Vanessa Young

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

The power of genuine presence: When leaders are emotionally engaged, not just physically present, they transform team dynamics. True presence fosters engagement, deep listening, and understanding, creating opportunities to assess and address needs and challenges as they arise.

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

Each step has been a crucial milestone in my journey. However, acceptance into the PhD program stands as a recent achievement, representing my triumph over cultural barriers as a first-generation, non-traditional scholar.

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

I aspire to advance neurodegenerative research while building collaborative communities and safe mentorship programs. Having faced both micro and macro aggressions in my journey, I stand firm in my mottos: never forget where you come from, and we never achieve our goals alone.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

Beyond conducting Alzheimer’s research, I’ve found inspiring mentors, collaborative colleagues, and opportunities to grow both as a scientist and mentor at the Glenn Biggs Institute. It’s become a transformative environment where my non-traditional path is valued and I can share my ideas.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

Though new to AWIS, I am already inspired by its welcoming community. Even just exploring the website showcases a strong sense of belonging and support for all women in science. I look forward to engaging with and learning from brilliant scientists as I continue my journey!

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Mindset

How do you define it?

A mindset is the kind of lens through which we navigate life – it’s what drives us as individuals and shapes how we face life. A mindset is what distinguishes individuals who transform problems into opportunities, always seeking solutions rather than dwelling on limitations.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

It helped me turn “you don’t belong in science” into a catalyst for perseverance, forcing me to find a community where I indeed belong and I can support others.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

I’m currently listening to my child singing while reading my research proposal draft. I could reference something more science-based, but this moment reflects the reality of some women in science often hidden. Regardless of motherhood, we all wear different hats. Our adaptability is our superpower.

Vanessa Young is a first-generation, non-traditional scholar pursuing her PhD in Translational Science at UT Health San Antonio, and she also serves as a project manager at the Glenn Biggs Institute. Her research focuses on understanding the role of sleep in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia onset, with emphasis on sex differences. In her role as a manager and adjunct faculty, she has mentored young and non-traditional students and hope to continue to support women in science.