Yetunde Oyende

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

I have come to appreciate effective communication, empathy, and respect as top qualities that enable leaders to connect with their teams, understand diverse perspectives, and inspire growth and success.

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

My most important career milestone is the publication of my first-author article in grad school.

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

I hope to contribute significantly to academic and clinical advancements in cancer treatment, and bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public health. As an international student, I will have to overcome obstacles such as underrepresentation and gender bias.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

Mentoring junior graduates and undergraduates during my PhD has been a valuable opportunity to enhance my leadership and communication skills and help shape the next generation of scientists.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

My participation in the 2022-2023 AWIS Philadelphia mentoring circle provided me with an opportunity to connect with fellow graduate students both within and outside Drexel and mentors from AWIS. Over the course of the mentoring circle, we shared our career journeys, aspirations, and future career goals.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Motivation

How do you define it?

The need or reason for doing something.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

Motivation has been a driving force throughout my career journey. Ever time I encounter a difficult problem or a stumbling block both professionally and personally, I am motivated by my sense of purpose and the desire to make meaningful contributions in science and the lives of others.

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

AWIS has provided me with a supportive network of women scientists, which has been invaluable in fostering my professional and personal growth. Connecting with my peers and mentors at AWIS has helped me recognize that I am not alone and that who we are and what we do matters a lot!

What are you currently reading or listening to?

Atomic Habits by James Clear.

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

Always remember to take care of yourself.

Yetunde Oyende is a PhD candidate in pharmacology and Physiology at Drexel University College of Medicine, with a focus on cancer research and drug discovery. Yetunde holds a BSc in Biochemistry from Lagos State University, Nigeria, where she developed her research interest in understanding the molecular basis for non-communicable diseases. Outside of academia, she is involved in community outreach and educating the public on cancer prevention and treatment.