Author: mahnooranjum

Never be ashamed of trying. Effortlessness is a myth.

Taylor Swift

Growing up in a small town on the South Coast of NSW, science felt like a whole world away. Add that to the fact that I avoided any science related subjects at all costs in high school, and it truly was just that, a whole world away. But I was a girl with a goal, and a very supportive network, and that is a powerful combination. I was fortunate enough to enrol and complete a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours 1) (Deans Scholar) at the University of Wollongong in 2021 and venture straight into a Doctor of Philosophy at the University of New South Wales in 2022. Again, with an incredibly supportive network, this time my wonderful PhD supervisors, were the driving force I absolutely needed. I realise this sounds nice and easy, but my journey has not been without challenges, and if you ask me, these are the most rewarding parts of it all. From passing my chemistry bridging course, to running my first code, to interviewing my first research participant, and to presenting at my first conference – the thrill of the achievement is unmatched. My mum has always said “you never know unless you try”, and as one of the most successful women in the world once said, “never be ashamed of trying.” – Taylor Swift. So, give it a go, anything and everything, you might (will) surprise yourself just as I did! 

Be bold, be curious, and embrace STEMM!

My personal STEMM journey began in primary school when I was introduced to braille through a blind classmate, sparking my curiosity in the field of vision and eye health. Frequent visits to the optometrist with my family further fueled my passion for optometry and vision science. After graduating high school, I went to UNSW to study a Bachelor of Optometry and Vision Science and learned about the fascinating anatomy of the eye and clinical management of eye diseases. During my undergraduate studies, I did a summer research internship with A/Prof Michele Madigan at the Save Sight Institute and had a lot of fun in the lab mixing things, growing cells, dissecting tissues, and examining cells under microscopes. This inspired me to pursue a career in cellular and molecular biology of the eye. I went on to do a PhD at the University of Sydney under Prof Frank Lovicu. There was a steep learning curve with learning new lab techniques which was challenging but my supportive lab helped me greatly and I successfully completed my PhD, did a summer internship at Harvard and published 6 papers. I then hopped on a plane and relocated to Boston for postdoctoral training with A/Prof Magali Saint-Geniez at Harvard. Growing up in Sydney, I had never seen snow until I moved to Boston. While the winters were long, the autumns were so beautiful in Boston and I loved the enriching scientific environment and being surrounded by exceptional scientists. After 5 years at Harvard, I returned to UNSW where it all started. Here, I’ve established my own research lab investigating retinal eye diseases including novel treatments for macular degeneration. My passion for fostering new talent and seeing my students grow drives me every day, ensuring a bright future for STEMM. A career in STEMM is incredibly rewarding for women, offering the opportunity to solve real-world problems, innovate, and lead in cutting-edge fields. The journey can be challenging, but the sense of accomplishment and the impact on society make it an inspiring path for women to consider. So, be bold, be curious, and embrace STEMM!