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

One key lesson I’ve learned as a leader is that vulnerability shows strength, not weakness. Admitting uncertainty and inviting others to collaborate builds trust, fosters shared growth, and creates stronger, more empowered teams.

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

Continuing my PhD research while becoming a mother is my proudest milestone. Balancing lab work and caring for my baby taught me resilience and showed that love and science can thrive together.

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

I aim to advance nanomedicine through research on polymer coated nanoparticles, turning discoveries into biomedical innovations. Facing complex experiments, unexpected results, and evolving ideas strengthens my persistence, creativity, and scientific vision.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

My internship at Alcon was an incredible opportunity to connect academic research with practical innovation in the pharmaceutical and eye care industry. It also gave me valuable networking experience and insight into how scientific ideas are applied to real-world solutions.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

AWIS has connected me with inspiring women in STEM, helping me grow in confidence, leadership, and career direction.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Luminescence.

How do you define it?

Luminescence is the emission of light by a substance not caused by heat, a glow that comes from within. To me, it symbolizes inner strength, curiosity, and the ability to shine through challenges, much like light emerging from darkness.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

Luminescence inspires me to seek light in complexity, to uncover clarity and beauty in science through curiosity, persistence, and discovery.

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

AWIS inspires me to pursue my goals with confidence and to support other women as we advance together in STEM.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

I’m listening to the Science Vs podcast, which makes complex scientific topics engaging and inspires me to keep questioning and learning.

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

The best advice I’ve received is to trust my own voice. Confidence grows when you stop waiting for permission and start believing in your perspective.

Refia Atik is a PhD candidate in Chemistry at the University of Houston, specializing in polymer-coated nanoparticles for biomedical applications. Her work focuses on developing stimuli-responsive nanomaterials for drug delivery and therapy. She is dedicated to advancing nanomedicine and values resilience, leadership, and perseverance as essential to progress. Outside the lab, she finds balance and inspiration through family life, photography, and traveling.