Violet Votin

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

A team is more than the sum of its parts. When ideas from people of diverse backgrounds are shared, surprising progress is made.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

Since graduate school, I have gotten to know confident, professional scientists at AWIS and learn about their career paths. Through several volunteer and board positions, I have built communication and teamwork skills. The mentoring happened formally and also through friendships.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Perspicacious.

How do you define it?

Being observant and using the resulting insight

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

I prepared for industry by talking to countless fellow members. My first job after my PhD was recommended to me by a recruiter I knew through AWIS. I continue to think of the wise perspectives of my mentors and mentees too, learning from their journeys over the years.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

How to Win Friends and Influence People

After a bachelor’s in biological sciences and several lab experiences, Violet Votin completed a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Stanford. Her research on how cells develop their shapes was supplemented by a postdoctoral fellowship at Berkeley learning yeast genetics and biochemistry. She has applied her training in life science, synthetic biology, diagnostic and therapeutic companies. Currently at a specialty lab, she helps clinical trials be efficient with fast biomarker testing.