Motherhood and science
International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an annual observance that celebrates the achievements and promotes the full and equal access and participation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
The day recognises the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in the scientific community. This year, we speak to two of our colleagues who have recently returned from maternity leave, Dr Anushuya Tamang and Mrs Stephanie Holliday, as they give us insight into their experience of motherhood and science.
A passion for science
Both Anushuya and Stephanie have always been interested in science and taken great pride in working within this industry.
Stephanie joined Cellomatics in 2021 as a Bioassay Scientist and was promoted to Senior Bioassay Scientist in 2022. Of working in the life sciences sector, she says:
“I have worked in the life sciences industry for over 12 years now and still love it as much as when I started. The pace of development within the industry means that there is always something new to learn which ensures things are never boring! One of my favourite things about working in life sciences is the number of women present within the sector. This means I have had plenty of strong role models throughout my career, and the collaborative and supportive atmosphere of working with women is one of the reasons I continue to enjoy working in this industry.”
Anushuya has been with Cellomatics since its early startup days in 2016 and is proud to have been there every step of the way as it became the established award-winning CRO it is today. She discusses her initial journey into science, explaining:
“Science has always been a big part of my life. With a massive support from my family, especially my mum who constantly believed in me, I followed this passion all the way to achieving my PhD.”
“A challenge for me was coming from a region (Darjeeling) where scientific research was limited and there was a lack of representation of female scientists within the community. However, with my passion and determination I was able to break down barriers and land myself with a graduate and post-graduate degree in Biotechnology from Bengaluru (Bangalore) University, India.”
“My yearning for more laboratory-based research drove me out of my comfort zone and I moved to the UK to pursue my MRes and continued to PhD. All throughout this journey I never once thought of starting a family as I felt that there has always been a stigma attached to women, maternity, and career progression within this industry.”
Overcoming challenges
Returning to work as a new parent can be a daunting and challenging experience. Stephanie explains how she has had to adapt to these changes, saying:
“One of the biggest challenges of becoming a parent as a scientist has been adapting my role in unexpected ways. During my pregnancy, I had to be constantly vigilant that I put my health and safety first, from ensuring that I ate enough throughout the day, to reassessing the safety of all the reagents I work with on a daily basis.”
“Another huge hurdle for me to overcome as a working parent has been self-doubt. Worrying that I have forgotten how to perform in my role has been one of the hardest parts of returning to work, but each time I perform an experiment or write an email I am reminded that I am more than capable. Every day that I am back in the office I gain confidence in my work.”
Anushuya had an incredible time being able to bond and connect with her daughter while on maternity leave and, despite being excited to get back into the work environment, was apprehensive about returning to the office after a year off. She states:
“Returning to work after maternity leave was daunting. I had several questions: Will I know how to do my job again? Will I feel included? Will my suggestions be taken into consideration? Will I be valued as a member anymore?
“It has been over a month now since I have returned to the office. There have been times when I have felt lost (mostly due to my mom brain!), but someone was always there to get me back on track with the current developments in the organisation. Returning to work I have realised that although I have enjoyed my maternity, at the same time, I have also missed all the scientific conversations and work environment. Everyone has been welcoming and accommodating, while I am still trying to be more organised and juggling my work life balance.”
Support from Cellomatics
Stephanie is enjoying being able to return to the office on a part-time basis to ensure she can focus both on her son and her work, she states:
“Since my maternity leave ended, I have been able to reduce my hours to allow for more time spent at home with my son. This means that I am able to concentrate fully on work on the days I am in the office and focus completely on my son when I am at home.”
“Now that I am a mother, I find that I am much more organised and efficient than ever before. I am having to plan more carefully to ensure that I can do my lab work within the time I am here or ask colleagues for help when it is not possible.”
Anushuya has felt hugely supported by Cellomatics and she hopes that her experience will show other female scientists that they do not have to sacrifice their careers in order to become mothers. She says:
“Shailendra, our CEO, was very understanding when I announced my pregnancy. We discussed how the company could accommodate my needs during and after pregnancy. Also having a fellow colleague, Stephanie Holliday, share the same life journey at the same time was enjoyable. Our colleagues have been equally supportive and excited for our new journey.”
“I hope my journey here sets an example for all our female scientists who make up 60% of the workforce at our organisation. I would happily speak to anyone who would like to embark in this journey called Motherhood. I would encourage them not to wait to begin their journey as a mother due to the fear of losing their career or progression.”
“There is never a correct time to go on maternity when you are a scientist. Your job and your career will still be there, waiting for you to return. Having a supportive employer helps but the choice is entirely yours. Women can and should have it all!”
The entire Cellomatics team is delighted to have both Stephanie and Anushuya back after their maternity leave and we are proud of how well they are adapting to their new role as both scientists and mothers.
Visit our blogs page here to see more updates from the Cellomatics team.
