Global Collaboration
with Young PIs
My general statement:
Do something, not be someone.
As a young investigator in the field of neuroscience, I have had the privilege of attending various prestigious neuroscience schools and advanced training programs.
(1) My thoughts on Global Collaboration
As a young investigator in the field of neuroscience, I have had the privilege of attending various prestigious neuroscience schools and advanced training programs.
These experiences have been instrumental in expanding my knowledge and skills, but more importantly, they have connected me with a global network of like-minded peers who are equally passionate about pushing the boundaries of neuroscience.
Through these schools, I’ve collaborated with fellow young investigators from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to our shared research interests.
These collaborations have not only enriched my own work but have also fostered a sense of community and collective purpose among the next generation of neuroscientists.
Together, we are building a task force of young investigators dedicated to advancing neuroscience through innovative research and cross-disciplinary collaboration. By staying connected, sharing resources, and supporting each other’s endeavors, we are laying the groundwork for future breakthroughs that will shape the field for years to come.
(2) My experience on Global Collaboration
Previous Schools and Training programs I have attended
Global collaboration in neuroscience transcends language and cultural barriers, enriching research through diverse perspectives. By embracing differences and fostering open communication, I hope to overcome challenges and unite around common goals. This cooperation not only advances scientific discovery but also builds a strong, interconnected community of researchers worldwide.
My role as a Vice President of HMPA (2018-2019)
The HMPA (Harvard Medical Postdoc Association) is very different from the PGSA, that all the members are postdocs at Harvard.
- From 2018-2019, I served as the Vice Chair of HMPA (Liaisons), with the Chair is Li Li (Lily) and another Vice-Chair (Communications), Dr. Ammu Thampi
- The elected HMPA’s board member (2018-2019) is:
Chair, Li Li (Lily);
Vice-chair (Liaisons), Dr. Wenqiang Chen;
Vice-chair (Web communication), Dr. Ammu Thampi;
Susheela & Dr. Rohan Bir Singh;
Treasure, Dr. Stephania Libreros:
Secretary: Dr. Yulu, Cherry Liu;
Chair of Professional Development Committee: Dr. Barnaly Rashid;
Chair of Social Committee: Dr. Meghan Pierce & Dr. Muhammad K Afzal;
Chair of Outreach Committee: Dr. Vivian Lee;
Chair of Advocacy Committee: Dr. Era Yalcin;
Chair of Entrepreneurship Committee: Dr. Anant Shinde.
- The elected HMPA’s board member (2018-2019) is:
- Primary focus:
- professional development,
- advocacy,
- outreach,
- entrepreneurship,
- social networking
- This is one of the most memoriable leadership experience I have had
(3) My Leadership experience
(Scientific)
Leveraging Non-Science Leadership Experience to Enhance My Scientific Career
Co-Chairs of symposiums in scientific conferences
My leadership experiences with HMPA and PGSA naturally transitioned into my research endeavors. Sometimes, regardless of one’s junior status, taking responsibility is essential to advance the field and engage the broader community.
These are my efforts in pushing my research area further
- co-Chair of symposium: IBNS 2023 meeting (International Behavioral Neuroscience Society)
- I co-chaired a symposium with Prof. André Kleinridders, whom I invited despite never meeting him before. Our proposal was selected, and this collaboration has since become a significant mentorship, leading to more speaking opportunities (he invited me to speak in a seminar series he organized)
- (I was nervous in the meeting, this is my first time, sorry, but I learned from it!)
- co-Chair of symposium: ASN 2024 (American Society for Neurochemistry)
- I co-chaired another successful symposium with Dr. Elizabeth Rhea, a very trusted colleague, friend, and mentor. Despite a speaker cancellation, we adapted quickly, and the event was a great success, further enhancing my leadership skills.
- Speaker: PNIRS 2024 (PsychoNeuroImmunology Research Society)
- Through my interactions with Dr. Rhea, I was invited by her mentor, Dr. William Banks, to speak at PNIRS 2024. This symposium, focusing on insulin resistance, marked a pivotal moment in my career, sparking discussions on advancing research in this area.
- Hosting Senior PI: Prof. Yu-Hua Tseng is vising Steno Diaebtes Center Copenhagen (May 31, 2024)
- I hosted Dr. Yu-Hua Tseng, a Harvard professor and a Senior Investigator at Joslin, during her visit to Copenhagen. She delivered a talk and met with senior PIs, fostering collaboration and advancing our shared research goals. This visit helped strengthen ties between our institutions across the US and Denmark.
- Possible next move: A special review on insulin resistance
- I’m collaborating with Dr. Rhea on a special review on insulin resistance, aiming to inspire young investigators to drive forward new initiatives in the field.
Closing remarks
Leadership is not a skill that comes easily or naturally; it requires consistent effort, practice, and resilience. I have a lot of failures, but in the end, I learn from them ALL.
Through my experiences co-chairing symposiums and collaborating with esteemed colleagues, I’ve learned that true leadership is about stepping up, even in the face of challenges, and continually refining your approach. Whether it’s adapting to unexpected changes or building meaningful professional relationships, each experience has been a step toward becoming a more effective leader. Leadership demands dedication and a willingness to learn from EVERY opportunity, no matter minor or not, knowing that each challenge is an essential part of the journey.
© 2024 All Rights Reserved.
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