Spotlight on women in science

Sneha completed her pediatric residency and pediatric infectious disease fellowship at the University of Alberta. She received a Stollery Children’s Foundation Fellowship to complete a fellowship in Clinical Immunology and Transplantation at the Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto. She currently works at the Stollery Children’s Hospital as the clinical lead for the Pediatric Immune Deficiency clinic, serving patients in Northern Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. By combining her expertise in Infectious Disease and Immunology, her research focuses on vaccination and protection of immunocompromised hosts, both with primary and secondary immunodeficiency. She is also involved in the postgraduate and undergraduate education of residents and medical students in the field of Clinical Immunology.

“As a woman in my particular field, pediatric Immunology and Infectious Disease, I have been incredibly lucky to have been mentored by both men and women who respect and value the contribution of women to science. Whether it is supervisors who consistently employ and give opportunities to women in their lab or fellowship programs, or women in the field themselves who understand the multifaceted roles that women in science or academia must balance; these mentors are wonderful role models of professionalism, dedication and balance that I have been so fortunate to learn from. The best advice I can give to women (and anyone!) starting their careers, is give yourself time to figure out what gives you a sense of balance and contentment. Whether that is time with family, children, pursuit of a sport or hobby, travel, or pursuit of further academic work in your field, figure out what that is and give it time and importance in your busy life. A sense of internal balance and fulfillment can only improve our external contributions to our respective fields.”