We wouldn't be able to make our amazing products if it wasn't for the science behind it, and more importantly, the scientists behind it. National STEM Day falls on November 8th, and is a day to support your fellow friends, family, and professionals who are making a difference in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). To celebrate, we wanted to introduce you to our team of scientists who make our products possible, while also highlighting a few ways everyone can pay homage and celebrate our current and future leaders in STEM!
Meet Our Science Team
David began working at FACTORFIVE Skincare in 2020 as our Chief Scientific Officer, specializing in creating our star ingredient, human stem cell conditioned media.
David received his Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology from Lehigh University and a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his postdoctoral work at UC San Diego, and he is currently a full-time Professor at California State University, Chico.
We asked Dr. Stachura: What advice would you give to young people interested in science and technology?
"Follow your passion, and work hard at it! It’s not easy, but the end result is great. My job is so rewarding–I get to discover new things all the time!”
Kristen began working at FACTORFIVE Skincare in 2020 as our Cell Culture Scientist, specializing in creating our star ingredient, human stem cell conditioned media.
Kristen received her Bachelor's degree with honors as well as a minor in chemistry, and a Master’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from California State University, Chico.
We asked Kristen what advice she has for young women who wish to pursue a career in science and technology:
“Go for it! If it's something that you're passionate about, or even just curious about, dig in and take up space. Don't be afraid to ask questions for clarification and seek out that "Aha!" moment.”
Nicole is our newest scientist at FACTORFIVE Skincare, hired in October 2020 as our Formulation Chemist to bring all of our new skincare product formulations in-house.
Nicole received her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from UC Davis and she's also attending the University of Southern California currently for her Master’s degree in Regulatory Science with a focus on Medical Product Quality.
We asked Nicole what advice she would give to young girls interested in science and technology:
“STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) is an interesting but competitive field. The advice I would give to young girls is that you should be confident and be brave. When people don't believe in you, be brave and confident and go for it. You will often be surprised at what can be accomplished at the end! Even when people start doubting you, you shouldn't doubt yourself; instead, believe in yourself and achieve your goals.”
Annie has been working with FACTORFIVE Skincare since 2019 and also works as one of the leading stem cell scientists at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Dr. Annie Bowles-Welch attended Louisiana State University, majoring in biological sciences and minoring in chemistry. After that, she received her Master’s and Doctorate in Cell and Molecular Biology from Tulane University. During grad school, Dr. Annie Bowles-Welch worked at the Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, where she studied cell therapies for various diseases and realized that she wanted to focus on clinical research and gain more experience with biomedical engineering. After receiving her PhD, she accepted a position as a Postdoctoral Associate in two specialties, Orthopedics and Biomedical Engineering, at the University of Miami where she expanded her expertise in cell therapies with different applications.
We asked what advice she would give to young girls interested in science and technology:
“Science can be found in almost everything – nature, cooking, art, sports, etc. – and when applied to something you like, it’s easier to understand the science. I think it’s most important to first find a connection with something you think is fascinating and then identify the science in it. Once you understand the science behind things, find out what kind of careers involve what you’re interested in and explore all of your options because finding out what you don’t like is just as important as finding what you love.”
We asked our scientists to pick their favorite products
Telling our scientists to pick their favorite FACTORFIVE product is like telling a parent to pick their favorite child, they love them all, but deep down they DO have their favorites… sorry not sorry! I mean, they make the products, so they DO know best. Here are their responses:
David: “My favorite product is the Regenerative Serum. I love the smell of it, the feel of it, and the results that I see when I use it. I have been using it for a while now and really love the way it makes my skin feel and look.”
Kristen: “My favorite FACTORFIVE product is the Anti-Aging Cream. I love it because it hydrates my skin and feels really nice after application. Having just celebrated another birthday I am very aware that I need to actively care for my skin.”
Nicole: “My favorite FACTORFIVE products are the Eye/Lash Cream and the Anti-Aging Cream (I can't choose between the two!). I like the Eye/Lash Cream because it is very hydrating and gentle to my eye area and I see a significant difference in the length of my lashes. I like the Anti-Aging Cream because it is very creamy and hydrating to my skin and it makes it so silky smooth and glowy!”
Annie: “This is a difficult one because I use both the Regenerative Serum and the Anti-Aging Cream religiously but also love the Eye/Lash Cream. The serum and cream combo really keep my annoying adult acne at bay, especially when stress and hormones like to reveal themselves as blemishes on my face. I’ve reproducibly tested this out too (because I’m a scientist) and when I don’t use the products, I still do, in fact, get the stress and hormone-induced blemishes.”
How to celebrate National STEM Day!
Dr. Annie Bowles-Welch said it best–There’s science in everything! You don’t have to have a career in STEM to celebrate National STEM Day. There are TONS of ways you can go out and make a contribution on your own, and you might just learn something new! Here are some ways to celebrate STEM:
- Take a trip to explore nature: Take a walk through your favorite trail or park, or even explore space! NASA’s Access Mars gives you a virtual insight of the surface of Mars from their Curiosity Rover.
- Visit your local zoo: For the biology lovers, getting out and exploring different habitats and ecosystems is a great way to celebrate STEM. If there’s not a zoo close by, try a virtual one like The Bronx Zoo, where you can view live animal exhibits!
- Tour a virtual science museum: The Museum of Science (MOS) is a great resource to bring STEM directly to you.
