From Teaching to Discovery

Alexander Seaver’s academic journey finds balance through zebrafish genetics and student advocacy.

Like many kids, Alexander Seaver was curious and inquisitive. From a young age, he had a strong interest in science and understanding how things work. But unlike many kids who jump from one pursuit to another, his love of science never wavered, even when his path took unexpected turns. "It carried through into middle and high school, and it hit its stride when I attended [college] and became interested in medicine, but then really fell in love with hands-on research," he explains. Though his career at Lehigh would get off to a shaky start with COVID hitting just six months into his program, that early resilience and adaptability would serve him well. "That's what set me on the path of pursuing a career in science."

Driven by the goal of building a career as a research scientist, Seaver focused on building his CV.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in molecular biology with a concentration in scientific computing from Kenyon College. Then his path diverted slightly. He taught sophomore biology and coached swimming at the Peddie School in Hightstown, N.J., then worked for a year as a manager and licensed pool operator at Meadowbrook Swim Club in Baltimore, Md. None of these roles directly related to research scientist career he was working toward. Neither was teaching K-12 in his original professional plan, but that was kind of the point. 

Read the full story on the College of Arts and Sciences News.