Karen Easley

What inspires or motivates you in your role at HMS/HSDM?
The people I work with inspire me to be the best that I can be. The members of my department are caring and supportive of each other. We are a diverse group, with people from many different countries. I'm a Boston area native, and knowing the sacrifices that people have made to leave their homes and carry out their research at Harvard inspires me to provide them with the best environment I can to help them accomplish their goals.

Are there activities outside of your job at Harvard that you feel enrich or inform who you are as an individual at Harvard?
I was a volunteer at the Angell Animal Medical Center in Jamaica Plain, and I assisted the veterinarians in the Avian and Exotics Department. These pets aren't that exotic - they're birds, guinea pigs and other small mammals, turtles, or even snakes - anything except cats and dogs. From listening, I learned a lot about their owners and the deep bonds owners formed with their pets.
I also learned that even the smallest or most unconventional animal had a unique personality and he ability to bond with its owner. This experience made me a better listener, taught me to keep an open mind, and showed me that everyone is unique and worth getting to know a little better.

What is the significance of the object you brought with you to the photo shoot?
These keys represent my connection to all of the people, labs, and buildings that I'm responsible for in my department. I like to think that my role as Research Operations Manager is also one of the keys to making the Department of Cell Biology a welcoming and productive place to study and work.