How a Niskayuna High School grad is saving lives with science

NISKAYUNA, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A Niskayuna High School graduate is now working as a detective, but not your ordinary detective. Rather than solving crimes, Mary Kate Moran, is solving public health issues, as a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Disease Detective.

Mary Kate Moran once sat in the classrooms at Niskayuna High School, eager to learn.

“I was definitely a very dedicated student I really loved school and learning and that continued all throughout my life," said Mary Kate.

She graduated in 2013 and since then has dedicated her time to helping those in need. Mary Kate said every day is different as a CDC Disease Detective, and her role varies based on what her focus is.

"We really help respond to various public health threats, so when there’s an outbreak,” said Mary Kate. “The disease detectives are often the first people on the ground there helping the response."

This team investigated the origin of disease outbreaks, studied the impacts of vaccines and analyzed data to prevent outbreaks. Some of those studies even take place in other countries.

“Working to make sure that these kids are getting the vaccines and healthcare that they need is really important," said Mary Kate.

Most recently, she traveled to Seychelles -- the smallest country in Africa that was struggling with outbreaks of rotavirus. Mary Kate explained that in the U.S. the vaccine works very well, but other countries have struggled for various reasons -- something she wants to help with.

“Really, no child should die from rotavirus," said Mary Kate. “Sometimes you might feel like you get a little bit lost in the data so putting a face to the people who feel like they’re being impacted has been really great.” 

Through it all, Mary Kate said her love for science came from her Niskayuna High School biology teacher Mrs. Black.

“I really loved those classes, she was such a great teacher, she would bring in so many cool examples of different experiences she’s had," said Mary Kate. "And that was really the first big experience of doing what felt like real science experiments."

Over 10 years later, Patricia Black still remembered the excited girl in her biology class.

“I’m so proud of her," said Patricia Black. “She was delightful and I'm really happy to hear that she's being successful in biology related field."

Mary Kate has held this role for just over a year now. While she explained it is only a two-year fellowship, she hopes to continue doing more work like this going forward. Her biggest piece of advice for students who are thinking about a career in science, is to keep going.

"Stick with it, science is incredible," said Mary Kate.