The Life of a Female Scientist - Global Clinical Scientist Sharda Jha Shares Her Advice to Young Girls in STEM

“Science and research have huge unmet needs and COVID has reminded us that we must keep making inroads and be ahead of pathogens that challenge our existence. Our work is not done, and I invite all young girls not only to pursue science and research but also strive to be at the forefront.” Today’s woman dreamer. Sharda Jha, shares her journey as a Global Clinical Scientist in Oncology Research. Coming from a family of doctors, engineers, and educators, she has a life-long passion for innovative thinking and studying cells. Sharda shares her top tips to young women interested in pursuing careers in science, her passion for cancer research, and how she dealt with a family loss earlier this year. An inspiring and heartwarming story!

1) How did you know you wanted to be a scientist?

Coming from a family of doctors, engineers and educators, the curiosity in science was built-in my system. Over the years, how to solve and how to improve any procedure became natural extensions of my thought process. My family has quite a few doctors and my dad always had a vision for me to become a doctor. Instead, I found a life-long friend in my scientist husband, moved to a new life in a new country and that had a significant impact to career path I ultimately selected. A career where I can satisfy my medicinal and scientific curiosities. Now, I am working with the late-stage life cycle management program as global clinical scientist which allows me to witness and experience the true meaning of achievements.

2) You have published scientific papers and are the Global Clinical Scientist for the Oncology Center at your firm.  Why oncology?  What motivates your research?

I have always been deeply interested in cell-to-cell interactions, and in changes those cells go through, because that is the hallmark of discoveries and scientific breakthroughs. While Cancer field has a lot of unknowns for the scientific minds, the cellular adaption of “escape route” from the therapy is particularly fascinating for any curious mind. In an ever-changing modern world, we are witnessing increasingly more cellular changes leading to cancer that are often associated with the lifestyle/environment, and genetic pre-disposed mutations. The satisfaction I get when I meet a survivor and knowing that in some way, I have contributed in this, makes me the luckiest person on earth. I am sure not many people get this chance.  Compassion and empathy have inspired me throughout my career. For me, this is all about being an oncologist- going all in, leaving no stone unturned and whatever it takes to save a life.

3) What are your top tips to women looking to be scientists?

Be passionate, be inquisitive and be inclusive. Join the frontiers of discovery and be ready to Spreadhead when challenged. Women all over the world have been so inspired by two women- Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier- who shared the 2020 Nobel prize for discovering CRISPR gene-editing technique. This basic but game-changing discovery has immense potential in all facets of biological sciences, including in curing diseases and oncology. You could be the next innovator! Remember, every small contribution counts in achieving a breakthrough.

4) What advice / motivation would you give young girls to encourage them to pursue science and research?

Whatever you do, in whichever field, be sure to do it with clear eyes and open heart. Be aware, in science and research, journey of listening and joy of learning never ends! Science and research have huge unmet needs and COVID has reminded us that we must keep making inroads and be ahead of pathogens that challenge our existence. Our work is not done, and I invite all young girls not only to pursue science and research but also strive to be at the forefront.

5) This past year has been extremely challenging for a lot of people.  You encountered your own challenges and loss during COVID.  Please share your thoughts on dealing with trauma.

I lost my Doctor brother to COVID. It has left a permanent scar and a sense of being lost in time and space. It is never going to be easy to talk about this. I’m trying to live without that sky one day at a time. I am working on spreading his love, kindness and generosity that he shared with me. I hear his whisper and that becomes my strength to pull through. I have sought solace in his commitment as a frontline medical professional whose duties and obligations to Society was above his personal gains.

6) Not only are you a scientist, but you also like to write poetry!  Please share your favorite poetry that you have written.

Poetry is very personal to me. Sharing few lines:

Thank you Sharda for sharing you inspiring story with us! We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!

Bio: Former President of India, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam once said, "DREAM is not what you see in sleep, DREAM is something which doesn't let you sleep”. This is one of my favorite quotes and I truly believe in that. Opportunities and trainings in the laboratories of brilliant scientific minds in the prestigious universities of Boston allowed me to further my career by becoming an independent thinker, dreamer and achiever. I am sincerely thankful and deeply obliged to all those scientists, teachers and advisors -the pillars of knowledge, who taught me how to become a person with the beautiful and progressive mind!