Specialty: Cancer Biology [CAB], Developmental and Stem Cell Biology [DSCB]
Current position/s: Associate Professor, Medicine, Liver Diseases; Associate Professor, Developmental and Regenerative Biology
- Can you describe what inspired your interest in science?
Since high school, I’ve been to science. I always thought I’d become a medical doctor. While in high school, I took an AP science class that had a research project component. The research project opened my eyes to the scientific discovery process where you begin with an idea, experiment, and then test to see if it’s true. I was fascinated by the process and the fact that you could learn first if something was true rather than reading it in a book.
I attended Mount Holyoke College, which is an all-women’s college in Massachusetts. It’s a small college and the professors were very close to the students. Since it is an all-women’s college, I never experienced bias because of my gender. During my time there I focused on both psychiatry and biology and realized that my passion lies in biology, so that was where I decided to direct my focus.
Eventually I realized I didn’t want to be a doctor, but rather be a scientist. It’s a very social and open profession which allowed me to be creative and see results. I was accepted to Harvard PhD program, which was like a sign that this was what I had to do.
- What engages you the most about your research?
My field has changed a lot since I first started in it. At first it was all about new discoveries. Today I have an opportunity to work on other areas, especially with post docs and junior faculty. Today I enjoy the new discoveries, but also the mentorship and working with young people and sharing in their enthusiasm.
I’m passionate about empowering women working in science and encouraging young girls to excel in science. As a working mother I feel that the job has to be really good in order for me to leave my kids. Many women rise up and say that scientific jobs are not worth compromising family life. Scientific jobs are not glamorous and there are few perks or promotions. Many women feel that if there isn’t satisfaction and happiness in the job, women will leave the field. I’m moving to NYU and there is a program called Women Empowered in STEM. I’m a faculty mentor. It’s a support group run by students and they plan to do further work in high schools. I’m moving with NYU to Abu Dhabi and I want to create a network of women in STEM over there!
- Do you currently have a mentor? Describe how a mentor has been of professional and/or academic assistance to you as you’ve strived to fulfill your career goals
I had two mentors in college and high school. They always encouraged me and made me feel that I could accomplish anything. My mentors were not just cheerleaders, but also coaches. They encouraged me to work hard and called me out on occasions where my work wasn’t good. A good mentor also teaches you how to mentor others and leads by example.
- What is one of your more challenging career experiences?
In graduate school I was doing both medical school and PhD work. At the same time my mother was diagnosed with cancer. It was a really difficult time for me. She died within two months. I couldn’t continue with medical school and I bounced from lab to lab and couldn’t find a place to finish my PhD work. The school allowed me to take a few months off, so I took this time to think about what I could I do if I couldn’t become a scientist. I thought about many professions, even being a florist and a cook! After a while I realized that the lab is my place and that’s what I should be doing. It’s my passion and my vocation and I couldn’t do anything else in life.
- What advice would you give to other aspiring female scientists?
Science has to be a choice. Explore your options and think about everything you love to do and how science fits with that. Also, think about your family and your children and understand that science is a commitment.