Manali Shah

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

Patient guidance builds strong teams. Mentoring undergraduate students during my masters and mentoring juniors at Bayview taught me to support growth with clarity, calm focus, and steady encouragement.

What do you consider to be your most important career achievement or milestone?

Earning a full tuition scholarship for my Master of Science at Fordham University. Being selected from a large applicant pool validated my hard work, strengthened my scientific foundation, and shaped the direction of my research career.

What do you aspire to accomplish in your career and why? What obstacles will you overcome?

To lead impactful research that advances scientific understanding and improves patient outcomes. I want to grow as a scientist and mentor. I will overcome competitive challenges by staying disciplined, innovative, and committed to excellence in every project I pursue.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

One amazing opportunity was joining a biotech startup after earning my masters, working on autoimmune research in a fast paced setting. Another was my role at Mount Sinai, which exposed me to patient based studies and biomarker discovery, deepening my skills in translational research.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

AWIS offers access to a supportive community of women in science, professional resources, and mentorship opportunities. It has expanded my network, encouraged my career growth, and given me a sense of belonging within a larger STEM community.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Clarity.

How do you define it?

Expressing ideas in a way that is simple, precise, and easy to understand, without confusion or unnecessary complexity. It reflects focus, intention, and the ability to communicate truthfully and thoughtfully.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

Clarity has shaped my approach to science and communication. It guides how I design experiments, interpret data, and explain complex concepts. Focusing on clarity helps me think more deeply, collaborate more effectively, and share science in a way that is accurate, accessible, and meaningful.

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

AWIS gives me access to a strong network of women in STEM, guidance from experienced professionals, and opportunities to grow through mentorship and community engagement. It encourages my development as a scientist and strengthens my confidence as I build my career.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

I am currently reading scientific manuscripts through my peer review work. Evaluating studies in public health, allergy, and musculoskeletal science helps me stay updated on new research, sharpen my analytical skills, and grow as a scientist.

What do you consider the best professional or personal advice you’ve ever received?

Stay consistent and focus on progress rather than perfection. Steady, disciplined work builds expertise, opens new opportunities, and creates long term impact. This mindset has shaped how I approach research and my career growth.

Manali Shah is a molecular biology researcher interested in how genetic variation influences health and disease. She works with nucleic acid extraction, biomarker assays, and data driven analysis, and enjoys connecting lab findings to broader biological questions. Manali reviews manuscripts for Elsevier, Wiley, and Frontiers and is a full member of Sigma Xi. She cares about creating spaces where researchers and readers can engage with science in a clear and meaningful way.