Shalini moved to the United Kingdom from India as a child with her parents. After completing her schooling, she studied Biotechnology at university, where she developed a fascination with cancer biology and a strong sense that better treatments were urgently needed for patients.
This passion led Shalini to a research Master’s at Newcastle University, focused on a type of childhood blood cancer. The project went so well that it became the foundation for her PhD, which she completed over four years, even presenting her research at an international conference. She then moved to the University of Manchester for further research, where she worked on a gene-editing technique to explore new treatments for another type of blood cancer.
“With curiosity, resilience and the right support, anyone can make a meaningful contribution to science.”
After this period in academia, Shalini was offered a role in industry, working for a company that helps develop new medicines. There, she expanded into new areas including imaging and laboratory automation, eventually becoming a senior scientist.
Moving to a new country as a child brought its own challenges, including struggles with communication and confidence at school. Shalini worked hard over many years - presenting at conferences, leading meetings, and hosting workshops - to become the confident communicator she is today.