly after my husband bought a periodontal practice in Kingsport, the College of Pharmacy opened at ETSU. It was an excellent fit for me given my background in pharmacology.
What advice would you give to a graduating student?
BP: Find a job that you love and makes you excited to go to work each day. Also, don’t let quotas or the feeling that you are pressed for time make you forget that you are treating people.
What is your greatest accomplishment or something you’re very proud of?
BP: This would probably be receiving my Ph.D. after years of a tremendous amount of work.
What is your teaching philosophy?
BP: I’ve heard it said that teaching is not telling. The classroom should involve engagement of the students actively participating in their learning.
What do you do in your free time?
BP: I love to spend time with my family (husband and two boys) and workout.
What books are on your nightstand?
BP: The Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver and the Bible.
What’s a “weird” fact about yourself that many might not know?
BP: I love to slalom water ski! I learned when I was four and have skied every year except when I was pregnant with each of my boys.