Married science professors enjoy a match made in lab
By MARIBEL MOREY
News Writer
Students who do not find a significant other or fiancé by their senior year of college will usually find one in graduate school, according to Jeff and Crislyn Schorey.
The Schoreys, both Notre Dame science professors, did just that at the University of Texas.
"In graduate school, all the time is spent at the lab. The world revolves around your lab," Crislyn said. "That is why it's not uncommon to see two scientists together."
Since 60 hours a week are usually spent in the lab during a biological science Ph.D. track, the curriculum can be very consuming. These students often ultimately spend much of their time with fellow science majors. As a result, it is no coincidence that there are husband and wife teams in science.
After finishing school, the Schoreys were searching for jobs at the same time.
"If a university is interested in one person, they will at least look at the other [spouse]," Jeff said. A lot of times a school will only fill the positions it advertises for, but private schools have more leeway.
Although there is no special program for married faculty at Notre Dame, the Schoreys were very impressed with University, they said.
"Notre Dame is pretty accommodating of married couples," Jeff said. "Notre Dame sees [hiring a spouse] as a way to bring people [they] otherwise wouldn't."
When Crislyn arrived at Notre Dame for her interview two years ago, she was very impressed with the campus, she said.
"I really enjoyed my interview here and the campus was beautiful," she said. "When I got on the plane the chances were pretty high that I would come if Jeff got a position as well."
Crislyn was offered assistant professorship and endowed chair in the Walter Cancer Institute, while continuing her research in basic cancer. Jeff became an assistant biology professor researching infectious diseases.
Although the labs are on campus, the science discussions continue at home.
"We used to talk a lot about science over dinner, but we've tried to reduce it," she said. "It just happens … We try out best not to bring work home, but more often than not, we talk about science."
These discussions at night can bring new insight into their own research.
"If I have ideas or problems, I bounce ideas off Jeff. He critiques stuff that I do," Crislyn said.
Similarly, Jeff is quick to notes the perks of his wife's field.
"We have some interests that overlap. Beneficial from a scientific viewpoint, we can rely on each other's expertise," he said.
"Having Jeff as a scientist is great. He's my biggest supporter and has made things much more fun," she said. "He's been such a source of strength and support."
The Schoreys both agree that it truly helps to have an understanding spouse in the same field.
"The long hours, the high pressure, manuscript writing time and grant time — it's difficult," she said. "He understands the pressures involved because he's in the same profession."
Although research demands a lot of time and stress, the Schoreys are very excited about being at Notre Dame.
"It's been an enjoyable experience," Jeff said.
"It's great! We're two assistant professors," said Crislyn. "It's nice to have your own lab, but have someone else to talk to is great. And know that he's on your side."
Both Jeff and Crislyn applied for positions at universities across the country before deciding to come to Notre Dame.
"Coming to Notre Dame has been wonderful because we're both Catholic," said Crislyn. The couple also wanted to stay close to family in the Midwest.
The Schoreys have been very fortunate because both have been very successful, they said. One-and-a-half years into her post-doctorate, Crislyn's manuscript was published in the Journal of Science, and Jeff's manuscript was published a couple of years later.
"Looking at other friends, couples usually have one successful person while the other struggles, but we are both very fortunate," she said. "We were very fortunate thing materialized well for us. We were lucky."
After arriving at Notre Dame for the fall of 1998, the couple is still very enthusiastic about research opportunities at Notre Dame. Although they have not worked together, Crislyn said they will probably collaborate in the future.
All News Stories for Thursday, April 27, 2000
