Alumni Spotlight on Dr. Priyanka Saini

Dr. Priyanka Saini is a CRS alum. She was a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Debabrata Chakravarti's lab, researching uterine leiomyomas. Dr. Saini is currently an active member of several professional societies.

What is your connection to the CRS community and what is your current position?

Could you describe your current work?

I am currently exploring opportunities as I transition my career. To build connections and expand my network, I have joined communities like Women In Bio (WIB) - Chicago chapter and the Association of Women in Science (AWIS). As an active volunteer with WIB-Chicago, I serve on the Communications Committee as a committee associate, managing social media accounts and promoting WIB-Chicago events. Additionally, I contribute to Young Women In Bio (YWIB) initiatives, engaging with students and families through interactive science experiments and inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in STEM. 

What aspect(s) of CRS did you find most valuable?

I found the CRS community to be open, collaborative, and resourceful. The regular monthly seminars provided an excellent platform to present my work, learn about the research of colleagues and engage in thought-provoking discussions. As a postdoc, I had the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from different labs and connect with fellow scientists for insightful discussions and valuable resources. The CRS newsletters kept me informed about community updates, while guest speakers from non-academic fields offered valuable insights into career options beyond academia. 

What has been the most valuable aspect to your training as a scientist?

Throughout my journey as a scientist, I have gained invaluable skills and insights. The most valuable aspect of my training has been building a foundation in critical thinking and problem-solving. My research career has taught me how to approach complex questions, design and conduct experiments, analyze data, interpret findings within a broader scientific context, and effectively communicate scientific concepts. 

What would you recommend to junior scientists in order for them succeed in their careers?​

I believe resilience and perseverance are essential for both personal and professional growth. There will be moments when your efforts may go unnoticed or unappreciated, but it's important not to let these setbacks define you. Stay focused on your larger goals and keep pushing forward. And most importantly — network! Building meaningful connections with people can open doors and provide valuable support along the way. 

What do you think will be the next big contribution in your field?

During my postdoc at Northwestern University, I focused on uterine leiomyomas, benign tumors of the uterus that significantly impact patients' health and often require surgical intervention. Advancing our understanding of this disease and identifying druggable targets with minimal side effects could make a meaningful contribution to the field. Researchers are actively investigating epigenomic alterations as potential therapeutic targets and working to develop more effective disease models to improve treatment options. 

Do you have any notable stories from your time in CRS?

At one of the CRS summits, I had the valuable opportunity to judge poster presentations, which was a great experience given the high quality of the research on display. A particularly memorable moment was witnessing a creative performance by scientists who used a song to promote reproductive health which I found a unique and impactful way to raise awareness.