Taiwo Bankole

What is your favorite word?

Tenacity

How do you define it?

I define tenacity as “relentless determination and perseverance to pursue one’s goals, even in the face of obstacles or setbacks.”

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

Tenacity has been a guiding principle throughout my career. When confronted with difficult problems or seemingly insurmountable challenges, I draw upon my tenacity to find solutions and push forward.

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

The most important leadership lesson I’ve learned is the value of empowering and trusting my team. It is essential to foster an environment where everyone feels heard, supported, and empowered to contribute.

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

Finally adding “Dr.” to my name will be my most important career achievement. I’m still on that journey!

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

AWIS has been instrumental in my professional development. The organization’s networking events and educational resources have helped me build invaluable connections, enhance my leadership abilities, and stay informed on the latest trends and best practices in my field.

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

AWIS has been crucial to my career journey. The organization’s focus on empowering women in STEM has provided me with networking opportunities, career seminars, and a supportive community.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

I’m currently reading Then Came You by Taiwo Iredele Odubiyi. It’s a Christian romance novel.

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

Embrace failure as a necessary part of growth and success. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks, figure things out, and push the boundaries of your comfort zone.

Taiwo Bankole is a doctoral student at the University of Maryland, College Park. She investigates the effects of bioactive compounds on metabolic diseases, exploring the gut microbiome, metabolomics, and epigenetic mechanisms. Bankole loves how her research proffers solutions to challenges affecting the health-care system.