Dr Kalpana Surendranath, Senior Lecturer and Leader of the Genome Engineering Lab at the University of Westminster, has been admitted as the Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB), for achieving distinction in the fields of biological research, teaching and application of biology.
Dr Surendranath created the Genome Engineering Laboratory in 2017 and focuses on innovative, high-quality research. As a Senior Lecturer, she applies research-informed approaches to engage students as co-creators in multiple workflows of knowledge construction. Supported by the Quintin Hogg Trust, she co-launched a student innovation community called ‘Gene Editors of the Future’, which contributed to the University’s efforts to reach the United Nations’ Sustainability Development Goals, as evidenced in the associated report of the University.
She was born in a remote village in India to well-educated historian parents. Her steps toward a career in science sparked from the early morning study time conversations with her Dad about the science behind practices and traditions. She earned a BSc in Biotechnology and MSc in Microbial Gene Technology and through a national-level competitive process, where she was chosen to pursue doctoral studies at the premier research institute, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. Today, Surendranath is a senior lecturer and creator and leader of the Genome Engineering Laboratory www.westmingenlab.uk of the University of Westminster, London.
In a special interview with Asian Voice, she shared her success story:
As a woman in science, what amount of perseverance and challenges did it take for you to be awarded this prestigious fellowship?
My career in the past decade was scattered with challenges including maternity, the demise of parents and the covid pandemic among many. However, it is during this time, I adapted the Nobel prize-winning CRSIPR tool for teaching and research and created the first-ever Genome Engineering Laboratory in a post-92 university in UK. My career in science involves genuine excitement and radical efforts to serve science, students, and society.
What does this mean to you and your family?
Being elected as the fellow of Royal Society of Biology for achieving distinction in biology is inspiring and energising. I am grateful to the University of Westminster for encouraging scientific innovations and supporting my initiatives in disease research and research-informed teaching. My 12-year-old son said, “I am proud seeing my mother excel in her career, she is destined to achieve furthermore in science.”
Do you think more women of colour have an equal chance to reach where you are today?
Harnessing a growth mindset and seeking room to grow early in the workplace is crucial for the success of every woman. We cannot deny the struggles, glass ceiling discrimination is still preventing women and racial minorities from reaching the most powerful positions. Thanks to EDI initiatives across the world pushing towards achieving equity, diversity, and inclusion in organizations at multiple levels. Let us hope for a better tomorrow!
What would your advice be to our women readers who would like to pursue science and choose a path like you?
Getting more girls in STEM is the need of the hour, as a diverse think tank and workforce are required to find better solutions to major challenges facing today’s global population. Follow the cycle: think, question, collaborate, struggle, try, create, reflect, share knowledge, and help each other in sustainable ways to make a difference in an ever-changing world.
What do you look forward to under this fellowship? Please explain your project/work in layman's language for our readers.
Creating opportunities for students to collaborate and innovate is the most wonderful part of my profession. DNA dictates the activities of our body every millisecond. My laboratory uses the CRISPR molecular scissors to edit the content of human DNA to dissect the root cause of diseases. We are excited about our recent discovery of a potential drug target for bowel cancers.
