Oral Histories

Interview of Ann M. Pullen

Subtitle:
Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences: Ann M. Pullen
Series:
Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences
Topic:
Science, Medicine, and Technology
Interviewer:
Novak, Steven J.
Interviewee:
Pullen, Ann M.
Supporting Documents:
Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library's Center for Oral History Research.
Language:
English
Copyright:
Regents of the University of California, UCLA Library.
Series Statement:
Interviews in this series, sponsored by the Pew Charitable Trusts, document the research of "outstanding scientists from quality institutions" chosen by the Pew Scholars Program to receive four-year stipends.
Abstract:
Childhood in Sutton Coldfield, England; applied science training through the University of Bath; Ph.D. work at Cambridge University; learning environment at Cambridge; postdoctoral work at the National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine in Denver; the discovery of superantigens; narrow focus of the English educational system; first encounter with professional competitiveness; role of luck in laboratory discoveries; the difficulties encountered by two-career couples; starting up a lab at University of Washington with Howard Hughes Medical Institute and National Institutes of Health funding; using transgenic mice to study extrathymic T cell development; lobbying efforts on behalf of basic research funding; the extensive level of funding available for HIV-related research; problems facing women who decide to have a baby while pursuing tenure; English lab safety standards compared to American standards; the impact of animal rights activism on researchers; encouraging active discussion among all lab personnel; deciding whether to stay in the United States or return to England.