What led you to pursue a career in STEM?

I became a medical doctor to support people’s health, and I found my passion in the oncology field. I have always been driven to dig into the mechanisms behind diseases. After becoming a board certified pathologist and working in the clinic, I witnessed drastic shifts in cancer treatment over just a decade. This firsthand experience taught me the critical importance of scientific evidence in saving lives. My desire to expand my international network and contribute to these advancements led me to move from Japan to the US to pursue translational research.

What is your chosen field, and how does your work benefit society?

While practicing as a clinical pathologist, I noticed many subtle morphological findings in tumors that were not yet included in diagnostic criteria or mentioned in textbooks. These hidden clues led me to the field of the tumor immune microenvironment. Currently, at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), I am investigating how tumor vessels play a crucial role in the tumor immune microenvironment. We aim to identify new ways to overcome therapy resistance. This work has the potential to improve treatment outcomes and survival for patients across many types of cancer.

What challenges do you face as a caregiver, and how do they impact your career?

As the primary caregiver for my three children, attending national conferences is a significant hurdle. I cannot leave my children alone, meaning I must bring them with me and arrange for travel and on-site care. Due to these strains, my participation in major meetings was previously limited to the local area. This restriction significantly impacted my ability to network, share my findings, and learn from global experts in real-time.

How will this award help you advance your career or follow your passion?

I am genuinely happy and fulfilled in my role in DFCI. However, when it comes to conferences, the reality of a solo caregiver is starkly different. In the past, I have frequently had to give up on attending conferences that required travel due to the overwhelming financial and logistical strain of balancing my career with solo parenting. Each missed meeting felt like a lost opportunity to grow as a scientist. However, this award was a pivotal turning point. It provided the critical support I needed to overcome those barriers. It broke the cycle of missed opportunities and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. Because I was able to be there in person, I presented my research and engaged in discussions with experts from all over the world. Beyond the networking, I was deeply inspired by the passion and energy of the participants. AWIS support allowed me to see that I don’t have to choose between being a mother and a scientist—we can be both. Things often don’t go as planned, and we face many setbacks. However, this experience gave me the courage to keep striving towards the vision. It reminded me that we don’t have to give up before we try.