Our Leading Women in Science campaign acknowledges the women sharing their incredible work, with thanks to our previous interviewees Dr Chinedu Agwu, Dr Georgia Atkin-Smith, and Professor Sheila Graham.

This month, we’re celebrating Dr Vanessa Woods who is a Key Account Manager in the Biopharma division of Bio-Rad. Powered by curiosity, Vanessa spent her childhood afternoons observing the metamorphosis of caterpillars to butterflies in her hometown of Montego Bay, Jamaica, and went on to complete her bachelors, masters and PhD before beginning her career in bioscience.

One of the challenges Vanessa has faced throughout her career so far is confronting imposter syndrome, gendered challenges and assumptions that her success was due to a good run of luck. Thankfully she found strength from her family, friends, mentors, and most importantly in herself.

We asked Vanessa some questions about her journey. 

What has been the greatest challenge in your career so far?

“It’s taken time, mentorship, and support to understand that my insights are not only valid but needed. I’ve had to confront assumptions that my success is due to luck. It’s not luck, it’s the result of hard work, sleepless nights, resilience, and being strategic.”

Looking back, what support systems made the biggest difference in your professional development?

“My family, close friends and mentors have been truly invaluable to my professional development. Memberships in professional organisations like ESGCT and ACCSN have also been instrumental in my career journey, offering enriching educational resources, meaningful networking opportunities and a strong sense of professional community.”

How did you overcome challenges faced as a woman in STEM, and what do you see as the future of women in science?

“I had to learn to speak up in professional spaces and be unapologetic about it. It's also crucial to uplift other women in the room.

The future is bright. More women are entering STEM and leading innovation. Albert Einstein is no longer the sole image of a scientist – incredible women are challenging that stereotype and positively redefining science."

Vanessa aspires for inclusive academic environments where diversity is truly embraced, and students are supported equitably, empowered to express themselves and take intellectual risks.