This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women shaping the future of science—those who lead, innovate, and uplift others along the way. In the Parker Lab, mentorship and research go hand in hand, fostering an environment where aspiring scientists can thrive. Wambui Gachunga, a Ph.D. student in the lab, shares how mentorship has transformed her journey in STEM and how working with Dr. Ivana Parker has shaped her path as a researcher and future mentor.
Here’s Wambui’s story in her own words:
“Growing up, I never had a mentor or role model in science. It was a lot of solo learning—figuring things out on my own, with no real guidance on how to navigate a path in STEM. When I started grad school, I knew mentorship was something I wanted to prioritize, along with finding research that truly resonated with me. That’s why working with Dr. Ivana Parker was a clear choice.
As a first-generation college student and the first in my family to pursue a PhD, I often felt like I was navigating uncharted territory. Having Dr. Parker as a mentor has been invaluable. Her lab is dedicated to women’s health, and her passion for this work is undeniable. She is deeply committed to using her research not just to advance science, but to empower and educate communities. Seeing how she bridges the gap between the lab and real-world impact has transformed my own perspective. It has helped me find my passion for community-driven work and understand how research can move beyond academia to create tangible change.
Dr. Parker has given me the space to grow into an independent scientist, trusting me to take initiative while providing the support I need to thrive. She has encouraged and facilitated countless opportunities for my growth—from presenting my research at national and international conferences to engaging in community work on a global context. Through these experiences, she has also connected me with global partners in South Africa and Kenya, enabling me to develop my research, refine my questions, and expand my work in a broader context.
Dr. Parker’s ambition and confidence have inspired me to show up authentically, affirming my place in STEM and giving me the space to exist, grow, and thrive in science. Her mentorship has challenged me to think independently, embrace creativity in research, and recognize the real-world impact of science beyond the lab. Because of her, I’ve expanded my network, strengthened my research, and shaped the scientist I aspire to be. I’m excited to see what the next few years will bring and to step into the role of a mentor myself—supporting and uplifting more women in STEM, just as she has done for me. “