In honor of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, QBI is proud to present a special series of spotlight features celebrating some of the incredible women who help drive our success. This year’s theme, “Redefining Success,” highlights how accomplishments can take many forms. These interviews showcase the perspectives of women who work behind the scenes, shaping QBI’s achievements and pushing the boundaries of science in their own unique ways. Join us as we celebrate their hard work, diverse paths, and inspiring contributions to science!
Jacqueline, what do you think are some misconceptions about careers in science/operations, and how do you hope to challenge those perceptions through your work?
"I think there are misconceptions about what being a scientist is, and also what being in operations is about. For scientists, those who are not in the field often assume that being at the bench, as represented in movies, is what it is about. In truth it is a profession or calling of constant curiosity and the pursuit of solving the unknown. Sometimes at a bench, sometimes behind a computer, and other times, thinking somewhere. Likewise, when one talks about “operations” there is a notion of it being a very dry job, making sure that things move from A to B, or get done from A to Z. In fact, it can be defined as an infinite role that plays a part in everything from finance to logistics to business development to relationship building and even communications. It can be a very exciting role if you have the ambition to define it – and you find the place and people who allow for that flexible, growth-minded definition."
Your work is integral to QBI’s achievements. Can you share an achievement you are proud of or that made an impact?
"I hope that what I am remembered for is creating an environment where women were more involved in key decision making aspects of the institute’s activities. I am really pleased that every time we have a QBI event we look at having a 50% women represented as organizers, speakers and active participants. Another important achievement has been to implement the QBI Scholarship for Women from LMICs. This is a program that has opened great opportunities for long term collaborations that benefit both sides. I am also delighted by our work in Africa. Along with other partners we spearheaded the First International West Africa Symposium & Workshops on Infectious Disease in Sierra Leone. This event was multifaceted with a symposium, a clinical component and capacity building workshops for 91 trainees from across Africa. It is clear to me that great advances in science will only be achieved through the contributions of many from everywhere. We might be from different nations, but we are one human race, and it makes sense that in order to solve human diseases, we would work together to find solutions."
How has your personal background or perspective influenced the way you approach your work at QBI?
"My personal background is very international coming from one nation and growing up in multiple others, and as an adult I continued to live in numerous different countries. I feel this shaped me as a citizen of the world, and because of that I thrive in dynamic, multicultural environments. Prior to working at QBI, I worked in the United Nations in projects that involved capacity building, fostering international collaborations and managing large scale operations in the field. Interestingly these are all transferable skills in the context of science and building an institute that has collaboration as a mission. I feel that my background uniquely situated me at QBI at the right time. The Director’s vision for collaboration combined with my natural inclination towards the global community allowed us to form an incredible team and create an environment that brings scientists from all over the world together to solve problems not only at an unprecedented rate, but in an unprecedented manner."
What advice would you give to young women and girls interested in achieving their career goals, especially those who might not often see themselves represented in many fields?
"You just have to try and test the waters. Whatever it is you think you are interested in, try it. Try as many different things as you need to in your twenties and early thirties. Experiment with life! When you hit thirty more or less, start deciding and specializing in order to grow in a career and establish yourself. Whatever it is you may have tried early on, even if it does not seem like it, it will have enriched you and informed your future self with skills and applicable knowledge."
