Q&A With Harindi Jayakody

By Nandini Mathur

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in STEM? And Why specifically Chemical Engineering and Molecular Biology?

It all started with my dream to get into medicine ever since I was 5. At this point, I probably only knew medicine as a possible career choice. But then this choice grew on me. I kept studying the signs - firstly it was my love for biology, I would read every chapter even before the teacher at school would start teaching us about it. I was obsessed!

But my initial career choice changed after an internship at a local GP clinic. After two days there, I knew although I loved biology, medicine was not for me mainly because I couldn’t bear the sight of people in pain! I was stuck at this point, as it was the summer before university applications went out!

After conducting some research into biology-related degrees, I decided to choose molecular biology. My decisions were based on my love for biology - in particular human biology. I also knew I eventually wanted a career in an industry that would create a positive difference in people’s lives.

I was also an immigrant and with that comes the challenges with getting a sponsored job. I started working full time as a scientist whilst working on my master’s. My Ph.D. in chemical engineering was sparked by my passion to work in industry whilst researching for my Ph.D.

I wanted my research to be performed on products that would eventually be out for commercial use. I was fortunate to find a company and a supervisor at my university who agreed for me to be working in industry full time whilst working on my Ph.D.

What is one piece of advice you would give to girls around the world, especially from marginalized communities, regarding STEM and their careers?

A lot of us think STEM is limited to a few careers, be it in medicine, engineering, or IT. I want everyone to know that there is so much out there and it is always possible to find a career that suits you. Just be sure to do your research, seek out your mentors, speak to individuals in the industry and take part in internships to understand if a job in a particular industry suits you!

If you had to study a different field in STEM, what would it be and why?

I don’t think I would choose another field in STEM. I love what I do. If I have a choice I would evolve my role away from research into something like project management- but definitely within healthcare.

You have interacted with a lot of your fellow STEM individuals and have had fascinating conversations. What drove you to create “brownstemgirl?”.

I have always wanted to inspire more women. And while I was sitting around at home during COVID, I realized that this was the best time to put my ideas into practice. After quite a long time of brainstorming, I took the challenge and started my series.

The purpose of the series is to interview diverse women in stem and provide visible role models to other women within STEM or those aspiring to get into STEM, thereby giving them the confidence to fulfill their goals in STEM.