The world is your oyster when you are a synthetic biology student”
Ever wondered how a high school fascination can ignite a lifelong passion for science and medicine?
Zeeshan’s conversation with Susana Donkor explores her early days, marked by influential encounters and pivotal experiences, to her current cutting-edge work at Aurion Biotech. Susana shares her journey with heartfelt candor, reflecting on the profound early influence of educational shows and the empowering story of Ben Carson’s “Gifted Hands,” which sowed the seeds for her aspirations in neuroscience. The dialogue uncovers the power of mentorship and educational programs like BioBuilder and H-Prep, illustrating how they shape the futures of students from diverse backgrounds, and highlighting Susana’s transformative experience with BioBuilder that helped chart her course into the world of science.
As we celebrate the season finale, we unveil the layers of Susana’s academic and professional evolution, from the BioBuilder apprenticeship’s impact on her educational trajectory to her ‘big girl’ science job and her impressive ascent to an associate scientist role at Aurion Biotech. Susana’s narrative is one of dedication and curiosity, as she discusses the transition from academia to industry and the invaluable lessons of accountability and learning from mistakes. Her current adventures include pioneering work on cell line production and clinical trials for corneal endothelial diseases, showcasing not only her remarkable achievements but also serving as an inspiration for the scientists of tomorrow.
Join us for an episode that not only celebrates past accomplishments but also shines a light on the boundless opportunities awaiting those with a passion for science.