Molding Modern Scientists: A Day of Mentorship and Momentum for Women in Science
Albert Einstein College of Medicine marked its 7th Annual Women in Science Day by celebrating the vital role of women in biomedical research and the power of mentorship, collaboration, and adaptability in shaping scientific careers. Organized by the Women’s Networking Group under the theme “Molding Modern Scientists,” the event drew more than 170 members of the Einstein community for a day of dialogue, learning, and connection in a rapidly evolving scientific landscape.
Organizers and volunteers of Women in Science Day from the Einstein Women’s Networking Group
Celebrating Excellence, Cultivating Future Leaders
The gathering honored women’s scientific achievements while reaffirming a shared commitment to a more equitable and supportive environment for women pursuing research careers. Yaron Tomer, M.D., the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean and chief academic officer at Montefiore Einstein, opened the event, reflecting on the enduring legacy of Nobel laureates who paved the way for today’s researchers and underscored how mentorship today shapes tomorrow’s leadership.
“You are poised to become the future leaders in science, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and making your mark on the world through innovation and discovery,” Dr. Tomer said. “You will be the ones to challenge the status quo, break barriers, and drive change.”
Embracing Flexibility in Scientific Careers
The keynote address by Gwen Nichols, M.D., chief medical officer of Blood Cancer United, highlighted the joy of scientific inquiry and the value of remaining open to unexpected career paths. Tracing her journey from high school biology through medical school, Dr. Nichols described how feminist movements and supportive mentors influenced her trajectory toward a multifaceted career spanning academia, industry, and nonprofit leadership in blood cancer advocacy.
She urged attendees to build alliances with their colleagues, underscored that science is an iterative enterprise capable of paradigm-shifting discoveries, and encouraged flexibility in exploring diverse professional roles.
“It was empowering to see a woman in a leadership position, advocating not just for herself, but for other women in science throughout the years,” said Israt Uddin, a second-year Ph.D. student. “We have won a ton of battles, and we need to continue to advocate for women and anyone who wants to pursue STEM,” she said.
Turning Insight into Impact Together
Following the keynote, attendees participated in a workshop on scientific communication titled “Posting with Purpose: The Modern Scientist Guidebook,” led by Christina D’Arco, Ph.D., who completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Einstein and is director of vaccine preclinical content and communication at Pfizer. Using a real-world scenario, Dr. D’Arco introduced storytelling frameworks, discussed the challenges of misinformation, and offered guidance on communicating more effectively. “Scientists are communicators as much as they are researchers; scientists educate when they communicate,” said Dr. D’Arco.
Left to right: Amira Mahoney, M.D.-Ph.D. student; Nivedita Pujari, Ph.D.; Alyson Moadel, Ph.D.; keynote speaker Gwen Nichols, M.D.; Yaron Tomer, M.D., Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean at Einstein and chief academic officer at Montefiore Einstein; Beata Malachowska, M.D., Ph.D., and Alexis Corrado, Ph.D. student.
The second workshop, led by Einstein faculty members Matthew Gamble, Ph.D., and Libusha Kelly, Ph.D. explored generative AI (GenAI) as an emerging force in research and society. Using an Oxford-style debate format, WISD co-chair, Beata Malachowska, M.D., Ph.D., moderated the session as students and faculty considered the proposition “will GenAI do more harm than good in the next 20 years?”
Following the workshops, attendees reconvened for a panel discussion led by Amira Mahoney, a student in Einstein’s Medical Scientist Training Program, that featured five accomplished women scientists: Rachel Ross, M.D., Ph.D. ‘10; Karin Skalina, M.D. ‘20; and Ana Maria Cuervo, M.D., Ph.D., all faculty at Einstein; as well as Elise Ishida, Ph.D. ‘22, of Boehringer Ingelheim; and Sumaira Zamurrad, Ph.D. ‘18, who works in biotech research.
The conversation focused on multidisciplinary science and what it means for trainees navigating today’s research landscape. Panelists shared perspectives on collaboration, establishing credibility across fields, and the opportunities—and challenges—of developing careers that bridge disciplines.
Building Community Through Connection
The day concluded with a vibrant networking session. “The event made me feel inspired by the strong network of women in science and reminded me that we’re all working toward the same goals,” said Emily Schoenblum, a third-year Ph.D. student.
Event partners and sponsors included Blood Cancer United, the office of career and professional development program for graduate students and postdocs, the office of development and alumni relations, graduate programs in the biomedical sciences, The Belfer Institute for Advanced Biomedical Studies, and the office of community engagement and outreach. A special thank you to this year’s co-chairs: Alexis Corrado, Ph.D. candidate, Amira Mahoney, MSTP student, Nivedita Pujari, postdoc in the department of developmental and molecular biology, and Beata Malachowska, M.D., Ph.D., in the department of radiation oncology.
Posted on: Thursday, May 07, 2026