Roopali Chaudhary, PhD
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A few years ago, I was having a hard time finding a balance between being a woman in STEM, my expectations of being a South Asian woman, AND my depression. I was looking for a community who understood the difficulties I was facing, a mentor from my community who had similar experiences. In all this, I realized that my need for a community could be shared by other South Asian women. So I started Lotus STEMM. In this journey, the most important lesson I’ve learnt is that representation matters. It is difficult to become something/someone if you can’t see someone like yourself in that role. Increasing visibility also encourages parents that their daughter(s) will (and can) succeed in any field. Parental influence is just as important as having mentors. Second most important lesson is to never shy away from a learning opportunity. If you are comfortable and know exactly what you have to do, then you’re stagnant. Let discomfort settle in: learn to embrace it. Discomfort helps you learn more about yourself, and forces you to learn a new skill.
All About Me
Dr. Roopali Chaudhary (she/her) is a cellular and molecular biologist, working in non-profit and industry sectors. Dr. Chaudhary has her Hons. BSc specializing in Molecular Biology and Molecular Genetics from University of Toronto, and an MSc in Genetics from University of Waterloo, focusing on Drosophila genetics and embryogenesis. She completed her PhD in Cellular Biology from McMaster University characterizing a transgenic mouse model for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and precursor for colon cancer.
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Dr.Chaudhary then joined the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the McMaster Immunology Research Center studying early immune memory development in food allergies, specifically peanut allergies.
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After teaching at McMaster as a sessional, Dr. Chaudhary was recruited by Allarta Life Science Inc, where she currently works as a Senior Director of Cells and Biomaterials Integration. At Allarta Life Science Inc, Dr. Chaudhary supports primary research on cell encapsulation technologies with the lead indication for long term therapeutics for Type I Diabetics. She works closely with chemists, chemical engineers, stem cell and islet biologists, and heads the preclinical team.
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In 2018, after personal experiences as a South Asian woman in STEMM, Dr. Chaudhary founded the not-for-profit organization, Lotus STEMM, a networking and leadership platform for South Asian women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM). Lotus STEMM is a platform where young South Asian girls and women would feel supported in pursuing their STEMM careers. She believes that STEMM is for everyone, and with Lotus STEMM, she wants to get more girls and youth excited about critical thinking, curiosity, and learning. At Lotus STEMM, her main focus is to provide equitable science communication bridging the gap between STEMM and culture, while advocating advancement of better diversity, inclusivity and equity in the STEMM fields. In 2024, she received the King Charles III Coronation Medal awarded by the Royal Canadian Institute of Science for her efforts to create inclusive communities in STEMM.
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Dr. Chaudhary has also been a Content Editor at Sci-Illustrate writing about various women in science throughout history, owns a small bakery specializing in science-themed cakes, and enjoys building furniture.