This month the Jadavji Laboratory will turn 6. I am a HAPPY and THRIVING Assistant Professor! My new institution challenges my research core to grow, develop, and become better. I feel much happier and more satisfied. 

As I age and become more wiser (lolz), I think it is important to consider speed versus the quality of life and long-term goals.  The birth of my son changed me a lot and really taught me about the importance of being mindful with decision making. I have read from multiple sources becoming a mother breaks you, then you rebuild and become a better version of yourself, I could not agree more!

I opened the doors of the Jadavji laboratory on July 1st, 2019, at a professional school in the US. I wrote a blog post about my time on the faculty job market prior. At my previous institution, my research program was not growing the way I wanted it to on many fronts, so I found a new home. 

Over the past 23 years I have developed a strong passion for research. I started young, only a few months into my undergraduate degree. I remember being afraid of rats, but I learned how to conquer that fear and developed my research brain. I completed a MSc and then a PhD. Each new degree led to a move. Then came my postdoc and two moves. I went to Europe and then came back to Canada. Finally, I landed a position in the US. I went on the faculty job market twice. The second time I was more prepared. I was looking for the right ‘fit’ and not just a job. Where you work matters SO MUCH! 

Recently, I have been thinking a lot about my time as a doctoral student at McGill University. During that time, I worked long days, and my supervisor grilled me weekly about my data and related interpretations. It was hard! Sometimes I did not like it, but I think my time there made me a better scientist. I was interviewed by TRaCE McGill in 2020, an initiative that tracks PhD alumni. The questions poised to me and my reflections on them, made me realize how lucky I was to be in such a rigorous environment. I think I am back in a place where I am expected to do high qualitative science and train students to be the best versions of themselves. The internal standards I have for myself and my students match that of my environment. It feels great!