KITE Trainee Profile: https://kite-uhn.com/trainees/raheleh-saryazdi
Website: www.rsaryazdi.com
Research Specialty/Focus of Research: facilitating communication between persons with dementia and their family caregivers
through a multisensory virtual reality intervention
KITE Team: Home and Community
Academic Affiliations: Postdoctoral researcher, KITE-Toronto Rehab
What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
Growing up, science was one of my least favourite subjects and I never really pictured myself pursuing a career in science. I think this was mostly because I only had experience with basic sciences. I was a stay-at-home mom who decided to enroll in an undergraduate degree when my daughter started school. I chose a university that was close to home and tried a few different courses that fit my schedule, one of which was psychology. The more psychology courses I took, the more curious I became, and this curiosity has led me to a career in science.
How did you become interested in your specific area of research?
For one of my undergraduate courses, I had to write a research paper on depression and social isolation in older adults. I was deeply moved by the literature and hoped that one day I would be able to make a meaningful contribution to this field and help improve the quality of life for older adults.
What specific challenges do girls and women in science face?
Despite years of effort and advocacy, girls and women, especially women of colour, are still underrepresented in science. Those of us who decide to pursue a career in science must constantly prove that we have made it this far because of our accomplishments and not simply because we checked the boxes for female and ethnic diversity in the application. I hope that with greater representation, this continuous struggle to prove our worth will subside.
What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?
I have faced many challenges as a woman, a person of colour and a single mother. I have persevered through them because of my strong peer support network and amazing mentors. Finishing a dissertation and applying for post-doctoral fellowships during the pandemic as a single mother was particularly challenging. I met with my peers virtually almost every day. They have been my solid support system and have continued to help me reach my goals.
Why do you think it is important to have diverse voices in the lab?
Although it is important to have diverse voices in a lab, it is more important that we listen to these voices. I have been so fortunate that both my advisors Dr. Craig Chambers and Dr. Jennifer Campos always heard what I had to say and took actions to support me through any challenges that I faced.
Did you have any female mentors on your journey to KITE?
I have had many female mentors throughout my academic journey, and I am thankful to each one of them for their continuous mentorship and support. I cannot name them all, but I do want to mention Dr. Jennifer Campos who has been my mentor since the beginning of my PhD – first as my outside project supervisor and now, as my postdoctoral supervisor. She has not only inspired me to be a better scientist but also a great mentor to my peers and the younger generations through science outreach initiatives.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work?
Working so closely with older adults to learn first-hand about their experiences and having them involved in all stages of my research has been the most rewarding aspect of my academic journey. Since I started my postdoctoral fellowship at KITE, I have also learned so much from collaborating with other scientists, the industry and community partners, which has been an invaluable experience.
What advice would you give young girls who are interested in science?
Don't let stereotypes prevent you from pursuing what you love. It might not be an easy journey, but no matter how difficult it gets, there will always be people cheering you on to succeed. Seek mentorship opportunities and form relationships with peers early on and you'll never be alone on this journey.
Do you hope to be a role model for young girls?
I really hope that I am a role model for young girls. I hope they can learn from my journey that it is never too late to pursue their passion and make a difference.