A dream realized, a future in motion
“Surreal. Yet real.” That’s how Dr. Sierra Love describes the feeling of finally earning her PhD. For Love, the dream of becoming a scientist began early. As a child, she was fascinated by forensic science, often watching “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” with her grandmother. That curiosity sparked a lifelong passion for science—and a drive to push beyond boundaries.
Love earned her Bachelor of Science in forensics from Hilbert College in Hamburg, New York. After graduation, a mentor suggested she would be a good candidate for a PhD in science. This encouragement opened her eyes to the possibility.
Then in graduate school, she was introduced to the world of scientific research.
“I fell in love with research,” said Love. “I wanted to study genes and DNA. Genetics is the door to learning about how we get diseases and how they impact people’s lives.”
Love moved to Madison in 2018 to pursue her doctorate in genetics. UW-Madison’s PhD program was rigorous—filled with coursework, teaching and laboratory rotations. Of the 12 students in her cohort, Love was the only Black woman.
Once she joined a lab (the Hoskins lab), Love focused on her dissertation and years of research.
“It was a long journey with many ups and downs,” said Love. “But it was definitely worth it.”
Her thesis focused on the chemical inhibition of pre-mRNA splicing in yeast. One of the most challenging moments came while developing a complex screen. The yeast she was working with simply wouldn’t reproduce. She tried everything—months of trial and error, working alone, determined to find the answer herself.
“I thought I had to figure it out on my own,” she said. “I’m hyper independent, and in science, that can work against you.”
Finally, she asked a lab colleague for help. The issue was resolved within a day.
“That moment taught me I don’t always have to go it alone,” she said. “That’s why we have colleagues and mentors—to help us. Science is a collaborative field. I’m learning to communicate my needs and accept that I don’t have to have all the answers.”
After 6.5 years of dedication, Dr. Love walked across the stage in May 2025, officially earning her PhD.
Now, she’s bringing her talents to Thermo Fisher Scientific, where she started in June. Her role blends hands-on science with client-focused responsibilities, manufacturing and testing products to ensure quality and reliability.
Originally from Buffalo, New York, Love has made Madison her home. She credits the community she’s built—especially her support system at Mt. Zion Baptist Church—with helping her feel grounded throughout her academic journey.
“Madison is a beautiful city, and I’ve established roots here,” she said. “I’m happy to start my career in a place that feels like home.”
Love is excited to continue growing in the biotech industry. She sees her new role as a launchpad for long-term success, with hopes of one day moving into leadership positions where she can support and inspire others.
“I expect an ever-changing environment,” she said. “There are so many options and opportunities ahead.”
For those considering a path in science, Love offers honest encouragement: science is hard—but it’s not meant to be done alone.
“Find people who will help you. Find your community,” she said. “Science doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Be open to receiving support.”
A first-generation college graduate, Love is proud of how far she’s come—not only for herself but for what her success represents.
“Science has taught me how to fail—and to be okay with that,” she said. “Failure is part of learning and growth.”
Through every challenge and triumph, Love has stayed true to the dream she had as a little girl watching crime shows on TV. Today, that dream of being a scientist is no longer fiction—it’s her reality.
