ONLINE EXHIBITION
Women in Science
Dr Monica Sen
Science has always been my driving passion from a young age. It was this ambition that ultimately led to my career working as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine at King’s College London.
It was not until my undergraduate studies that my interest in translational medicine and immunology strengthened and I was motivated to achieve my career goal of becoming a research scientist. To build on my academic expertise, I pursued multiple research opportunities, including a Master's degree and a PhD in Transplant Immunology.
What became apparent to me was that throughout my studies, all of my project supervisors were women who are leading engaging and ground-breaking research globally. I was fascinated to hear stories about their scientific journeys, and this gave me a sense of promise about how far we have come along in bridging the gender gap.
There is no question that research comes with its own challenges such as unsuccessful experiments which can lead to self-doubt. In order for me to overcome these hurdles, I always recollect the stories of my previous supervisors and the overwhelming support and encouragement I received.
There is still much to be achieved to reach gender equality in science. It is important for us to share our experiences, support others, surround ourselves with people who inspire us and acknowledge the work of people from all genders and backgrounds. By working together, we can inspire women and girls to pursue a career in science and make gender equality a reality!