Kavya Sree Maravajjala, PhD

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

Effective leadership starts with listening. When people feel heard, they will be more willing to contribute ideas, ask questions, and work toward a shared goal.

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

My biggest career milestone has been moving from PhD training into a postdoctoral role. I lead translational research in tumor immunology and have the ability to take ownership of complex projects and contribute meaningfully to impactful research.

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

To advance translational research that improves patient outcomes, grow into a collaborative scientific leader, and mentor the next generation. I will overcome resource limits and competition through persistence, adaptability, and a strong focus on meaningful impact.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

My postdoctoral role has been an amazing opportunity to contribute to translational tumor immunology, grow as an independent scientist, and collaborate across disciplines on research with real clinical potential.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

AWIS has connected me with a supportive network of women in STEM and encouraged leadership, visibility, and growth. Personally, it has strengthened my confidence, motivation, and sense of belonging as an early-career scientist.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Resilience.

How do you define it?

I define resilience as staying focused, adaptable, and productive when research plans, experiments, or results do not go as expected. It means learning from setbacks, adjusting strategies, and continuing to move forward with purpose and perseverance.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

Resilience has helped me stay committed through experiments that fail, results that take time, and goals that require persistence. It reminds me to adapt quickly, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward with confidence and purpose.

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

AWIS provides me with community, visibility, and encouragement as an early-career scientist. It helps me grow as a leader, build confidence, and connect with women in STEM who share similar goals and challenges.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

I’m currently reading scientific articles related to tumor immunology and translational cancer research, along with leadership and career development pieces that support my growth as a scientist.

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

Stay consistent, even when progress feels slow. This advice has helped me remain focused, patient, and resilient through both scientific and personal challenges.

Kavya Sree Maravajjala, PhD, is a postdoctoral research scientist at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Her research centers on cancer biology, immunology, and the tumor microenvironment, with a focus on brain tumors and translational therapeutics. Kavya also contributes to scientific writing, grant preparation, and collaborative research. She is passionate about advancing cancer research and turning discoveries into meaningful clinical impact.