Since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by biology and the mysteries of life. Initially, I dreamed of becoming a doctor, but when medical school didn’t work out, I found a new path through microbiology, thanks to my eldest sister, who encouraged me to explore this exciting science field.
During a summer practicum at a leading research institute, I discovered the world of infectious diseases and clinical microbiology testing. This experience sparked a passion that led me to earn a Ph.D. in clinical microbiology, followed by advanced research and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology to deepen my knowledge of how diseases spread and how we can study them.
Today, I’m a Principal Scientist on the Clinical Microbiology team within Infectious Disease Research at GSK. I lead important antimicrobial surveillance studies for treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections in female adults and children.
My work involves managing the organizations that run these studies, reviewing test results, and ensuring all data is accurate. These findings help regulatory agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) decide whether new drugs are safe and effective for patients. A typical day includes analyzing study data, reviewing reports, and collaborating with medical and regulatory teams to support the ongoing development and approval of these drugs.
The most exciting part? Knowing that the data I help generate can improve patient care and save lives globally. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of something that directly impacts people’s health worldwide.
One of the biggest challenges in health today is antimicrobial resistance, when bacteria no longer respond to existing antibiotics. My work supports the development of new drugs that can overcome these resistant infections, which is crucial for protecting public health. I’m proud to contribute to the global effort to combat this growing threat.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue advancing research that makes a difference in infectious disease treatment and to inspire young minds through science education. This year’s “Be a Health Scientist” theme perfectly captures the spirit of discovery and impact I want kids to feel.
My advice: be curious, ask lots of questions, and never give up on your dreams. Maybe one day, you’ll be a health scientist making the world a healthier place!”
