News

By Shreya Chandrasekar, 2^nd year PhD student at the Loyola University Chicago

Throughout this pandemic, I have cycled through feeling like the world couldn’t be a larger, more isolated place and feeling like we are so inextricably connected despite our physical distances. On this specific day when I talked with Dr. Holly J. Falk-Krzesinski, a Loyola University Chicago alum who is now a Vice President in the Global Strategic Networks team at Elsevier, the world did indeed feel small and connected. In addition to her numerous professional accomplishments which have been featured previously by AWIS on several occasions (2004 Spring, 2011 Fall, and 2017 Summer), her charming demeanor left me truly inspired to not only succeed as a PhD student but also pioneer new paths for myself and others while doing so. While I could fill pages with the honors Dr. Falk-Krzesinski has received along her distinguished career path, this feature will showcase her roots in advocacy and the subsequent opportunities she helped to create for herself and for those that would come after her.

Dr. Falk-Krzesinski was an advocate for her colleagues right from the early days of her career. As a graduate student at Loyola University Chicago, just as I currently find myself, she was an active member of the Graduate Student Council at the Health Sciences Campus, advocating for good health insurance benefits for graduate and medical students. Her experiences outside of lab, as part of the Graduate Student Council, not only enabled her to drive change but also helped her develop the skills necessary for working with different members of the university and navigating bureaucracy. While Dr. Falk-Krzesinski discovered her passion for biology back in high school, it was through positions and opportunities like these with the Graduate Student Council that she was able to foray into and lay the foundation for her current role in research development and intelligence at Elsevier.

On a more personal level, one of my biggest takeaways from my conversation with Dr. Falk-Krzesinski was her ability to create opportunities where they did not previously exist. In doing so, Dr. Falk-Krzesinski opened doors for herself and, perhaps more importantly, created a legacy for generations of women scientists to follow. For example, very early on, Dr. Falk-Krzesinski knew that she wanted to teach, but opportunities to teach as a graduate student were limited at her institution. Dr. Falk-Krzesinski did not let that deter her. She reached out to the head of her department and requested that she be put in contact with professors at the undergraduate campus who were looking for teaching assistants. By seeking out this opportunity, Dr. Falk-Krzesinski was able to get firsthand experience with teaching, relieving some of the pressure of “knowing without trying” and taking control of her future career path. This trailblazing spirit has echoed throughout her career journey.

Beyond teaching experience, Dr. Falk-Krzesinski also constantly sought out opportunities for professional development and training to add new skills to her arsenal that further enabled her to map out her career from Loyola University forward. Most recently, Dr. Falk-Krzesinski earned an Executive Scholar Certificate in General Management from the prestigious Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management. Dr. Falk-Krzesinski also believes that in order to have a diverse and fulfilling career trajectory, one must endeavor to engage deeply with one’s colleagues, a perspective that has fueled her research and activities in team science. In doing so, you become more than just your job profile to your colleagues and vice versa. In addition, while women are all too often faced with the responsibilities of child and elder care and the burden of battling implicit and explicit biases at the workplace, Dr. Falk-Krzesinski acknowledges that these challenges have been easier to overcome with the tremendous support of her family and empathetic colleagues.

Dr. Falk-Krzesinski’s most recent endeavor in support of women in STEMM fields is the recent research report, The Researcher Journey Through a Gender Lens, which examines critical issues and performance in research through a gender lens using quantitative and qualitative research methods covering 16 regions and 26 subject areas. The report aims to elucidate the role gender plays within the research enterprise in terms of both diversity and inclusion, offering powerful data-driven insights for research institutions to inform evidence-based policies and interventions, and inspire further research studies. Dr. Falk-Krzesinski also continues to be deeply involved with the National Organization of Research Development Professionals (NORDP), an organization that she co-founded over a decade ago to help advance interdisciplinary research and capacity-building initiatives and establish a network of collaborative professionals in research development.

Dr. Falk-Krzesinski was awarded the initial AWIS Chicago Distinguished Service Award in 2007 in recognition of service for the advancement of women in science in the Chicago area and beyond and served as the AWIS Magazine Editor-in-Chief from 2013 – 2016.

Special Roundtable Feature

Compiled by Jill Wenderott

In light of recent events pushing the nation to take a closer look at racism embedded in our institutions, organizations, and lives, we at AWIS Chicago were interested in doing something a little different this month for our SotM feature. AWIS Chicago reiterates the statement released by AWIS National: “As we confront repeated acts of racial violence throughout our nation, AWIS doesn’t see our work as separate from this struggle. We acknowledge and stand against systemic racism, and we encourage those who share our commitment to join us in working against it.” Read more from the statement here. We also encourage you to check out the next issue of AWIS magazine, which includes an article discussing building an anti-racist research lab co-authored by our AWIS Chicago President, Mary Khetani.

Instead of our typical SotM feature of a local scientist in the Chicagoland area, we have decided to create a roundtable feature, asking our recent SotM features to respond to the following question. We have collected their responses and commend them for their work as catalysts for lasting change.

What opportunities do you see in your work and/or life to actively combat racism?

“There is the opportunity in working situations to not assume someone will act one way because of their race, or to give work to someone because of their race. Do not assume even positive racial stereotypes. Just because someone is a certain color does not mean they are good at math, will be outspoken when it is needed, will negotiate better, will solve your computer problem, or will stay quiet with sensitive information. Companies need to do what they can from the applicant process on to ensure there is limited racial or gender bias. Why not use initials instead of names when collecting resumes or doing screening phone calls and videos? Make sure your recruiters don’t all look the same and switch up which type of roles they recruit for on a frequent basis. Implement more cross-functional or team-building assignments to break-apart cliques that may form due to racial similarities. Have a mentorship program in place for hourly employees.”

Jennifer Bogs
Environmental Manager, Great Lakes Coca-Cola Bottling
SotM feature, May 2020 

            “My work as an educator in a community college setting not only provides ammunition in combatting racism but an opportunity to defeat it. As a woman of color in science, my access to a very diverse student body provides me hands-on experience that makes me understand myself, my own personal biases, and develop empathy. Equipped with knowledge and empathy, I combat racism by mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers. I create opportunities and safe space for students to learn and talk about racism and take small steps to possibly defeat it. At Wright College, I reactivated and advised Wright College Chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers; I co-founded the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers; and currently, I am building the Wright College Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers. These organizations are learning to work collaboratively to assist each other to become leaders who understand each other. The topic of racism is also incorporated in my Engineering Success Seminar class, training the next generation of engineers and scientists inclusivity, social justice, and responsibility.”

Doris Espiritu
Executive Director of Engineering Program and Professor of Chemistry, Wilbur Wright College
SotM feature, May 2019

“Amongst various efforts to combat racism, we are revising criteria for graduate school application reviews to make sure it promotes diversity amongst successful candidates. As former chair of our graduate program, we steadily increased representation and successful progress to degree amongst minority students, but we can always do better. I am also actively trying to promote recruitment of faculty from diverse backgrounds since from my perspective, this is one area where there is significant weakness in academic centers which may take time to resolve as successful trainees work their way through the pipeline but also clearly could benefit from added pressure in this area. This is something that I have worked on over several years both locally and at a national level. Finally, we are planning to add new components to training of faculty and trainees that enhances awareness of racism (subtle or otherwise) and identifies ways to prevent and/or address it.”

Kay Macleod
Associate Professor, Ben May Dept. for Cancer Research, University of Chicago
SotM feature, November 2018

“One of the first steps we can take to actively combat racism is to speak up when we see racist behaviors around us. I promise myself not to stay quiet when I see or hear racism directed towards me or against a colleague, family member, friend or stranger. Asking open ended questions such as ‘Why do you say that?’ can help identify behaviors that might be subconscious (or intentional in many instances!) and set limits regarding what a person can say or do around me. I cannot control another person entirely, but I can channel their behavior or attitude when around me. Big changes happen in small steps.

It is extremely important for our University, department, program, or lab to actively support BIPOC students, faculty, and staff. One of the small steps I have done over the years is to open up my laboratory to support students from minority communities and ensuring that they have empowering and enriching experiences in research. We strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment, and value inclusion opening up paths for BIPOC students to succeed in academia.”

Sangeetha Madhavan
Associate Professor, Dept. of Physical Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago
SotM feature, December 2019

            “Firstly, I know I don’t have all the answers, being afraid to say anything because it might be the “wrong” thing perpetuates silence and the problem. I think one part of combating racism is acknowledging its presence in forms both open and subtle around us, and not turning a blind eye to it because it’s an uncomfortable topic for those who benefit from their privilege. Let’s all confront our own implicit biases to see how we may even unknowingly be a part of the problem. How about we also listen – really listen – to the concerns and perspectives of those discriminated against? In the field of medicine for example, representation in clinical trials is still an ongoing issue, but one which the NIH has taken a strong stance to address so that new medicines can be tested on and safe for more than just the majority race and gender. I’m also a believer in mentoring and spent time working with middle school-aged boys and girls from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds in one of the Boys and Girls Clubs through Northwestern’s Science Club program. It was humbling and eye-opening and I was grateful to have the opportunity to instill confidence in these kids’ abilities and potential not only in STEM fields but in life. Let’s believe in each other. Let’s talk about the injustices that are occurring so they don’t get normalized and fade into the background with the injustices continuing. I think it’s a time for us to reach out, connect, listen, and keep our minds open to creating equality for all people and part of that is keeping the conversation going.”

Amanda M. Schalk
Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Enzyme by Design Inc.
SotM feature, July 2020

By: Cindy Chiu

“You have to be open to trying new things you never thought you could do…just give it a whirl.”

If you’ve never thought your passion for science could develop into a zeal for handling business account reconciliations, procuring inventory, and chatting up potential investors, you’re not alone. Meet Dr. Amanda Schalk, a biochemist by training who distinctly remembers years ago perusing an advertisement for an academic program in entrepreneurship, and thinking to herself, “No, I don’t even know what that is. I’ll pass.” Today, through an ongoing process of recognizing and drawing from her own unique set of experiences and skills, Dr. Schalk is relishing her work as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer at Enzyme by Design, a Chicago startup that develops safer therapeutics for hard to treat cancers.

Dr. Schalk got her start in STEM with a B.S. in Professional Biochemistry from Eastern Michigan University, and from there, she continued her studies to earn an M.S. and Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the International Max Planck Research School/University of Göttingen in Germany. With a terminal degree, Schalk found herself at a transition point and facing existential questions about her work: “I have this degree. Now what are the options of what I can do with this? Where can this lead me?”

Such reflections drove Dr. Schalk’s decision in 2011 to join a translational research lab working on developing cancer drugs at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). As a postdoc in the lab, she thrived. She identified an L-asparaginase enzyme from guinea pigs with putative tumor cell killing properties and published several papers related to this work. She particularly enjoyed working with her teammates, whom she characterized as inspiring, friendly, and caring people: “The science is amazing but having a really good team to work with is, in my opinion, equally as important for success and really enjoying what you’re doing.”

In 2016, the lab lost one of its key funding sources, part of the often unstable nature of science, precipitating another career transition for Schalk. She joined HappiLabs.org, a company in Chicago offering virtual lab management services. There, she helped biotech companies across the country with procurement, vendor interactions, inventory management, and bookkeeping, as well as writing operating protocols. At the time, she questioned, “who knows what I am going to do with this…but the fact is I have bills to pay and need a job.” 

Though away from the lab bench, she was still meeting with her UIC colleagues about continuing to develop a cancer drug from the mammalian asparaginase that she had discovered and leveraging their protein engineering expertise to design potential therapeutics for better patient outcomes. They disclosed their idea to UIC, hoping that big pharma would take the reins from there, but it wasn’t so simple. She recalled, “Truthfully, we were naive academics and were told pretty bluntly: That’s not how it works. If you ever want to get this to patients, you’re going to have to start your own company and de-risk it.”

In 2017, with the encouragement of the UIC Tech Transfer Office and a mentoring program through MATTER, Schalk co-founded Enzyme by Design. As it turns out, getting “booted out of the lab,” as she puts it, created a pivotal opportunity for Schalk when she returned in 2018 to the UIC research group, splitting her time there and working for the company. Among her co-founders, Schalk was the one with key experience in accounting, procurement, and operations. The company now has almost $1M in non-dilutive NIH funding as they set their sights on developing their products to get to and through Phase I and possibly Phase II clinical trials. When asked about the most gratifying aspects of her work, Schalk readily points to the many hats she wears as Chief Operating Officer. “There are always new challenges, and actually many things that might be considered mundane in running a startup – I actually really enjoy doing them because I know they keep the lights on and things moving. The science is the spotlight,” she emphasized, “but we need to stay open to get it there.”

Dr. Schalk credits Prof. Arnon Lavie, her postdoctoral research advisor and Enzyme by Design co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, with invaluable holistic mentorship. “It’s the reason I’ve stuck with him for 10 years. He’s supportive of me developing as a scientist and developing in a more whole way in all areas of my life. He emphasizes that we should feel free to really think about the future and develop ourselves in a way that’s going to serve us.” For example, with Prof. Lavie’s support, Schalk is currently taking a year-long course in social-emotional intelligence, to better understand and develop her unique talents.

As a woman in science, Schalk points to impostor syndrome manifested as self-doubt as a challenging factor. How does she try to overcome it herself? “It’s a process to trust myself more, value my gifts, and learn to be okay with making mistakes because that’s part of learning. Personal growth work, taking care of my mental health, taking care of myself…Having a more connected and balanced life and doing things that nourish me as a person is going to make me a better scientist and businesswoman, because it’s going to make me more direct, efficient, focused, and purposeful.” As for unemployment advice, especially in these challenging times of COVID-19, she said she could offer experienced advice against tying one’s self-worth to employment: “Having a setback or being unemployed absolutely does not mean you’re a failure even if it feels that way in the moment…really you’re just in between adventures. Who you are, including your experiences and perspective, make you valuable even if you haven’t realized it yet. Be kind to yourself; be open to a new adventure because you never know where it might lead and what you might learn. Reach out to your support network; be your own biggest fan; believe in yourself (even if you don’t want to)!” Though Schalk acknowledges that she currently spends a lot of time on work, she finds enjoyment taking in the arts, such as the Lyric Opera, Joffrey Ballet, and Hubbard Street Dance, which she says, “makes my brain relax and light up in a completely different and beautiful way.”

Her adventure with Enzyme by Design is still unfolding, but Dr. Schalk is already looking ahead toward her next adventure: “Universities are developing amazing technology. More of it needs to go out into the world, and I realize just how few people there are to really herald that transition… so I’m like, okay, I might have found my niche; this is exciting.”

By Shreya Chandrasekar

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to interview Monica Vajani, a seasoned healthcare professional who currently works with CVS Health. Vajani spent her childhood on the East Coast, attended Washington University in St. Louis for her undergraduate, and ultimately put down roots in the Midwest when she started her career in the medical device industry. Multiple factors prompted her decision to pursue a career in healthcare, including a strong interest in science and math, a desire to help vulnerable populations, and the fact that many members of her extended family were healthcare professionals.  

During her time at Washington University, Vajani started to get a better understanding of her specific interests within biomedical engineering. While combining medical sciences and engineering was relatively new at the time, it seemed like the perfect blend of Vajani’s skills and interests. At an informational session by St. Jude Medical, a company that manufactures pacemakers, defibrillators, and a myriad of other heart-related medical devices, Vajani learned about their college hire program. Subsequently, she took all the required classes and underwent a rigorous interview process to land a coveted job with this company. The job offered her the perfect opportunity to combine her interpersonal skills and scientific knowledge gleaned from working with clinicians to implant these devices. It started Vajani on her career path for the next decade where she served as a vital link between patients, clinicians, and manufacturers. This pivotal role helped her develop key skills that would enable her to later play larger roles in marketing and product development.

After working in sales and marketing at St. Jude Medical for over 7 years, Vajani attended the prestigious Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago in order develop a deeper understanding of the business world. As a part time student, she was able to apply key classroom learnings to her role as a clinical specialist at Medtronic. Upon graduating, she spent the next leg of her career working at MATTER, helping start-ups and corporate healthcare organizations develop commercialization and innovation strategies, respectively. Her experience at MATTER prepared her well for her current role with CVS Health, where she is part of a transformation team that is tasked with building new products and services that will drive better patient experiences and outcomes. Especially in the context of the current pandemic, she has sought to turn a generally slow-responding corporate environment into one that reacts faster and more effectively. Vajani believes that the current uncertainty and malleability surrounding the healthcare environment has pushed her to take the reins and continue driving change. While speaking with her, it was obvious that she has been able to make her impact by staying abreast of the most recent advancements and emergent trends across the healthcare ecosystem – including new healthcare technology start-ups as well as mergers and acquisitions between dominant players in health insurance, pharma, and medtech.

While Vajani’s career has been diverse, the continuous drive to help people has been critical to her success. This was a value that her mother instilled in her early in her childhood. Vajani says that her mother was very supportive of her dreams and encouraged her to challenge herself across all aspects of life. In addition to her mother, Vajani’s mentors throughout her career inspired confidence in her that pushed her to reach her professional ambitions. In just over a decade, Vajani has achieved many career goals, and she is just getting warmed up. In the future, Vajani hopes to start her own business and create a formal system that allows her to mentor and invest in small businesses.

Navigating her career in science as a woman hasn’t always been easy, but the difficult experiences have helped Vajani develop skills to overcome challenges and fostered in her a greater appreciation for people who nurture a welcoming and productive working environment. In her free time, Vajani spends time pursuing passions, such as wheelthrown pottery. When asked what advice she would give to a woman early in her career, Vajani emphasized the importance of goal setting early on both personally and professionally, while remaining open to new, seemingly uncomfortable experiences, as these are opportunities for growth.

By Phalguni Shah

“Happiness is more than waking up and smiling every day. I really think it is finding a deep meaning in what you are doing, [even though] it might not always be the most fun thing. For me, success is not being bored and keeping myself intellectually stimulated.”

On Earth Day 2020, I had the opportunity to interview Jennifer Bogs, the Environmental Manager at Great Lakes Coca-Cola Bottling. Bogs develops environmental policies and communicates compliance best practices for the company. With a background in the environmental sciences, business, as well as law, she has carved out a unique career at the crossroads of STEM and law.

“I feel like I’ve always worked,” Jennifer says, laughing. She recalls starting a job just one day after graduating college. Before going to business school, she worked in consulting and thoroughly enjoyed communicating with and learning from professionals from different fields such as science, engineering, and business. Bogs went into law school with an unusual intent of not working at a law firm upon graduation. Her aim was to work at the intersection of business and public interest, which led her on her fascinating career path. 

As an environmental manager, Bogs spends her time on a wide variety of tasks such as designing policies and guidelines, conducting trainings, and communicating with environmental regulators.  The best part of her job, according to Bogs, is that she can take actions to prevent environmental damage before it has happened. When asked about the most frustrating part, she expresses disappointment about “green-washing” in corporate culture, where many companies only consider sustainability as a marketing tool. This is why she enjoys seeing her deep passion for impactful sustainability spread to others. “It makes me very happy when I’ve taught someone how to fish, and they fish for themselves,” Bogs says.

STEM and law are both fields known to not have a lot of women, Jennifer admits.  Though she recalls unfortunate gender bias during her student life, reminding herself of the bigger picture helped her stay focused on her goals. Bogs is grateful to have had great mentors who inspired her, and she stresses the importance of having had a network of like-minded peers she could rely on for support.

Jennifer enjoys spending her free time with her two kids. She also loves staying active and surrounded by nature. Going for a run or hiking in a forest preserve is her go-to way to unwind from a busy week. She recalls receiving the best piece of advice from her business school professor: “You only get one reputation in life.” According to Bogs, it is especially relevant for a career in environmental law. When asked what advice she would give her early-career self, she remarks, “Don’t discount the time that you have for yourself.” She adds that investing in a hobby or having a personal side project can help you persevere through the challenging phases of your career.