Shalini (@shalini_gul)
Breast cancer researcher
Former chemical and biological engineering major
Founder of Science Box
What is your job?
I am currently doing my PhD in breast cancer research from Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute in Melbourne.
What was your STEM journey?
I did my bachelors in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of Waikato in New Zealand. I worked as an environmental engineer for 2 years while completing my masters in tissue engineering. And now I am working in breast cancer research.
When did you first realize you wanted to do STEM?
Since I was very young I was interested in the STEM field, which was mostly influenced by my father as he worked as a mechanical engineer.
Who were your role models growing up?
I would say my dad was my biggest role model growing up. I have always looked up to him and I still do.
Have you ever had any major setbacks (in STEM or otherwise)?
Finding the right PhD project was a bit of challenge for me and I waited almost a year before I found the right lab for me to work in. As well as I faced several setbacks while I was completing my masters as my project was quite new and I had minimal support and guidance when it came to developing the project.
What’s one thing you’d like to change about the STEM community?
I personally don’t want to change anything about the STEM community. I feel that these days our community is very diverse and accepting.
Is there a problem with sexism, racism, homophobia, and discrimination in general in the STEM community?
I believe in any community there will be some form of problem when it comes to these issues. However, the STEM community is quite diverse, accepting and willing to change with the time. As we are getting more young people involved in this community, the better we are becoming in changing the perspective.
What’s your message for young teens wanting to do STEM?
I would say that be prepared for “failure” when you enter STEM, but take each failure as a learning point not as discouragement. Being persistent and accepting failure will really help you develop professionally.
What is your favorite science joke?
“Biologists are just a bunch of cells that talk to other cells”
What is your favorite food?
I love all kinds of food but I really like wood fired margherita pizza with fresh Mozzarella
What can be done to make STEM more diverse?
In order to make STEM more diverse we need to eradicate the perspective of STEM being an area only for “smart” people. A lot of young kids associate STEM with intelligence and if they think they are not smart enough then they don’t enter this field. STEM should be promoted not as a measure of smartness but as a measure of curiosity and the willingness to make new discoveries.
A huge thank you to Shalini for joining us today! Be sure to subscribe to receive more STEM-related content coming to your inbox.
Samhita Vinay
Sci4Teens