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

One cannot ignore the diverse backgrounds of team members. Disengaging on a human level and treating members only through an outcome-based lens hinders growth for both individuals and the team.

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

As I look back, each milestone seemed the most important when achieved, but as the excitement faded, only the next goals felt meaningful.

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

I want to contribute to healthcare and research without risking personal burnout by building a support system. Work-life balance is important.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

During my internship, learned grant writing, and watched my team support professors with proposals and editing. The steep learning curve helped me adjust to a new style of scientific communication and provided a refreshing break from the wet-lab setting.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

I am hoping to make new connections with both potential mentors and mentees.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Resilience.

How do you define it?

The strength and ability to overcome unfavorable situations.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

I can rely on resilience alone in spaces where I lack privilege, believing merit will be enough to make me stand out.

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

Through AWIS, I would like to showcase my thoughts as a first-generation immigrant woman in STEM. This is important to me as a STEMinist.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

My Father’s Eyes, My Mother’s Rage by Rose Birk

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

Always pay it forward.

Quazi Islam, MSc, is a pharmacology researcher with over ten years in translational science. She is experienced in publications, teaching, and scientific communication, and is currently transitioning into medical writing. Quazi is committed to supporting and mentoring women in STEM. She is also a mom to a neurodivergent 8-year-old.