Women in Science Celebration: Interview with Dr Triparna Sen

Please tell us a little bit about yourself:

I am Dr. Triparna Sen, PhD, an Assistant Attending at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York. I am a translational cancer researcher and the ultimate goal of my research is to translate new mechanism-driven insights of cancer biology into bringing novel therapies to the clinic for cancer patients.  
I identified DNA damage response (DDR) proteins as therapeutic targets for small cell lung cancer (SCLC), the most aggressive form of lung cancer. I was the first to demonstrate that targeting DDR promotes antitumor immunity in SCLC. My work has supported multiple clinical trials and shaped novel therapeutic strategies for SCLC. 
My biggest personal goal, however, remains to inspire and help launch young scientists on independent careers. I continue to foster the next generation of scientific leaders. I have served as the two-time President of the Association for Women in Science-Gulf Coast Houston Chapter and currently serve on the leadership team of 500WomenScientist NYCPod.

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"My biggest personal goal remains to inspire and help launch young scientists on independent careers."

What do you think the roadblocks are to representation of women in science? How can we improve women’s visibility in science?

In my opinion the following are the roadblocks to representation of women in science:

1. Lack of sponsorship: I believe young women scientists/junior investigators would benefit immensely with the institutional and personal commitment of established scientists (men and women) towards promoting the next generation. This includes providing speaking opportunities, leadership/committee positions, collaborative grants and projects etc.
2. Building meaningful connections in our own field: I would recommend that women speak up at meetings and conferences, share ideas, data and collaborative thoughts on social media.
   
3. Lack of diversity in speaker panels in conferences: The conferences organizers need to (1) have equal representation of men and women speakers; (2) provide speaking opportunity to junior/early career investigators. 
   
4. Lack of grants and support system for women scientists with career gap: More institutional support and grant opportunities geared towards women who have a career gap for child birth and maternity leave.

"Seek mentors very early on in your career."

What are the things that keep you motivated in your everyday life? Do you have any daily ritual that helps you stay consistently motivated and balanced?

• The one thing that has motivated me in my daily life is my unwavering faith in my purpose. I aspire to be a leader in the field of cancer research and make meaningful contributions towards the treatment of patients suffering from this terrible disease. I seldom waver from my life’s purpose of serving humanity with the work that I do. 
• I have a daily ritual that I follow to keep myself balanced, grounded and focused. I practise concentration and mindfulness daily with yoga and meditation. I always make a to-do list and try to deliver/do more than what is on that list. I try to learn and grow everyday with reading something related to my work and something completely unrelated.
  
• Finally, I practise very intentional self love through being grateful for my journey, my family, my hardwork and my resilience.

"Resilience is the most valuable trait you can have."

What advice would you give yourself if you were starting your career today?

Seek mentors very early on in your career. I understood the value of mentorship later than I should have and then my fear of “asking for help” delayed the process of seeking mentors. Mentors are crucial for your career. The right mentor will guide you to seize opportunities, open doors for you, will be a sounding board as your make difficult career choices, will champion for you. So find a good mentor and really nurture the relationship.

"Do not let setbacks define you."

What would you say to encourage other women to persevere in their career path?

Everyone I know has encountered setbacks and I certainly have faced many in my career path. So I would say, resilience is the most valuable trait you can have. Expect setbacks and delays in your career, use these experiences as a chance to learn and grow. Please, do not let setbacks define you. Finally, never tie your sense of self-worth to your job or your professional rejections!