Empowering Diversity Through Respect and Opportunity in Science
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Chapter 1: The Importance of Respect in Diversity
“During my time at Pheronym, I experienced being asked for my opinion for the first time,” shared one of our interns in his exit interview. His decision to pursue a career in science stemmed from the meaningful experiences he gained with us. This reflects my long-held aspiration to promote equal opportunities, a vision I nurtured throughout my Ph.D. journey. Surprisingly, among the various places I've worked, it was only in my Ph.D. advisor's lab that I encountered a truly equal opportunity environment. This atmosphere fostered respect and acceptance of differing appearances and viewpoints, which in turn opened our minds to innovative ideas, enhancing both creativity and productivity.
Section 1.1: My Journey to Equal Opportunity
Arriving in the United States on a fellowship for my graduate studies filled me with excitement about engaging in groundbreaking research within a socially progressive framework that promised equal opportunities for all. Initially, my experiences fell short of my expectations, but I attributed this to culture shock. After discussing with friends, I carefully selected laboratories for my Ph.D. studies that prioritized cutting-edge research and treated international students fairly. I was fortunate to find Dr. CL Guy’s lab, which comprised a diverse team of scientists, including graduate students from China, Korea, Turkey (myself), a visiting scholar from Israel, and an American lab manager. This team thrived in a supportive environment that emphasized collaboration. For instance, when Dr. Guy received an invitation to co-author a review paper, he encouraged us to participate as authors. We enthusiastically collaborated to brainstorm ideas, draft an outline, choose our respective sections, and determine authorship order. Once we completed our sections, Dr. Guy seamlessly integrated them and refined the transitions, culminating in a collective review and polishing of the manuscript. This experience holds a special significance for me as it marked my first foray into scientific writing, laying the groundwork for future research articles and grant proposals.
Section 1.2: Harnessing the Power of Diversity
The commitment to equal opportunity cultivated a respectful and secure learning atmosphere that minimized judgment, reduced stress, and enhanced both creativity and productivity in our lab. Given that each student was at a different educational stage, I often had numerous inquiries regarding experimental details. Dr. Guy and his graduate students were always willing to answer my questions. I felt free to share my ideas, receiving valuable feedback in return. This open exchange of ideas extended to my Ph.D. committee's lab members as well. I never feared losing authorship for my contributions or that my hard work would be undermined at the last moment. Within a year of graduation, I published or submitted all relevant manuscripts. To my pleasant surprise, while preparing a lecture for Plant Physiology, I discovered that my dissertation had been cited in a college textbook, five years post-graduation. Today, my graduate work boasts over 800 citations (as per Google Scholar), alongside the work of my fellow Ph.D. lab members. Our achievements can be attributed to the strength of equal opportunity.
Equal opportunity signifies a dedication to fostering a respectful workplace. My graduate school experience underscored that diversity thrives in environments where individuals feel their efforts are acknowledged, their ideas appreciated, and their contributions recognized. This philosophy is fundamental at Pheronym.
Chapter 2: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
The first video, "Inclusion Starts With I: Diversity & Inclusion," discusses the foundational aspects of creating an inclusive environment that empowers individuals to thrive.
The second video, "Respecting Perspectives for Success as a New Leader," explores the importance of valuing diverse viewpoints in leadership for achieving success.
Author: Dr. Fatma Kaplan is the CEO/CSO of Pheronym, an entrepreneur, and a distinguished scientist with a background in biology and chemistry. She holds a Ph.D. in Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology and has completed postdoctoral training in Natural Product Chemistry, focusing on biologically active compounds. Dr. Kaplan made significant contributions to the understanding of nematode pheromones, publishing in prestigious journals such as Nature. Her impactful research has been cited in textbooks shortly after publication. Dr. Kaplan's experience includes roles at NASA, the National Magnetic Field Laboratory, and the USDA Agricultural Research Service. She co-founded Pheronym to leverage nematode pheromone technology for effective, eco-friendly pest management solutions.