Celebrating Women in Science: IICD Spotlights Inspiring Researchers

PhD Student in Computer Science (Azizi Lab)

What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
Growing up in India, I attended innovative schools that took a hands-on approach to science, teaching it not as a standalone subject but as a way to solve fascinating real-world problems. With both parents being engineers who encouraged me to blend creativity with STEM, I discovered my passion for computer science through this unique educational environment and personal exploration.

What continues to drive your passion for research today?
My current research focuses on applying computer science to computational biology, and specifically, I am interested in targeting women's health issues like breast cancer and endometriosis to make meaningful contributions to these fields. Having witnessed friends and family struggle with these conditions, I am deeply motivated to advance our understanding and develop new insights that could help improve treatment outcomes.

Can you share a moment in your career that had a lasting impact?
After pivoting from autonomous vehicles to computational biology, I'm particularly proud of my growth over the past year as I immersed myself in an entirely new field. Despite having no background in biology or genomics, I embraced the challenge of learning from scratch and adapting my computer science problem-solving skills to this new context, which ultimately led me to pursue a PhD in computational biology–a testament to how passion can drive successful career transitions and continuous learning.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in science, and how have you overcome them?
In my journey through computer science, I've grappled with imposter syndrome due to the lack of relatable role models in my past research experience, but finding supportive mentors who challenged my understanding and pushed me to grow has been transformative for my confidence. Learning to balance confidence in my existing knowledge while being comfortable acknowledging what I don't know has been key to overcoming these challenges and thriving in my field.

What excites you most about the future of scientific research?
In today's rapidly evolving field of computational biology, I'm energized by the challenge of navigating through the constant influx of new models, data, and resources to identify truly groundbreaking developments that align with my interests and inspire my own research goals. I find particular joy in studying these innovations deeply, using them as stepping stones to shape my own future contributions to the field.

What message do you hope to share with the next generation of women scientists?
My journey has taught me that aligning personal passion with meaningful impact is crucial for fulfillment in science, which is why I hope to inspire other women to explore scientific fields that deeply resonate with them both personally and socially. While I may not see myself as a role model yet, I believe that helping others discover and pursue their own meaningful paths in science–just as I found mine–is essential for building a more diverse and impactful scientific community.

Master’s Student in Computer Science (Azizi Lab)

What inspired you to pursue a career in science?

I was always drawn to subjects that require complex problem-solving. However, while in high school, shadowing neurosurgeons, I had the opportunity to observe an open brain surgery. Seeing the science, engineering, and medical knowledge required to make such procedures possible drew me to the field of biomedical engineering. I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to create tools for medical practitioners and other scientists and, hopefully, better the help of people.

What continues to drive your passion for research today?

Seeing cutting-edge research and technological advancements helps me appreciate the potential to create novel tools and improve existing practices, keeping me motivated to use these evolving technologies to potentially help people with my research.

Can you share a moment in your career that had a lasting impact?

I think working alongside great female mentors has had the biggest impact on me personally and my career. Seeing their hard work, resilience, creativity and willingness to help has helped me grow immensely in my research as well. Seeing this growth, being able to create meaningful work, and having the opportunity to share it with others was an important turn in my career. 

What challenges have you faced as a woman in science, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges for women in science is the lack of representation. As a woman in the engineering field, I often find myself in situations where I am the only woman in the room. Having amazing female mentors in my career helped me see how I could also succeed in a field that still remains male-dominated.

What excites you most about the future of scientific research?

I am most excited about the possibility of finding novel and more efficient treatment options for cancer. Given the extraordinary work they are already doing in this field, I believe that women will play a crucial role in shaping this field.

What message do you hope to share with the next generation of women scientists?

The message I hope to convey to the next generation of women scientists is that women in our field and community are exceptionally supportive and welcoming. I hope that they can find inspiration and mentorship from strong female leads who prove that women not only belong but have transformed this field effectively. 

PhD Student in Chemistry (Stockwell Lab)

What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
During my undergrad at the University of California, Davis, my outstanding TA’s and mentors sparked my interest in pursuing a PhD and conducting research. I also had the chance to attend conferences and network with PhD students and faculty at the time, and I would always leave those conferences feeling so inspired. These experiences really motivated me to pursue a PhD and join the community of researchers aiming to tackle challenging life sciences questions!

What continues to drive your passion for research today?
While we have made significant breakthroughs and progress in developing therapeutics for diseases that threaten human health, there’s still a long road ahead. Research is critical in that aspect, enabling more discoveries that ultimately help patients! This is what drives me.

Can you share a moment in your career that had a lasting impact?
Recently, I presented my research at an international conference. This was my first time giving a talk in an international setting, in front of experts in my field. While I was pretty nervous leading up to it, I was happy with the outcome and ended up receiving great feedback from experts that I look up to so much!

What challenges have you faced as a woman in science, and how have you overcome them?
As a woman in science, I’ve had to navigate certain projects where I felt like I wasn’t taken as seriously as my male colleagues. I’ve found that speaking up, showing up with confidence, and voicing my opinions clearly has helped- though this is still something I am working on!

What excites you most about the future of scientific research?
I’m excited to see the next generation of women scientists take on leadership roles in science, become principal investigators, and make more breakthroughs. The more women scientists we have, the more discoveries we will make! 

What message do you hope to share with the next generation of women scientists?
To the next generation of women scientists, dream big!!! You are all strong, competent, and intelligent innovators. You are a force to be reckoned with- never forget that!

Postdoctoral Research Scientist in the Department of Pathology and Cell Biology (Yates Lab)

What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
I’ve always been curious about how things work and why they are the way they are. From a young age, I was an inquisitive girl with a strong desire to learn and share knowledge with others. My dad's cancer diagnosis when I was 15 years old directed me towards the biomedical field. However, I knew that I didn’t want to become a medical doctor. Instead, I found my passion in researching theoretical immunology.

What continues to drive your passion for research today?
My work varies daily and gives me a lot of flexibility. I can combine and apply many of my skills, being creative while designing figures for reports or presentations. In addition to always learning something new (life-long learning), I am now in a position where I can teach others and transmit my knowledge. Pushing the boundaries of the unknown continues to drive my passion for research.

Can you share a moment in your career that had a lasting impact?
In hindsight, one of the most impactful moments in my career was when I decided to stop my first attempt at receiving my PhD. I made a complete cut and started all over again. It was a very difficult decision to make at the time, and I wasn’t encouraged to keep believing in myself. However, it turned out to be the best decision for me. Despite my first supervisor telling me that I didn’t have the qualities needed to receive a PhD, I didn't give up. I never stopped believing in myself and continued to chase my dreams.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in science, and how have you overcome them?
I haven't really faced significant challenges specifically because I am a woman, which makes me aware of my privilege. Women are often underrepresented in certain scientific fields. Encouraging young girls to pursue STEM education and providing role models can help increase representation. It's crucial to select supportive mentors, both male and female. I teamed up with others, focused on my strengths, and thus created a supportive environment for me to learn and grow.

What excites you most about the future of scientific research?
Science is no longer a solitary endeavor; it is a team occupation. These teams need structure and guidance, sometimes also nurturing. Women have shown they can combine knowledge with the ability to nurture a healthy and trustworthy inclusive work environment. With more women in leading positions, there is a greater focus on work-life balance, creating a friendlier and more inclusive work environment. More diversity in teams leads to more ideas, and together, we can accomplish great new science.

What message do you hope to share with the next generation of women scientists?
Always be curious, question answers, and never accept them as given. There are so many opportunities out there—go out and seize them!

Postdoctoral Research Scientist in the Herbert and Florence Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics (Rane lab)

What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
My professors have played a significant role in shaping my career, particularly by introducing me to the world of pure mathematics. When I was younger, I saw math as just another subject, but in college, I discovered its depth and complexity. They taught me that in this field, there's no room for guessing—you must prove everything rigorously. I resonate with Professor Vapnik Vladimir's view that math is the ‘language of God.’ As a researcher, I often feel like I’m trying to understand this powerful and beautiful language.

What continues to drive your passion for research today?
As a pure mathematician by training, I’m now transitioning into mathematical biology, eager to apply my expertise to computational immunology. As a postdoc at Columbia, I’m constantly learning about how the immune system truly works and using mathematical modeling techniques to deepen our understanding. The excitement of uncovering new insights, solving intricate problems, and contributing to a field that merges two powerful disciplines keeps me motivated.

Can you share a moment in your career that had a lasting impact?
One defining moment in my research journey was the challenge of my thesis problem—characterizing the invariant subspaces of the multiplication operator on a class of Hardy spaces. For a long time, the solution felt just out of reach. But when I finally cracked it, the sense of accomplishment was incredible. It reinforced the importance of persistence in research and taught me resilience in the face of slow progress.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in science, and how have you overcome them?
The challenges I’ve faced have been largely societal. Growing up in an environment where girls' education wasn’t always prioritized, I often doubted my abilities and place in the field. However, I’ve learned to focus on my goals and pursue mathematical research by surrounding myself with mentors and supportive women who encourage my ambitions and help me navigate societal pressures.

What excites you most about the future of scientific research?
What excites me most about the future of scientific research is the synergy between technology and human creativity. The growing impact of mathematics and statistics across scientific and engineering fields is enabling groundbreaking discoveries. The future for women in science and technology is incredibly promising. We’re seeing more interdisciplinary collaborations, and I’m continually inspired by accomplished women scientists making significant breakthroughs. Our passion to push the frontiers of knowledge is evident, and with mutual support, we can overcome challenges and continue advancing together.

What message do you hope to share with the next generation of women scientists?
As a lifelong student of science, my message to the next generation of women scientists is this: No matter where you start or where you are in your research journey, stay immersed in your work and keep striving to understand more. Find a mentor who can help you grow your confidence and guide you through challenges. Embrace difficulties—especially when self-doubt creeps in—and pursue your goals with determination.

PhD Student in Biomedical Engineering (McFaline-Figueroa Lab)

What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
There’s a program in New Jersey called the Governor’s Science School. It’s a three-week summer science camp where we took classes, conducted labs, and lived in dorms with other high schoolers interested in science. In one lab session, a professor told us about his worst experimental day as a postdoc while we were separating proteins. That day ended with him going home and his wife telling him they were expecting their first child—turning it into one of his happiest days! That program was more about understanding what it’s like to live a life in science rather than just learning science itself.

What continues to drive your passion for research today?
I just really love tinkering in the lab! I find reading the methods sections of papers so fun—there’s always something new to try or adapt. Luckily, my PI’s usual response when we want to test something out is, “Go for it.” My partner is also in science, so bouncing experiment ideas off each other makes the whole process low-stress and exciting. We also love food and embarking on long cooking journeys, and I think they’re kind of related processes—it’s just benchtop vs. countertop experiments.

Can you share a moment in your career that had a lasting impact?
I did four semesters of undergraduate research, and they all had to end in a presentation. My first three presentations were: I tried this, it didn’t work. I was always nervous to present my data because of the questions I might get, but over time, I got used to it. Finally, in my last semester, my poster and thesis had some great results (things finally worked!), and after my little rehearsed poster talk, a professor asked, “So when are you publishing?” After all that time worrying about questions, having that be one of them was such a happy moment.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in science, and how have you overcome them?
Sometimes I go too far with the independent woman in STEM mentality and try to do everything myself. But then I think back to all the times I asked for help, and people were happy to support me. That reminds me to get out of my own way.

What excites you most about the future of cancer research?
I’m excited about scientists who are bridging fields and bringing new methods to the established cancer research landscape. I think DEI programming has really benefited research by helping fund new avenues of exploration. I recently saw a poster listing the finalists for a research award, and the top three awardees were all women—for a grant that had nothing to do with women’s health (which I feel like I see a lot)! It made me wonder if we’re finally getting closer to a time where women don’t have to question, Did I get this position or award because of a diversity initiative, or am I truly bringing something new to the field? That shift has a lot to do with the effectiveness of DEI programming in the first place.

What message do you hope to share with the next generation of women scientists?
I hope to show how fun science is! I see so many posts about how grueling a PhD can be, but my friends and I often talk about how much we love learning, especially when it involves understanding processes within our own bodies. I always talk about how much fun it is to make hypotheses and test them out, so I hope we can all show the next generation that research is an incredible way to explore our curiosities about ourselves and the world around us.