What would appear to be a mind-boggling career to many is all in a day's work for Dr. Mamta Rawat, whose life-long research is helping to develop antibiotics to fight super bugs and formulate new vaccinations.

Born in the foothills of the Himalayas and growing up in the suburbs of Montreal, Rawat demonstrated an unquenchable desire to ask questions and find answers — a curiosity that has stuck with her throughout her career.

When asked why she's chosen the life of a scientist, she confirmed that same curiosity that has continued to serve her well.

"I do science because I want to find things out," she said.

A noted professor in the Biology Department, Rawat researches bacteria and their response to environmental stress.

She believes mathematics, as well as the ability to communicate, are both critical components of science and stresses these points to her students.

"The best thing we can do as teachers and professors is to try to help our students think critically and analytically by using numbers," Rawat said. "You must look at the numbers and see what they mean, but students should also be able to explain what they are doing in writing and orally."

Her Fresno State career began in 2003, and though splitting time can be taxing, Rawat said getting to share her love of science with students is incredibly rewarding.

See more.