Sequoia’s Story
Tell us about yourself and your science.
“I had an unorthodox path into science. I was a nerdy athlete who got incredibly lucky to find a mentor who saw potential in me that I didn’t even know I had. Suddenly, this athlete with no research experience was having the time of their life during a PhD journey! That’s when I fell in love with science. To me, it’s the best job in the world. I get to spend every day trying to answer some of the most pressing problems in healthcare, and I get to do it alongside some of the smartest and most caring people I know.”
Your emotional journey.
”My worst moment in this journey was when I first realized I would lose my grant. What hurt the most was not the financial impact on my lab, but the shattering of a long-held belief that biomedical research was rooted in a true meritocracy. I know the system is not perfect, but until now I felt I had some control over my outcomes through hard work. Today, I see deeper systemic issues, and for the first time, I feel afraid to speak up in a country I believed honored free speech and authenticity. This journey has cost me peace of mind and a sense of security, but it has not taken my “why.” I will keep fighting for science and for patients, even if I must be creative and flexible about where, how, and what that fight looks like.”
Your coping strategies.
”My coping strategy has been leaning on and strengthening my community. I feel reenergized when I support colleagues and work with them to find creative solutions. I am inspired by the different ways each of us chooses to fight this fight, and I know that whatever happens, this community will stand by one another for years to come. On a personal level, I focus on gratitude and making sure my life is balanced. Right now, that means launching my lab while also training for my first 15k trail running race.”
Are there ways we can help others?
”Absolutely. Supporting one another by listening and brainstorming creative solutions has been a pillar in my journey. Safe spaces where we can share openly are essential. On a practical level, once we know which grants are reinstated and which are not, we must rally around those whose funding did not come through. That support could be the difference between someone continuing or leaving biomedical research.”
Is there anything else you would like to share?
”I want to thank YOU for taking the time to read my story and for helping bring awareness to what is happening. Your attention and support mean more than you know.”
Image source: https://pixabay.com/photos/conifers-sunlight-road-avenue-1850227/