Carly Filgueira, PhD

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

It is important to stay productive, and actively support team success both with words and actions.

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

I was the first to demonstrate that a hybrid lipid bilayer, a phospholipid/alkanethiol membrane could be prepared on a nanoparticle surface.

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

My goal is to have an independent lab that translates ideas to the clinic. Obstacles include: balance, managing, funding interdependence, scientific charisma, self-discipline, surprises, setting aside time for writing

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

I attended the 55th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in 2005 as a young scientist and I was able to speak with Nobel Laureates in chemistry, physics and physiology/medicine.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

AWIS has given me the ability to “pay it forward” and show my gratitude to those that believed in me.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Productive

How do you define it?

Achieving or producing

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

Seeing what I have achieved helps keep me motivated.

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

AWIS reminds me that there is great community in science.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

I am currently reading Tuck Everlasting with my 9 year old son.

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

Don’t be afraid to tinker.

Carly Filgueira, PhD, obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry Magna Cum Laude from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. She then obtained her master’s and doctorate degrees in Chemistry from Rice University in 2005 and 2009. Dr. Filgueira is currently a member of the Department of Nanomedicine with appointments as Assistant Member in the Research Institute, Assistant Professor of Nanomedicine in the Academic Institute, and with the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery.