Yetunde Oyesakin, PhD

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

Leading by example. People are moved by what they see. As a leader, your actions often speak louder than your words. When you demonstrate the qualities and work ethic you expect from your team, you inspire others to follow suit.

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

My successful completion of a PhD in Organic Chemistry, particularly the research I conducted during this time.

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

I aspire to make significant contributions to the field of medicinal chemistry, particularly in the discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents that address unmet medical needs. My goal is to lead research efforts that result in the development of safe and effective drugs.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

My internship at Merck Research Laboratories was a pivotal moment in my career. It gave me the chance to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the pharmaceutical industry and to contribute to cutting-edge research in drug discovery.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

AWIS provides me with a supportive network of like-minded women in STEM, offering mentorship, career development resources, and opportunities to connect with leaders in the field

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Resilience

How do you define it?

Resilience is the ability to adapt and recover from adversity, challenges, or setbacks. It encompasses strength, perseverance, and flexibility, allowing one to bounce back from difficulties and continue moving forward with determination and optimism

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

Resilience has been a guiding principle throughout my career. The journey in STEM can be filled with challenges—whether it’s tackling complex research problems, facing experimental setbacks, or navigating the competitive nature of the field.

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

AWIS provides a robust support network and valuable resources.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

Becoming by Michelle Obama.

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

“Do not stop learning and always embrace any learning opportunity that comes your way” by staying curious, being open to new ideas, and adapting to change.

Yetunde Oyesaki, PhD, is an accomplished organic and medicinal chemist with over seven years of experience. She earned her PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Nevada, Reno. Her research has focused on drug design and discovery, contributing valuable insights to drug development. Yetunde has also refined her skills through an internship at Merck Research Laboratories, where she specialized in high-throughput experimentation and reaction optimization.