Growing up, I was always interested in science. In high school, I had a fantastic chemistry teacher and absolutely loved her class. Every day, she was enthusiastic about what we were about to do and made science fun. She was smart and very cool. Her personality was engaging. I saw myself becoming a scientist and emulating her because of her spirit and love of chemistry.
\nI imagined a job one day as an engineer, like my dad, so I went to college with plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering, it was science and chemistry, but I just didn’t feel excited about what I was studying. I knew I loved chemistry, but what could I do with it?
\nA conversation in passing with a chemistry professor in college changed all of that.
\nPerhaps he noticed my love of organic chemistry? Or perhaps he saw the untapped potential in me that I didn’t recognize in myself?
\nBecause of my scientific curiosity, passion for chemistry and dedication to experimental laboratory work, he encouraged me to apply to graduate school – specifically to UCLA, his alma mater because he knew the program would give me access to outstanding faculty, important research problems at the interface of chemistry and biology, the training to synthesize small organic molecules in new and better ways, and the experiences that I needed to build a research career. In that moment, my life’s trajectory was completely changed.
","useGreyBackground":false,"fullWidth":false},{"imageOnLeft":false,"image":{"src":"/media/dmom3ozs/karen-e-bts-in-article.png?width=624&height=416&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dbe1225d09e9b0","alt":"Karen Evans headshot","darkModeSrc":"/media/dmom3ozs/karen-e-bts-in-article.png?width=624&height=416&format=webp&quality=90&v=1dbe1225d09e9b0"},"imageCaption":"","text":"Being from a small city in Texas, transitioning to UCLA was both exciting and daunting. I was thrilled to be accepted into the total synthesis and synthetic methodology research program of Mike Jung, Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, a passionate and brilliant organic chemist, an amazing teacher, and someone who would soon become a highly successful drug hunter.
","greyBackground":false,"orangeLink":null,"header":"","type":"text-and-image","ariaHidden":false},{"type":"rich-text","text":"I always left his office having learned something new— like how to interpret data differently or who to talk to find specific information for myself. Having the opportunity to prove that I could overcome and solve synthetic challenges, left me wanting more. I found my calling in small molecule research. Coupling my research advisor’s support with my own hard work and persistence, I earned my doctorate in organic chemistry. From there, I worked on small molecule research for crop protection, and eventually that work led me to GSK where I lead a team doing small molecule research in medicines for the benefit of humankind.
","useGreyBackground":false,"fullWidth":false},{"type":"quote","quoteBody":"I’m still amazed by and grateful for the support, guidance, and impact of those remarkable teachers who inspired me to make important choices at key points along my journey.\"
","quotee":"Karen Evans","quoteeSubtext":"Team Leader, Medicinal Chemistry","image":null,"link":null},{"type":"rich-text","text":"As a team leader in medicinal chemistry, I remember those lessons and the impact those gestures had on me, so when I interact with someone on my team, whether I’m giving specific feedback, guidance on a decision that needs to be made, encouragement to take on a challenging task, or we’re discussing new data and how we can use it to reach our team’s goal, it’s an opportunity to help someone grow from a different perspective.
\nThose early lessons taught me how I can give back, influence others, recognize accomplishments, make someone’s day – or help them find their own path. That simple, yet wildly impactful lesson continues to guide my leadership philosophy. Not only is my team working on small molecule research to create a new medicine for humankind, we’re also making a positive impact on each other every day.
","useGreyBackground":false,"fullWidth":false},{"type":"varied-signpost-grid","title":"You might also like","layoutPattern":4,"pages":[{"title":"Behind the Science US edition","content":"Explore innovations from inside and outside our labs. Go #BehindTheScience to see for yourself","image":{"src":"/media/eqtnibbu/stvg_2_2022_smtlab_10_hess.jpg?width=427&height=533&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dbe1221cc371f0","alt":"scientist in a lab using a cryogenic machine","darkModeSrc":"/media/eqtnibbu/stvg_2_2022_smtlab_10_hess.jpg?width=427&height=533&format=webp&quality=90&v=1dbe1221cc371f0"},"link":{"text":"Behind the Science US edition","href":"/en-us/behind-the-science-us-edition/","openInNewWindowText":null}},{"title":"Company","content":"We unite science, technology and talent to get ahead of disease together","image":{"src":"/media/suilv4ve/dna-and-tech-science-image-rgb.jpg?width=427&height=533&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dcb546428b35f0","alt":"DNA And Tech Science Image","darkModeSrc":"/media/suilv4ve/dna-and-tech-science-image-rgb.jpg?width=427&height=533&format=webp&quality=90&v=1dcb546428b35f0"},"link":{"text":"Company","href":"/en-us/company/","openInNewWindowText":null}},{"title":"Women in science: Nicole Godfrey","content":"Go Behind the science and read our Women in Science series. Meet Nicole Godfrey, Medicinal Chemist.","image":{"src":"/media/hsfittts/nicole-01.jpg?width=427&height=533&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dc6b8243622be0","alt":"Nicole is a scientist in a lab coat working in the lab","darkModeSrc":"/media/hsfittts/nicole-01.jpg?width=427&height=533&format=webp&quality=90&v=1dc6b8243622be0"},"link":{"text":"Women in science: Nicole Godfrey","href":"/en-us/behind-the-science-us-edition/women-in-science-nicole-godfrey/","openInNewWindowText":null}}],"hidePageDescription":false,"useGreyBackground":false}]},"id":5149,"docCheckLogout":null,"pageType":"magazinePage","languageCode":"en-US","theme":"light","breadcrumb":{"ariaLabel":"Breadcrumb","links":[{"text":"Home","href":"/en-us/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Behind the Science US edition","href":"/en-us/behind-the-science-us-edition/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Karen Evans: Early influences with long-term impacts","href":"/en-us/behind-the-science-us-edition/karen-evans-early-influences-with-long-term-impacts/","openInNewWindowText":null}]},"pageName":"Karen Evans: Early influences with long-term impacts","topNav":{"homeLink":{"text":"GSK Homepage","href":"/en-us/","openInNewWindowText":null},"topBar":{"currentLocation":{"isGlobal":false,"text":"United States (EN)"},"languageSelector":{"currentLanguage":null,"currentLanguageMobile":null,"selectableLanguages":[]},"darkModeSwitch":{"text":"Dark Mode","tooltipText":"Switch to dark mode to head towards a more sustainable world together. More info
"},"globalSiteLink":{"text":"Global","href":"https://www.gsk.com","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},"locationSelector":{"text":"Change location","href":"/en-us/locations/","openInNewWindowText":null},"healthCareLink":{"text":"Healthcare professionals","href":"https://gskpro.com","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},"contactUs":{"text":"Contact us","href":"/en-us/contact-us/","openInNewWindowText":null},"search":"Search","backToMain":"Back to main","menu":"Menu","closeMenu":"Close menu","animationsToggleModel":{"enable":true,"activeText":"Pause video","inactiveText":"Play video"}},"nodes":[{"tooltip":null,"hasBorderRight":true,"title":"Behind the Science US edition","url":"/en-us/behind-the-science-us-edition/","nodes":[],"isActive":true,"promos":[]},{"tooltip":null,"hasBorderRight":false,"title":"Company","url":"/en-us/company/","nodes":[{"title":"Purpose, strategy and culture","url":"/en-us/company/purpose-strategy-and-culture/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Respiratory, immunology and inflammation","url":"/en-us/company/respiratory-immunology-and-inflammation/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Oncology","url":"/en-us/company/oncology/","nodes":[{"title":"Myelofibrosis","url":"/en-us/company/oncology/myelofibrosis/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Ovarian cancer","url":"/en-us/company/oncology/ovarian-cancer/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Endometrial cancer","url":"/en-us/company/oncology/endometrial-cancer/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Multiple myeloma","url":"/en-us/company/oncology/multiple-myeloma/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Rectal cancer","url":"/en-us/company/oncology/rectal-cancer/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"HIV","url":"/en-us/company/hiv/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Infectious diseases","url":"/en-us/company/infectious-diseases/","nodes":[{"title":"Vaccines","url":"/en-us/company/infectious-diseases/vaccines/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Flu","url":"/en-us/company/infectious-diseases/flu/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Shingles (Herpes Zoster)","url":"/en-us/company/infectious-diseases/shingles-herpes-zoster/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)","url":"/en-us/company/infectious-diseases/rsv-respiratory-syncytial-virus/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Meningitis","url":"/en-us/company/infectious-diseases/meningitis/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false,"promos":[{"text":"Global Outstanding people","image":{"src":"/media/kjtduuwb/20250115-extra-6-phl-small.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dbe12238ee2370","alt":"Two people walking in an office","darkModeSrc":"/media/kjtduuwb/20250115-extra-6-phl-small.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=90&v=1dbe12238ee2370"},"link":{"text":"Spotlight on","href":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/company/outstanding-people/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"}},{"text":"Global policy positions","image":{"src":"/media/diaofnw2/20250115-extra-14-phl.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dbe122233e8880","alt":"An employee attending an online meeting","darkModeSrc":"/media/diaofnw2/20250115-extra-14-phl.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=90&v=1dbe122233e8880"},"link":{"text":"Spotlight on","href":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/company/policy-positions","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"}}]},{"tooltip":null,"hasBorderRight":false,"title":"Innovation","url":"/en-us/innovation/","nodes":[{"title":"Therapeutic areas","url":"/en-us/innovation/therapeutic-areas/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Technologies","url":"/en-us/innovation/technologies/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Clinical studies","url":"/en-us/innovation/clinical-studies/","nodes":[{"title":"Representative clinical trials","url":"/en-us/innovation/clinical-studies/representative-clinical-trials/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false,"promos":[{"text":"Global pipeline","image":{"src":"/media/zr0acsx2/20281231-c1-innovation-um.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dc8fa7a9f728d0","alt":"A close-up shot of scientist's hands handling a vial","darkModeSrc":"/media/zr0acsx2/20281231-c1-innovation-um.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=90&v=1dc8fa7a9f728d0"},"link":{"text":"Spotlight on","href":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/innovation/pipeline/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"}},{"text":"Global Behind the science magazine","image":{"src":"/media/vvwddvsg/gsk_tech_human_image_6k.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dcc04016a69c90","alt":"GSK Tech Human Image","darkModeSrc":"/media/vvwddvsg/gsk_tech_human_image_6k.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=90&v=1dcc04016a69c90"},"link":{"text":"Spotlight on","href":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"}}]},{"tooltip":null,"hasBorderRight":false,"title":"Products","url":"/en-us/products/","nodes":[],"isActive":false,"promos":[]},{"tooltip":null,"hasBorderRight":true,"title":"Responsibility","url":"/en-us/responsibility/","nodes":[{"title":"Inclusion","url":"/en-us/responsibility/inclusion/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"US charitable investments","url":"/en-us/responsibility/us-charitable-investments/","nodes":[{"title":"Charitable grants","url":"/en-us/responsibility/us-charitable-investments/charitable-grants/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Ethical standards","url":"/en-us/responsibility/ethical-standards/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false,"promos":[{"text":"Access to medicines","image":{"src":"/media/q2cllvad/20271231-a1-careers-up.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dbe1221dd270f0","alt":"A scientist checking experiment results in the lab","darkModeSrc":"/media/q2cllvad/20271231-a1-careers-up.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=90&v=1dbe1221dd270f0"},"link":{"text":"FEATURED WEBSITE","href":"https://www.gskforyou.com/","openInNewWindowText":null}},{"text":"Global Responsibility ","image":{"src":"/media/e5nbvffs/20250115-f4-ethical-standards-um.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dbe1221ed9f5e0","alt":"A smiling scientist posing in the lab","darkModeSrc":"/media/e5nbvffs/20250115-f4-ethical-standards-um.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=90&v=1dbe1221ed9f5e0"},"link":{"text":"Spotlight on","href":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"}}]},{"tooltip":null,"hasBorderRight":false,"title":"Media","url":"/en-us/media/","nodes":[{"title":"Press releases","url":"/en-us/media/press-releases/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Media contacts","url":"/en-us/media/media-contacts/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"In Focus","url":"/en-us/media/in-focus/","nodes":[{"title":"Flu is a Family Affair","url":"/en-us/media/in-focus/flu-is-a-family-affair/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Five for Five","url":"/en-us/media/in-focus/five-for-five/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false,"promos":[{"text":"Global press releases","image":{"src":"/media/svplhxgn/20271231-h2-visit-our-global-careers-site-link-um.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dbe12238bed610","alt":"Two employees discussing work in the office","darkModeSrc":"/media/svplhxgn/20271231-h2-visit-our-global-careers-site-link-um.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=90&v=1dbe12238bed610"},"link":{"text":"Spotlight on","href":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"}}]},{"tooltip":null,"hasBorderRight":false,"title":"Careers","url":"/en-us/careers/","nodes":[{"title":"Search jobs","url":"/en-us/careers/search-jobs/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Life at GSK","url":"/en-us/careers/life-at-gsk/","nodes":[{"title":"Employment rights under federal law","url":"/en-us/careers/life-at-gsk/employment-rights-under-federal-law/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Experienced professionals","url":"/en-us/careers/experienced-professionals/","nodes":[{"title":"A career in oncology","url":"/en-us/careers/experienced-professionals/a-career-in-oncology/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"A career in Boston","url":"/en-us/careers/experienced-professionals/a-career-in-boston/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Early careers","url":"/en-us/careers/early-careers/","nodes":[{"title":"Apprentices","url":"/en-us/careers/early-careers/apprentices/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Internships and co-ops","url":"/en-us/careers/early-careers/internships-and-co-ops/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Scientific leadership program","url":"/en-us/careers/early-careers/scientific-leadership-program/","nodes":[],"isActive":false},{"title":"Commercial development program","url":"/en-us/careers/early-careers/commercial-development-program/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false},{"title":"Veterans at GSK","url":"/en-us/careers/veterans-at-gsk/","nodes":[],"isActive":false}],"isActive":false,"promos":[{"text":"Global how we hire","image":{"src":"/media/3u2dneiw/20271231-a3-contact-us-phl.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dbe12236d41d10","alt":"Three employees meeting in the office","darkModeSrc":"/media/3u2dneiw/20271231-a3-contact-us-phl.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=90&v=1dbe12236d41d10"},"link":{"text":"Spotlight on","href":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/how-we-hire/","openInNewWindowText":null}},{"text":"Global graduate program","image":{"src":"/media/xrsfni0a/20281231-h4a-achieve-your-career-goals-up.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dbe1221e21c970","alt":"A smiling scientist posing in the lab","darkModeSrc":"/media/xrsfni0a/20281231-h4a-achieve-your-career-goals-up.jpg?width=329&height=185&format=webp&quality=90&v=1dbe1221e21c970"},"link":{"text":"Spotlight on","href":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/early-talent/future-leaders-graduate-programme","openInNewWindowText":null}}]}],"skipToContent":null,"skipToSearch":null,"typeaheadSearch":{"apiEndpoint":"api/search/typeahead?siteContainerId=1702","searchFieldPlaceholderText":"Enter a search term...","searchPage":"/en-us/search/","ariaLabel":"Submit form"},"ariaLabel":"Global navigation"},"footer":{"logo":null,"copyrightText":"This is our US website, intended for US audiences only. Other market sites can be reached by visiting our location selector.
\n© 2001-2026 GSK plc. All rights reserved. Trade marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.
\nGSK plc. Registered in England and Wales No. 3888792.
\nRegistered office: 79 New Oxford Street, London. United Kingdom. WC1A 1DG
","modernSlaveryStatement":null,"sections":{"socialMedia":{"columnTitle":"Follow us on:","socialMediaItems":[{"globalLink":{"text":null,"href":"http://www.linkedin.com/company/glaxosmithkline","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},"localLink":null,"ariaLabel":"Follow us on LinkedIn","customIcon":null,"showPopupMenu":false,"type":"LinkedIn"},{"globalLink":{"text":null,"href":"https://www.instagram.com/gskus?igsh=dDl0NjZmbmlia3F1","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},"localLink":null,"ariaLabel":"Follow us on Instagram","customIcon":null,"showPopupMenu":false,"type":"Instagram"},{"globalLink":{"text":null,"href":"https://www.threads.com/@gskus","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},"localLink":null,"ariaLabel":"Follow us on Threads","customIcon":null,"showPopupMenu":false,"type":"Threads"},{"globalLink":{"text":null,"href":"https://www.facebook.com/GSK","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},"localLink":null,"ariaLabel":"Follow us on Facebook","customIcon":null,"showPopupMenu":false,"type":"Facebook"},{"globalLink":{"text":null,"href":"http://www.youtube.com/GSK","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},"localLink":null,"ariaLabel":"Follow us on Youtube","customIcon":null,"showPopupMenu":false,"type":"Youtube"}]},"columns":[{"columnTitle":"GSK websites","links":[{"text":"GSK Global website","href":"https://www.gsk.com","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},{"text":"Locations selector","href":"/en-us/locations/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Global Behind the science","href":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},{"text":"GSKPro for HCPs","href":"https://gskpro.com","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},{"text":"ViiV Healthcare","href":"https://viivhealthcare.com/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},{"text":"GSK study register","href":"https://www.gsk-studyregister.com/en/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},{"text":"Business to Business","href":"/en-us/business-to-business-in-the-us/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Supplier website","href":"https://supplier.gsk.com/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"}]},{"columnTitle":"Quick links","links":[{"text":"Behind the science US edition","href":"/en-us/behind-the-science-us-edition/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Company","href":"/en-us/company/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Innovation","href":"/en-us/innovation/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Products","href":"/en-us/products/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Responsibility","href":"/en-us/responsibility/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Media","href":"/en-us/media/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Careers","href":"/en-us/careers/","openInNewWindowText":null}]},{"columnTitle":"Global investors","links":[{"text":"Shareholders","href":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/investors/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},{"text":"Quarterly results","href":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/investors/quarterly-results/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},{"text":"Financial reports","href":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/investors/financial-reports/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},{"text":"Share price analysis","href":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/investors/dividend-and-share-price/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Product pipeline","href":"https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/innovation/pipeline/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"}]},{"columnTitle":"Get in touch","links":[{"text":"Contact us","href":"/en-us/contact-us/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Report a possible side effect","href":"/en-us/report-a-possible-side-effect/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"GSK Speak up","href":"https://www.gsk.com/speakup","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"}]}]},"bottomLinks":[{"text":"Accessibility","href":"/en-us/accessibility/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Digital sustainability","href":"/en-us/digital-sustainability/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Terms of use","href":"/en-us/terms-of-use/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Cookie policy","href":"/en-us/cookie-policy/","openInNewWindowText":null},{"text":"Privacy notice","href":"https://privacy.gsk.com/en-us/privacy-notice/","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},{"text":"Sitemap","href":"/en-us/sitemap/","openInNewWindowText":null}],"continueToLink":null,"legalApprovalText":""},"sharing":{"description":"Learn how the support and guidance of remarkable teachers led her to love small molecule research, and find exactly where she belongs.","og":[{"property":"og:title","content":"Karen Evans: Early influences with long-term impacts"},{"property":"og:description","content":"Learn how the support and guidance of remarkable teachers led her to love small molecule research, and find exactly where she belongs."},{"property":"og:image","content":"https://us.gsk.com/media/mnqbx3p3/karen-e-bts-preview.png?width=600&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dbe1225d43e570"},{"property":"og:url","content":"https://us.gsk.com/en-us/behind-the-science-us-edition/karen-evans-early-influences-with-long-term-impacts/"}],"twitter":[{"name":"twitter:card","content":"summary_large_image"},{"name":"twitter:site","content":"@gsk"},{"name":"twitter:title","content":"Karen Evans: Early influences with long-term impacts"},{"name":"twitter:description","content":"Learn how the support and guidance of remarkable teachers led her to love small molecule research, and find exactly where she belongs."},{"name":"twitter:image","content":"https://us.gsk.com/media/mnqbx3p3/karen-e-bts-preview.png?width=600&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dbe1225d43e570"},{"name":"twitter:url","content":"https://us.gsk.com/en-us/behind-the-science-us-edition/karen-evans-early-influences-with-long-term-impacts"}]},"stickyShare":{"href":"https://us.gsk.com/en-us/behind-the-science-us-edition/karen-evans-early-influences-with-long-term-impacts/","pageTitle":"Karen Evans: Early influences with long-term impacts","shareText":"Share","newTabLinkText":"Opens in a new window","shareOnTwitterText":"Share on Twitter","shareOnLinkedInText":"Share on LinkedIn","shareOnFacebookText":"Share on Facebook"},"exitSitePreferences":{"popupEnabled":true,"title":"You are leaving our website","texts":"The information you are about to be referred to may not comply with the local regulatory requirements. Further information relevant to the local environment is available from the company or via the Product Information.
","continueText":"Continue","cancelText":"Cancel","exclusionUrls":["https://www.gsk.com","https://www.facebook.com/GSK","http://doingmoreintheus.gsk.com/en-us/map-regions/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/investors/quarterly-results/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/about-us/vaccines/why-you-don-t-outgrow-vaccination/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science/patients-consumers/eggs-in-manufacturing/","https://innovation.gsk.com/","http://doingmoreintheus.gsk.com/en-us/map-regions/north-carolina/doing-more-on-moore-drive-in-the-research-triangle-park/","http://doingmoreintheus.gsk.com/en-us/map-regions/pennsylvania/gsk-navy-yard-where-we-do-more-with-less/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/about-us/save-the-children-partnership","https://www.gskgrants.com","https://www.gskforyou.com/","http://fortherecord.payments.us.gsk.com","https://www.gsk-clinicalstudyregister.com/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/about-us/policies-codes-and-standards/","http://www.gsk.com/en-gb/about-us/policies-codes-and-standards/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/products/stiefel-dermatology/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/products/viiv-healthcare/","https://www.contactus.gsk.com/callback/index.html","https://www.gsksource.com/gskprm/en/US/adirect/gskprm?cmd=Home&entryPoint=adirect&messageType=Home","https://www.gsksource.com/pharma/content/gsk/source/us/en.html","http://www.msds-gsk.com/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/investors/shareholder-information/","http://www.gsk.com/en-gb/investors/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/investors/corporate-reporting/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/investors/product-pipeline/","http://www.gskgrants.com/","https://www.gsksource.com/gskprm/en/US/adirect/gskprm?cmd=Home&entryPoint=adirect&messageType=Home","https://www.gsk.com/media/2941/human-rights-statement-policy.pdf","http://www.gsk.com/media/280848/human-rights-statement-policy.pdf","http://www.gsk.com/en-gb/research/rd-locations/pharmaceuticals/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/business-to-business/","https://supplier.gsk.com/irj/portal/public?guest_user=SUP_GUEST_EN","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/business-to-business/","https://supplier.gsk.com/irj/portal/public?guest_user=SUP_GUEST_EN","http://twitter.com/GSK","http://www.youtube.com/GSK","http://www.flickr.com/photos/glaxosmithkline","http://www.linkedin.com/company/glaxosmithkline","https://www.instagram.com/gsk/ ","http://www.gsk-clinicalstudyregister.com/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/new-multi-country-survey-reveals-need-for-improved-awareness-around-long-term-impact-and-appropriate-use-of-corticosteroids-in-sle-management/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science/our-people/from-tv-to-tackling-lupus-why-alex-moved-from-media-to-medicine/","http://www.gskforyou.com/","http://us.gsk.com/en-us/behind-the-science/?tag=Corporate+responsibility","https://www.gskforyou.com/prescription-resource-assistance/immunology-respiratory/","https://www.contactus.gsk.com/callback.html","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/about-us/governance/global-compliance/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/physicians/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/job-finder/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/contact-us/worldwide/","https://access.gsk.com/password/","https://access.gsk.com/selfservice/static/login.jsp?TYPE=33554433&REALMOID=06-c7edf5ec-5585-100d-83b1-84797f88fc89&GUID=&SMAUTHREASON=0&METHOD=GET&SMAGENTNAME=-SM-90R5K5a0NsTyKRhPyTIn3A3B5ovKkqcehflGRUrUNusjZdRaPY%2bWUozEFizs1bMg&TARGET=-SM-https%3a%2f%2fuksah%2egsk%2ecom%2fswh_uk_win_ns%2fcommunications%2femployee%2femployees%2ehtm","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/operating-responsibly/working-with-third-parties/","https://supplier.gsk.com/irj/portal/public?guest_user=SUP_GUEST_EN","https://ascend.cvmsolutions.com/Account/Login?client=gsk","https://twitter.com/GSKUS","https://twitter.com/GSK","https://www.gsk.com/media/5097/our-approach-to-responsible-business_sept-18.pdf","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/responsibility-reports-data/","https://www.gsk.com/media/2538/gsk-materiality-process.pdf","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/access-to-healthcare/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/our-people/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/environment/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/operating-responsibly/","https://www.gsk.com/media/4552/our-code-of-practice.pdf","https://www.gsk.com/media/4552/our-code-of-practice.pdf#page=10","https://www.gsk.com/media/4552/our-code-of-practice.pdf#page=35","https://www.gsk.com/media/4552/our-code-of-practice.pdf#page=35","https://www.instagram.com/gsk/","https://twitter.com/gsk","https://twitter.com/gskus","https://www.youtube.com/GSK","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/resource-centre/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/image-and-video-library/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/rss-feeds/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/investors/corporate-reporting/annual-report-2017/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/experienced-professionals/business-operations/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/experienced-professionals/engineering/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/experienced-professionals/manufacturing-and-supply/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/experienced-professionals/marketing-and-communications/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/experienced-professionals/research-and-development/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/experienced-professionals/sales/","https://www.gsk.com/media/5041/rd-update-slides-hal-barron.pdf","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/meet-our-people/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/our-people/employee-volunteering/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/postgraduate-opportunities/","https://gskearlytalent.avature.net/landingpage","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/apprentices-students-and-graduates/future-leaders-graduate-programme/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/our-people/volunteer-stories/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/partnerships/bioelectronics-research-network/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/research/our-approach/open-innovation/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/careers-search/?r=USA","https://www.linkedin.com/company/gsk-canada/","https://www.linkedin.com/company/gsk_consumer_healthcare_india/","https://www.linkedin.com/company/gsk-pharmaceuticals-india/","https://www.linkedin.com/company/glaxosmithkline-poland/","https://www.youtube.com/user/gskasiachannel/","https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWuz9ZDceHYHXmJVJ4hF8Q","https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN1XeWQWLVhFLHQwZl93jFQ","https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwQyIfV4pLlsZGuN7fiZm2w","https://twitter.com/gsk_ar","https://twitter.com/GSK_Asia","https://twitter.com/gsk_conferences","https://twitter.com/gsk_au","https://twitter.com/GSK_DE","https://twitter.com/GSKCH_INDIA","https://twitter.com/GSK_IE","https://twitter.com/gsk_it","https://twitter.com/GSKScience","https://twitter.com/stiefel","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/karenann-terrell-appointed-chief-digital-technology-officer-gsk/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science/innovation/the-digitalisation-lab-bringing-the-digital-age-to-manufacturing/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/meet-our-people/lindsay-rd-uk/","http://uk.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/apprenticeships/","https://www.gsk.com/media/4931/gsk-quick-facts.pdf","https://ie.gsk.com/ie/careers/apprenticeships/","http://au.gsk.com/en-au/careers/apprenticeships/","http://sg.gsk.com/en-sg/careers/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/contact-us/report-a-possible-side-effect/","https://gsk.i-sight.com/landing-page/","https://www.gskforyou.com/","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-us/jobs?keywords=RichmondConsumerHealthcareR%26D&page=1","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-us/jobs?page=1&location=Lincoln,%20NE,%20United%20States&woe=7&stretch=10&stretchUnit=KILOMETERS&keywords=manufacturing&sortBy=relevance","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-us/jobs?page=1&location=Carlisle,%20PA,%20United%20States&woe=7&stretch=10&stretchUnit=KILOMETERS&keywords=manufacturing&sortBy=relevance","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-us/jobs?page=1&location=East%20Durham,%20NY,%20United%20States&woe=7&stretch=10&stretchUnit=KILOMETERS&keywords=manufacturing&sortBy=relevance","https://us.gsk.com/en-us/media/press-releases/fda-approves-parp-inhibitor-in-first-line-monotherapy-maintenance-treatment-for-women-with-platinum-responsive-advanced-ovarian-cancer-regardless-of-biomarker-status/","https://privacy.gsk.com/en-us/privacy-notice/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/investors/corporate-reporting/annual-report-2020/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/gsk-delivers-fy-2021-reported-sales-of-34-billion-stable-at-aer-plus5-cer/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/investors/financial-reports/annual-report-2021/","https://www.gsk.com/media/7473/esg-performance-report-2021.pdf","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/company/codes-standards-and-reports/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/investors/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/our-response-to-covid-19/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science/","https://gskpro.com/","https://viivhealthcare.com/","https://www.gsk-studyregister.com/en/","https://gsk.supplierone.co/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/investors/financial-reports/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/investors/dividend-and-share-price/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/innovation/pipeline/","https://www.gsk.com/speakup","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/company/outstanding-people/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/company/policy-positions","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/research-and-development/our-approach-to-rd/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/innovation/partnerships/","https://www.gsk.com/media/8519/the-code-printable-version.pdf","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/company/policy-positions/#","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/innovation/therapeutic-areas/infectious-diseases/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/innovation/therapeutic-areas/hiv/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/innovation/therapeutic-areas/oncology/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/innovation/therapeutic-areas/immunology/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/innovation/therapeutic-areas/opportunity-driven/","https://www.togetherwithgskoncology.com/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science/looking-deeper-into-lupus/","https://gateway.on24.com/wcc/eh/3471076/Patient+Engagement+Hub","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science/following-the-science-of-oxygen-to-discover-solutions-for-anaemia/","https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8857131-gsk-ask2bsure-meningitis-b-vaccination/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/innovation/rd-locations/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/innovation/research-and-development-approach/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/innovation/research-and-development-approach/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/innovation/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science/mrna-messenger-ribonucleic-acid-disrupting-the-field-of-vaccinology/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science/inside-the-vaccine-factory-of-the-future/","https://www.gsk-studyregister.com/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/global-health-and-health-security/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/pricing-and-access/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/global-health-and-health-security/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/environmental-sustainability/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/product-governance/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/ethical-standards/","https://www.gsk.com/media/8518/policies-and-standards.pdf","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/company/governance/compliance/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/ethical-standards/working-with-third-parties/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/ethical-standards/public-policy-and-patient-advocacy/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/ethical-standards/human-rights/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/ethical-standards/use-of-animals/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/ethical-standards/engaging-with-healthcare-professionals/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/","https://annualreport.gsk.com/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/media-contacts/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/media-library/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/social-media/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/our-response-to-the-situation-in-ukraine/","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-us/jobs?keywords=%23ApprenticeUS&location=&lang=en-us","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science/advancing-the-next-generation-of-immuno-oncology/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science/synthetic-lethality-outmanoeuvring-the-cancer-genome/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/gsk-and-lyell-immunopharma-join-forces-to-develop-the-next-generation-of-cancer-cell-therapies/","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-us/jobs?keywords=oncology&page=1","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-us/jobs?keywords=oncology&page=1","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/research-and-development/our-pipeline/","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-us/jobs?keywords=%23WYARD2022&location=&lang=en-us","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-us/jobs?keywords=%23WYAcommerical2022&lang=en-us&sortBy=relevance&page=1","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-us/jobs?keywords=%23WYAGSC2022&lang=en-us&sortBy=relevance&page=1","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-us/jobs?lang=en-us&sortBy=relevance&page=1&location=United%20States&woe=12&stretchUnit=MILES&stretch=10","https://www.gsk.com/media/8520/the-code-presentation-version.pdf","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/featured-careers/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/how-we-hire/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/our-global-and-regional-hubs/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/careers/how-we-hire/frequently-asked-questions/","https://supplier.gsk.com/irj/portal/public","http://www.gsk.com/en-gb/contact-us/worldwide/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/contact-us/report-a-possible-side-effect/enquiries-privacy-notice/","https://gskpro.com/en-us/","https://gskpro.com/","https://gskpro.com","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/esg-resources/","http://www.gskfunding.com/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/prevention-best-medicine-disease-patients/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/men-women-gender-diversity-clinical-trials/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/behind-the-science-magazine/maps-technology-new-age-vaccine-development-infectious-diseases/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/investors/speeches-and-presentations/","https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/responsibility/environment/climate/","https://contactus.gsk.com/","https://gsk.connectr.co.uk/getahead/","https://www.linkedin.com/company/gsk/","https://x.com/GSKUS?mx=2","https://www.facebook.com/GSK/","https://jobs.gsk.com/?lang=en-us&previousLocale=en-US","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-us/jobs?keywords=%23USCommercialDevelopmentProgram&page=1&sortBy=relevance?keywords=%23USCommercialDevelopmentProgram&page=1&sortBy=relevance&location=United%20States","https://jobs.gsk.com/?lang=en-us&previousLocale=en-US","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-us/jobs?keywords=&location=&lang=en-us?keywords=%23ApprenticeUS2026&page=1&sortBy=relevance&location=United%20States&stretch=10&stretchUnit=MILES?keywords=%23ApprenticeUS2025%20&page=1&sortBy=relevance&location=United%20States","https://www.vaccinetrack.com/Trend?tab=gap&vaccine=9&timePeriod=2021","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-us/jobs?keywords=&location=&lang=en-us","http://tinyurl.com/mrt9buj2","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-gb/jobs?location=Massachusetts,%20United%20States&locations=Boston,Massachusetts,United%20States%7CCambridge,Massachusetts,United%20States%7CWaltham,Massachusetts,United%20States&page=1&stretch=10&stretchUnit=MILES&woe=8","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-us/jobs?keywords=%23USCommercialDevelopmentProgram&sortBy=relevance&page=1&location=United%20States&woe=12®ionCode=US&stretchUnit=MILES&stretch=50","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-us/jobs?keywords=%23USCommercialDevelopmentProgram&page=1&sortBy=relevance&location=United%20States?keywords=%23ApprenticeUS&location=&lang=en-us","https://x.com/GSKUS","https://ourwayforward.com/content/dam/brs-pharma-us/ourwayforward-dtc/en_US/pdfs/oc-patient-discussion-guide.pdf","https://gsk.public.reportum.com/","https://password.gsk.com/password/","https://uksah.gsk.com/swh_uk_win_ns/communications/employee/employees.htm","https://www.vaccinetrack.com/Trend?tab=gap&timePeriod=2022&timePeriod2=2021","https://gskvaccination.com/","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-gb/jobs?lang=en-gb&page=1&location=Massachusetts,%20United%20States&woe=8&stretchUnit=MILES&stretch=10&locations=Boston,Massachusetts,United%20States%7CCambridge,Massachusetts,United%20States%7CWaltham,Massachusetts,United%20States&utm_source=direct&utm_campaign=25453&utm_medium=symphonytalent-misctags&utm_term=43516_Boston%20In-House","https://dontbeembarrassed.com/","https://www.vaccinetrack.com","https://scienceinthesummer.fi.edu/","https://jobs.gsk.com/en-gb/jobs?location=United%20States&locations=Boston,Massachusetts,United%20States%7CCambridge,Massachusetts,United%20States%7CWaltham,Massachusetts,United%20States&page=1&stretch=10&stretchUnit=MILES&woe=8"]},"settings":{"optionalStylesheetLink":null,"themeColorHexCode":null,"headerLogoLightTheme":null,"headerLogoDarkTheme":null,"footerLogo":{"src":"https://us.gsk.com/media/kzafk31i/gsk-logo.png?width=104&format=webp&quality=100&v=1dbe12293a58ec0","alt":"Gsk Logo (1)","darkModeSrc":"https://us.gsk.com/media/kzafk31i/gsk-logo.png?width=104&format=webp&quality=90&v=1dbe12293a58ec0"},"scripts":[{"pageLocation":"Top","text":" \n"}],"globalWebsiteLink":{"text":"Global","href":"https://www.gsk.com","target":"_blank","openInNewWindowText":"Opens in a new window"},"googleMapsApiKey":"AIzaSyA2QMg4Ww6djPKb7b9BraQn4kgJmDaLblg","textToSpeechApiKey":"70ab0a79-1d92-4286-86d2-abdd71cc785c","bingVerificationCode":"","googleAnalytics":"","siteTitle":" | GSK US"},"pageSettings":{"disableBackToTopButton":false,"backToTopButtonText":"Back to top","robotsNoFollow":false,"robotsNoIndex":false,"canonicalUrl":"https://us.gsk.com/en-us/behind-the-science-us-edition/karen-evans-early-influences-with-long-term-impacts/"},"tealiumSettings":{"enabled":false,"data":""},"entryPopup":null,"protectedPage":false,"schema":null}