As a scientist and storyteller, I am passionate about (re)kindling the childlike sense of wonder in people by making science familiar, accessible, and inclusive for everyone.

Volunteering

Enthusiastic about promoting STEM education and careers, I engage in several science outreach activities. These include volunteering for Kids’ Science Day events, participating in career days and science festivals in elementary schools, and being involved with the Skype a Scientist project that enables scientists to video-conference with students from underrepresented communities to promote science education. I have also spoken at numerous career panels for students and early-career scientists. Additionally, I support researchers in Africa in molecular and cellular neurobiology and biomedicine via an organization called TRenD in Africa.

Teaching & Mentoring

Over the last decade, I trained and mentored several students (at high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels) and research associates in the areas of Molecular/Cellular Biology, Neurobiology, Scientific Methods, Biostatistics, and various laboratory techniques. One of the biggest joys of my career as a scientist has been to instill and observe the wonder and love of science in students I have taught. A high school student I mentored for two years during my postdoctoral training won first place achievement at WESEF, the prestigious Westchester Science & Engineering Fair, for the project I created and supervised. Upon my encouragement, two research associates I mentored decided to pursue graduate studies in Biology.

In addition to my mentoring experience, I have given lectures on Neuroscience and Biostatistics to undergraduate and graduate students. In 2020, I completed an online course offered by the New York Academy of Sciences titled “Scientists Teaching Science.” This course teaches about active learning, creating course objectives and test items, and finding ways to improve teaching and assessment techniques for students of all ages.

My primary goal as a teacher and a mentor is to create an interactive learning environment where students from all backgrounds learn to embrace their curiosity, collaborate, improve self-learning habits, become critical thinkers, and be inspired to make the world a better place with science.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an immigrant woman scientist from an underrepresented background, I have been particularly mindful of barriers faced by women and minorities in science and am committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all STEM fields. I am a member of two organizations, 500 Women Scientists and Women in Bio, which share the goal of supporting, mentoring, and empowering women to reach the highest levels of leadership and to fulfill their own career aspirations.

I believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion, are not only critical for the success and development of underrepresented individuals but are beneficial for the entire community. They make us smarter, more diligent, and creative.