Sonya Lemke, a dedicated professional who graduated with a master’s in library science from the University of North Texas in 2012, found herself at a crossroads in her career. Driven by her love for books and information, she had always been a librarian at heart. However, a twist in her journey led her to explore the realm of health information science.
It was Dr. Ana Cleveland, her mentor, who suggested that Sonya take a job at Alcon to gain valuable experience in health information science. Sonya, having been in healthcare previously, was ready to transition out of the clinic environment and delve into a different aspect of her field. Her interest lay in working as an Air Force medical technician, office administrator, ophthalmologic technician, and in various roles within medical and surgical units, including labor and delivery. The pivotal moment came when Dr. Cleveland, an advisor, guided Sonya towards a unique opportunity at Alcon. Sonya embraced the role of an embedded librarian within the pharmaceutical industry. Her responsibilities included reviewing and answering technical information about products. This role allowed her to combine her passion for libraries with the intricacies of health sciences.
What made the job truly special for Sonya was the dynamic nature of her work. Every day brought new challenges and tasks, ensuring that her job was far from repetitive. She found joy in the diversity of her responsibilities and the opportunity to engage with different facets of the pharmaceutical industry. As time went on, Sonya's career took another turn. She transitioned from the corporate environment to academia, joining the library faculty and working on doctoral programs for students and faculty. Her focus shifted to becoming a health sciences librarian and faculty member, bringing her wealth of experience to the next generation of information professionals at the Taylor Health Sciences Library, part of the Arkansas College of Education
At the same time, life took an interesting turn for Sonya's husband, who secured a position at the Arkansas College of Education as Dean of the Physician Assistant program. The couple found themselves deeply entrenched in the world of education and healthcare, creating a unique synergy between their professional lives. Sonya Lemke's journey exemplifies the diverse paths that a librarian's career can take. From healthcare to pharmaceuticals and academia, she not only embraced change but flourished in the varied roles she undertook. As she continued to grow in her career, Sonya found fulfillment in her ability to contribute to both the pharmaceutical industry and the education of future health sciences professionals. As a testament to her dedication to the field, she recently embarked on a Doctor of Education program in Health Professions.