Erika Spitzer
The DuPont Challenge 1997
First Place, Junior Division
Chadwick School
Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA
Essay Title: Where in the World?
Teacher: Martin Byhower
What are you doing now?
I am the head of marketing/investor relations for a leading private equity firm based in Los Angeles. I develop and maintain relationships with institutional investors globally, keeping them up to date on the activities and performance of our 35 current portfolio companies. Within the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to travel around the world visiting our investors in over 10 countries.
Where did you go to college and what was your major?
I graduated from Wellesley College in 2006 and majored in economics.
What were some of your favorite memories from the competition or awards trip?
When I was first introduced to the concept of GPS (the subject about which I wrote my essay), it truly seemed fictional. I had a wonderful time unleashing my creativity and crafting a story about the possible future applications of the technology. Now, 18 years later, we can’t imagine our lives without it.
I will never forget the day I was summoned to the principal’s office to receive the congratulatory phone call from The DuPont Challenge. I was 12 years old and midway through my first year at a new school. I was incredibly nervous. The school’s photography teacher was there to capture my surprise on film.
It was important to me that my parents and little brother, who was 6 years old at the time, were included in the trip to the Houston Space Center. We worked out the logistics, and my seventh grade science teacher, Mr. Byhower, joined as well. My brother and I were thrilled to meet astronaut Bob Cabana, who is now the director of NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center. The trip remains a very special memory for my family.
Do you think taking The DuPont Challenge was a meaningful experience
Participating in The DuPont Challenge was an incredibly meaningful and rewarding experience. It is critical for the scientific community to convey its important work through strong written and oral communication. Without sharing new findings with others, it would be impossible for science to make real progress and positively impact our world. The unique aspect of the competition is that it challenges students to do so at a young age. My success gave me the courage to take on other challenges in the future, particularly those outside my comfort zone. I would encourage every student to participate in the competition.
Why would you say science education is important, and what role has it played in your life?
In my career, having a strong foundation in math and science is extremely important. Our investment analysis is based on data-intensive financial models, and several of our portfolio companies are in the healthcare industry. Equally importantly, that knowledge is essential for making everyday decisions, from managing a budget, to personal healthcare, to making informed decisions on public policy measures that will shape our country’s future. I especially believe it is crucial for young women to have the opportunity and confidence to explore career paths in historically male-dominated industries such as the sciences and financial services. On a side note, my younger brother, who accompanied me on The DuPont Challenge awards trip, is pursuing his PhD in immunology at Stanford University. I am inspired by his commitment to scientific research.