Journeying into the Mysterious Realm: An Expedition Awaits
In the world of research, feelings of self-doubt and impostor syndrome can often loom large. However, a recent intern at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Yubi Mamiya, has demonstrated that these feelings can be effectively managed and transformed into constructive learning.
Mamiya, an Engineering Correspondent, embarked on a research project that aimed to explore the dose-response of the oral antiviral ensitrelvir for treating mild to moderate symptoms of SARS-CoV-2. The project was part of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Infectious Disease Sciences Internship Program and saw Mamiya working closely with colleagues to build pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models for ensitrelvir.
Mamiya's journey was not without its challenges. At the beginning of the project, she grappled with imposter syndrome, a common experience among students embarking on novel research projects. However, she was able to overcome this by adopting a series of strategies that helped her build resilient professional identity, normalise the challenges of research, and create a supportive environment that validated her contributions.
One of the key strategies Mamiya employed was identifying her personal 'why'. Understanding the core reason for her interest in research, in this case, accelerating the timeline of getting effective medicine into the hands of patients, especially those in underserved communities, was a major motivator. This gave her a clear sense of purpose and motivation, helping reduce self-doubt and anchoring her identity to meaningful goals.
Another strategy Mamiya used was sharing her research strengths. By recognising and articulating her own skills and expertise, she was able to foster confidence and reframe negative self-perceptions. This helped her appreciate her value to the research project and contributed to her transformation of self-doubt into constructive learning and authentic confidence.
Mamiya also encouraged an open-ended approach, accepting uncertainty and iterative learning without pressure to have all the answers immediately. This promoted resilience and curiosity, which are antidotes to self-doubt and feelings of being an impostor.
In addition, Mamiya found that asking questions reflected a growth mindset and helped normalise the learning process. It signalled that not knowing everything upfront is expected, especially in novel research areas. This openness reduced the fear of failure and feelings of inadequacy common in imposter syndrome.
The intern also found that research mentors are usually eager to help and discuss questions about their work. Mamiya worked closely with colleagues in the Schiffer Lab, who were instrumental in her growth and success during the project.
Mamiya's experience in Python programming was a valuable asset for writing efficient scripts to fit the best parameters for the mathematical models in the research project. This skill, coupled with her strategic approach to managing imposter syndrome, made her an invaluable asset to the team.
Mamiya's experience serves as a testament to the power of adopting the right strategies to overcome imposter syndrome. She encourages other students to be unafraid to undertake novel endeavours in research, to overcome perceived limits in their work, and not to be deterred by the open-ended nature of research. With the right mindset and support, students can thrive in the world of research, contributing meaningfully to the advancement of science and medicine.
References: [1] Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). The impostor phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, and Practice, 15(3), 241-247. [2] Aronson, E., Fried, C. B., & Good, C. (1999). Collective efficacy and stereotype threat: A test of the self-fulfilling prophecy for the gender gap in mathematics. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 35(4), 399-412. [3] Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
- Yubi Mamiya, during her research project at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, effectively managed self-doubt by adopting strategies for advancing her knowledge in science, particularly in health-and-wellness, education-and-self-development, and technology.
- With her proficiency in Python programming and her ability to build pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic models, Mamiya demonstrated the importance of fitness-and-exercise in academic pursuits, showcasing the value of staying physically and mentally fit in the world of research.
