Adam Marcus is today’s featured TEDxPeachtree spotlight speaker. An Associate Professor at Emory’s School of Medicine, Dr. Marcus’s lab focuses on cell biology and pharmacology in lung and breast cancer.

Is this your first time speaking at a TEDx event? What are your thoughts on presenting on October 17th?
Yes, this is my first time speaking. I am extremely excited to share some of the major advances that will change the way we treat cancer

At the end of the day, what is it about your work that keeps you going?
My research laboratory is in a building where oncologists see and treat patients. This provides a unique perspective for a scientist, since I am able to see how our research could impact cancer treatment and diagnosis. This motivates and inspires me (and I think my laboratory) to attempt to do research that could ultimately have an impact on cancer patients.

What is your passion?
I have two professional passions. First, I want to contribute to how we treat and diagnose cancer. Even if we could help in a small way, or have someone build upon knowledge we contribute, I would consider my research career a success.

Second, I want to help educate our children in K-12th grade by hands-on STEM based learning. Our organization tries to stimulate critical thinking in students and increase their enthusiasm for the sciences by travelling to classrooms with microscopes. These experiences led me to start a blog that explores a range of topics from education to cancer research.

Adam Marcus, a Collegiate Division III Tennis All-American ranked top 20 in the country, teaching science to high school students

What is one place you’ve visited that you’ll never forget?
I remember the first time I took a trip with my family to the Grand Canyon.
I think it made us all feel “small” in a good way and helps put the challenges in life into perspective.

What is your motto?
More of a quote than a motto: “What we think, or what we know, or what we believe is, in the end, of little consequence. The only consequence is what we do.” –John Ruskin

What are three words to best describe you?
Enthusiastic, curious, competitive

Tweet to Adam @notmadscientist.