Carolyn Damilola: an NFS Rising Scientist on a lifelong quest to learn more

In March, The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 brought together scientists from across the globe studying an array of disciplines in theoretical and applied genetics and genomics. The conference engaged a diverse group of participants, speakers, and organizers from different institutions, with varied research interests, spanning a range of career stages, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, and gender identities, with a focus on fostering inclusion and a sense of belonging of early career scientists from groups and identities that have been historically excluded or marginalized.

GSA, supported by the National Science Foundation, offered $97,500 in funding to help early career scientists attend the conference. The award covered travel, lodging, registration, and professional development costs for 50 early career researchers, as well as expenses to attend peer review training workshops, the Community, Connections, and Mentorship Lunch, and scientific writing workshops.  

We spoke to an NSF Rising Scientist about her experience at TAGC 2024 and how the scientific enterprise can be made more inclusive and equitable. Carolyn is a postdoctoral fellow at Indiana University Bloomington School of Public Health. She uses the Four-Core Genotype mouse model to investigate mediators of sex differences in allergic airway inflammation and elucidate mechanisms through which they carry out their effects.

Tell us a little about yourself. What made you choose science as a career path?  

Growing up in Nigeria, I observed many superstitions that sparked my curiosity about science and motivated me to seek scientific explanations. I remember the first time I learned about the autonomic nervous system in class—the lecturer explained why when someone yawns beside you, you immediately do the same. I was similarly fascinated to learn that rhesus incompatibility sometimes causes stillbirth. This was surprising because growing up, I had heard people attribute stillbirths to supernatural causes, and believed the same. These experiences propelled me to study human physiology. My interest in identifying problems and studying the mechanisms that help prevent or treat these problems led to my pursuit of a master’s degree in the same field. At the end of the program, I investigated the effect of staple food on human health. I was so excited about doing research that I obtained a PhD in human physiology. Being a Nigerian-trained scientist, my quest to know more and be able to impact my mentees made me start applying for postdoctoral training in the U.S. where I could access different resources to support my research.

How was your experience as an NSF Rising Scientist at #TAGC24? What did you enjoy most?

I am grateful to the Genetics Society of America for the opportunity to attend TAGC 2024. During one of my online searches for programs to help me achieve my goals, I came across the unique opportunities offered by GSA, a society I had never heard about. I sent in my application and to my greatest surprise, I was granted the award.  

Ever since I came to the U.S., I have always looked for opportunities to develop my career and to connect with experts in my field for mentoring (an aspect of my career that needs great attention). I often heard about the importance of networking, but as an introvert, it was something I struggled with. I could not just walk up to people and start a conversation even though I knew conferences were the best place to meet other great scientists. Thankfully, GSA made it so easy. The Society organized a networking program for all NSF Rising Scientists where I was able to easily network and discuss science with other researchers. Most importantly, I enjoyed the postdoc meetup session, where I met with other postdocs during this conference and learned about the amazing research they do. I also got in touch with potential collaborators and engaged with experts in the field for mentoring opportunities. Getting involved in GSA’s Professional Development Programs was an eye-opener to the different opportunities present within the Society that can help me in my career. I am thankful for the privilege GSA gave me to accomplish my dream at no cost by providing a scholarship that covered the conference expenses.

What has been your experience as a minoritized early career scientist in the field? How can the scientific enterprise be more welcoming of scientists from underrepresented or marginalized groups? 

My quest to know more and be able to impact my mentees made me start applying for postdoctoral training in the U.S. where I could access different technologies to support my research. I lost count of the rejection letters—I remember a professor asking me in one of the interviews, “Is there a stable electricity supply in Nigeria, how then do you do research?” Most people I contacted told me a Nigerian-trained scientist couldn’t get an appointment in the U.S. Others requested that I work pro-bono for one year to prove my worth because of my perceived background. I persevered for four years, developing and improving myself until I met my present mentor—it was the happiest day of my life! Eventually, I came to the U.S. in November 2021. In the laboratory, I was faced with imposter syndrome, which I quickly turned into my strength. I had to work hard to prove myself as a scientist, and this has helped me make huge progress in my career. As a result, today, I have won several awards, published six papers (four first-authored), won the postdoctoral challenge in grant writing in my school, and submitted my first NIH grant (K99/R00). Through diligence and perseverance, I was able to achieve these things which in turn helped improve my confidence as a minoritized early career scientist in the U.S.

I wish the scientific enterprise could be more welcoming for minoritized scientists by giving them the chance to express themselves without fear of being discriminated against. There is a need to believe in their abilities as a scientist, to help nurture them into being the best in what they do. I strongly believe that everyone has potential but opportunities differ. Another way to make the scientific enterprise more welcoming for scientists from underrepresented communities is to improve accessibility to resources that can aid their career development.

What are some key takeaways from your #TAGC24 experience that will both help your career trajectory and help you contribute to making the field more inclusive?

TAGC 2024 had a great, positive impact on my career trajectory, equipping me with confidence for the next step in my career. At the conference, I saw the importance of networking among scientists. I had the privilege of meeting experts in my field of respiratory system research, and got feedback that helped improve my research. Listening to all the presenters, especially those from IMGS, as well as the lecture on microbiome in health and diseases, helped me develop an excellent research idea for an NIH grant proposal.