50 Grants, 50 Careers: A Proud Milestone for our Early Career Scientist Grant
We’re proud to have reached a significant milestone in our support for life scientists! Last month, we selected the 50th winner of our Early Career Scientist Grant - a monthly $500 draw designed to support the career development of life science researchers around the world.
Just over four years ago (50 months to be precise!), we launched an exciting initiative that has helped shape the careers of numerous life science PhD students and postdocs in quite significant ways. Through the scheme we’ve awarded more than $25,000 in grants to some extraordinary young researchers who have gone on to do great things in labs worldwide.
Previous winners have used the money to help fund conference trips, pay for publishing fees, cover the cost of career support sessions, or buy essential lab supplies for their experiments. Many have told us how the money has made a significant impact in opening up opportunities for networking, presenting posters, getting papers published, and developing exciting research projects.
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Teresa Sierra-Arregui was a PhD student at the University of the Basque Country in Spain, and is now a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Bordeaux, France. She said:
The Hello Bio grant is a beacon of positivity, fostering the growth of budding researchers like myself.
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Akino Mercy Charles Solomon was a postdoctoral researcher at Temple University, USA, and now has a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, USA. She said:
Thanks to Hello Bio’s generous support, I feel that I am one step closer to achieving my goals.
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Bryony Kennedy was a PhD student at Queen’s University Belfast, and is now a postdoctoral research fellow at The Institute of Cancer Research. She said:
The award from Hello Bio allowed me to make connections both in academia and industry, many of which I am still in contact with today. It's great to see what an amazing impact the award is having on our young researchers, and I'm grateful to be one!
Funding the future of life science
Many of the 50 winners have made great progress in their careers since scooping the award. We caught up with five of our previous winners - Abinaya Chandrasekaran, Prashanth Thevkar, Caroline S. Taylor, Gayan Abeysinghe, and Malaika Mahmood - to find out how they used their grant money, and how the experience helped to shape the next stages of their career development…
Pictured: (l-r) Abinaya Chandrasekaran, Prashanth Thevkar, Caroline S. Taylor, Gayan Abeysinghe & Malaika Mahmood.
How has your career progressed since winning the ECSG?
Abinaya: When I was awarded the Early Career Scientist Grant by Hello Bio in July 2022, I was working as a postdoc at the University of Copenhagen. Over the years, my science career has taken on many shapes and forms, with each experience deepening my understanding and compassion for those I work with. I’ve had the privilege of teaching and managing teams in the Epilepsy section and overseeing operations at the Kristine Freude lab. Today, as an Assistant Professor at the University of Copenhagen, I focus on creating model systems for Alzheimer’s disease using iPSC derived organoids. Each step in this journey has reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by these challenges.
Prashanth: My career has seen tremendous growth, success, and a significant learning curve. At the time I received the award, I was a postdoc and was also funded by the prestigious AASLD LIFER Award. In 2022, I was promoted to Staff Scientist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and received a faculty appointment at Harvard Medical School. I have recently received a competitive score for an NIH grant and am currently waiting for funding, which will help me kick-start my path toward independence and set up my own lab in the near future.
Caroline: I was working as a postdoc at the University of Sheffield when I was awarded the grant from Hello Bio in September 2023. Since then I have changed jobs, and am now working as a teaching fellow in Tissue engineering at The University of Leeds. I am wanting to pursue an academic career, and this position has given me lots of experience in teaching, and continuing some research at Leeds. I have also taken some maternity leave to have my second child and am looking forward to my return to work and getting the momentum in my career going again!
Gayan: Since winning the Hello Bio grant in December 2022, I completed my PhD in Life and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Tsukuba in 2023. My doctoral research focused on exploring the divergence of functional and evolutionary interactions between fungi and bacteria. Later in 2023, I transitioned to my current role as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology at Texas A&M University, USA. Here, I am working with Dr. Sanjay Antony-Babu’s group, investigating inter-kingdom interactions in plant pathobiomes (more details, visit: plantmicrobes.com). This research aims to deepen our understanding of microbial communities and their roles in plant health and disease and look forward to further exploring the intricate relationships between microbes and their environments.
Malaika: It’s incredible to reflect on how much time has passed by since I won the Hello Bio grant in May 2023! At that time, I was working as a research technician and lab manager at the University of Pennsylvania, where my primary focus was building the experience and skills necessary to pursue a PhD. Thanks to the incredible mentorship I received and the opportunities I had to grow as a scientist, I successfully matriculated into the Neuroscience PhD program at the University of Pittsburgh, where I am now in my first year.
Currently, I am immersed in the program’s rotation phase, which requires students to work in at least two different labs to explore diverse research areas and techniques before selecting a thesis lab. My first rotation focused on investigating the underpinnings of chronic alcohol withdrawal-induced hypersensitivity in a mouse model. Research has shown that chronic alcohol use can lead to neuropathy, and I was particularly interested in uncovering the cellular-level changes that drive these neural plasticity shifts. This experience allowed me to delve into the mechanisms behind how chronic alcohol exposure alters the nervous system, providing a foundation for understanding the broader implications of substance-induced pain.
Now, I am completing my second rotation, where I’ve had the opportunity to dive deeply into the gaps in our understanding of pain models in rodents. My focus has been on exploring how to better evaluate pain using a combination of behavioral assays and advanced technical approaches. This hands-on experience has enabled me to critically evaluate existing models, identify key unanswered questions, and develop innovative strategies to address these challenges. My ultimate goal is to decode how the brain processes sensation and perception. By integrating the skills and knowledge I’ve gained during my rotations, I hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of these complex neural mechanisms and, ultimately, uncover insights that could improve lives and pave the way for more effective treatments.
Looking back, I am deeply grateful for the support and opportunities that have brought me to this point. I am thrilled to be on this path, driven by the potential to make meaningful contributions to neuroscience and to advance our understanding of the brain in ways that can positively impact society.
What have been your proudest career achievements since winning the ECSG?
Abinaya: I was deeply grateful to receive the Hørslev funds to study RhoA kinase activity in Alzheimer’s disease cell lines, which amounted to 200,000 DKK. This experience truly marked one of the most meaningful moments of my life, and it filled me with hope and purpose.
Prashanth: One of the biggest milestones was when my first major paper was accepted by the renowned journal Science Translational Medicine — this was a significant landmark in my career. Additionally, I was invited to deliver the plenary talk at the Liver Meeting 2024, organized by the AASLD, a leading organization for physicians and scientists working on liver diseases. It was an honor and humbling experience to present at such a prestigious platform. Another exciting milestone came in 2025 when I received the news that my first NIH application was considered for funding. This was a major step toward setting up my own independent research group in the future.
Caroline: Professionally, it has been winning the Robert Brown Early-Stage Investigator award from the Tissue Cell Engineering Society, an award which identifies the true future highflyers of the tissue engineering and regenerative medicine field whilst they are still fledglings. I had been a finalist the previous year, but didn't win the award. Outside of work, it has been having my daughter Lyla-Rose.
Gayan: Over the past two years, I’ve reached several milestones. Among them, completing my PhD in 2023 and receiving the Award of Degree Programs in Life and Earth Sciences from the University of Tsukuba was a major achievement. During my PhD, I have also been fortunate to receive awards for my research communications, best presentation awards at JSME35, Japan and ASME, Korea in 2022, recognizing work on microbial interactions. More recently, in 2024, I presented my research on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (FOV4) pathobiome in Pima cotton wilt disease at Plant Health 2024 hosted by the American Phytopathological Society (APS) in Memphis, USA. Sharing my postdoctoral research at such a prestigious platform was a rewarding experience, furthering my passion for understanding plant-microbe interactions. These experiences have strengthened my passion for plant-microbe interactions and microbial ecology.
Malaika: Two achievements, in particular, that stand out as my proudest moments during this time, each marking a significant milestone in my academic journey. The first is receiving interview invitations and acceptances to numerous PhD programs—a dream I had worked tirelessly toward. Securing these opportunities, especially from top-tier institutions, was a dream come true. It was a moment of immense pride and fulfillment, knowing that my hard work had opened doors to the next chapter of my academic journey. The second was earning an Honorable Mention for the NSF-GRFP, one of the most prestigious awards for graduate students pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in the United States. While I did not receive the award itself, being recognized with an Honorable Mention was a monumental milestone. It signified that my grant proposal and application were among the strongest, placing me in the company of some of the most brilliant minds in science. Many NSF-GRFP fellows go on to become leaders in their fields, earning accolades such as the Nobel Prize, so to have received recognition was both thrilling and deeply humbling. These milestones have fueled my determination to continue pushing boundaries, pursuing excellence, and making meaningful contributions to the scientific community and beyond.
How did the ECSG money support your career development?
Abinaya: I truly appreciated the support from Hello Bio, as it allowed me to acquire essential plasticware consumables for my research group. It means a lot to have resources that help us continue our work and make a difference together.
Prashanth: The Hello Bio grant boosted my confidence, as it was an internationally recognized platform. Following this success, I applied for and received several smaller grants, which enabled me to attend conferences, present my work, connect with experts, and build my professional network. For example, I used the Hello Bio funding to present my research (both poster and talk) at the AASLD Liver Meeting in 2021. There, I had the opportunity to connect with prominent scientists who became familiar with my work and, importantly, wrote strong letters of support for my funding applications. These letters were instrumental in making my future funding applications successful, and I truly believe the Hello Bio grant played a pivotal role in helping me establish these important connections.
Caroline: I used the money to attend the conference I won the Robert Brown award at. Without it, I would've struggled to attend financially. Receiving the award has been very beneficial to my career as I have been invited to deliver seminars on my research all over the country and it certainly helped me gain my current position!
Gayan: The Hello Bio grant played a valuable role in my career development by supporting my trip to the European Conference on Fungal Genetics (ECFG16) in Innsbruck, Austria. This opportunity allowed me to present my doctoral research, exchange ideas with leading scientists, and expand my professional network. Engaging with experts in fungal genetics not only enriched my research perspective but also opened doors for future collaborations. The experience was instrumental in shaping my scientific growth and career trajectory.
Malaika: The Hello Bio grant played a pivotal role in advancing my career development in two significant ways. First, it enabled me to attend local conferences, where I had the invaluable opportunity to present my research, connect with others in my field, and establish myself as a dedicated and emerging scientist. These experiences not only enhanced my visibility within the scientific community but also enriched my understanding of current trends and challenges in my area of study.
Second, and equally significant, the grant provided vital financial support for my applications to PhD programs across the United States. The expense of applying to graduate programs can be overwhelmingly high, posing a formidable barrier for many aspiring scientists, myself included. Hello Bio’s support was instrumental in removing this obstacle, enabling me to apply to a broad range of programs and maximize my chances of securing a position that aligns with my aspirations. This grant did more than alleviate financial strain—it empowered me to take a decisive step forward in my academic and professional journey, opening doors to opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach. For this, I am profoundly grateful.
What are your future career goals, and where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Abinaya: In five years, I hope to develop my project management skills and truly support my team by sharing the leadership abilities I've cultivated along the way. Looking ahead to ten years from now, my aspiration is to step into the role of senior scientific director at NovoNordisk, where I can contribute positively to our mission and impact.
Prashanth: My major research interest focuses on several metabolic conditions, including diabetes, MASH, and alcohol-associated liver disease, which exhibit increased immune cell activation but with functional impairment. I am dedicated to understanding and identifying the disrupted pathways in immune cells and designing strategies to restore these pathways and improve immune cell function. Dysfunctional immune cells contribute to significant morbidity and mortality, particularly during critical times, such as we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic. I have a specific interest in studying the role of non-receptor tyrosine kinases in immune cells and assessing their therapeutic potential. Additionally, I am keen on repurposing FDA-approved drugs to treat metabolic diseases. In the future, I hope to lead a research group focused on identifying, targeting, and restoring immune cell function (specifically monocytes and neutrophils) in metabolic diseases.
Caroline: I would love to be in a permanent academic position, as a lecturer with an established research group, conducting high quality research and teaching. I really hope in 10 years my research will be making a difference to those with nerve injuries and cartilage degeneration.
Gayan: My future career goals focus on advancing research in microbial ecology and plant pathology, particularly in understanding inter-kingdom interactions within plant-associated microbiomes. In the future, I see myself doing impactful research efforts, developing innovative microbiome-based solutions for plant health and disease management, and contributing to sustainable agriculture. My long-term career aim is to bridge fundamental research with real-world applications, collaborate globally, and mentor the next generation of scientists. My goal is to make meaningful contributions to science and its practical applications in improving plant health and productivity via their microbiome.
Malaika: My future career aspirations are rooted in a profound desire to revolutionize the field of science. I aim to not only pose questions that challenge conventional thinking but also to uncover answers—or at least pave the way toward solutions—that have the potential to transform and improve humanity. At the same time, I am deeply dedicated to restoring public trust in science, ensuring it is recognized as a vital force for progress and a beacon of hope in an increasingly complex world. This mission is one I am determined to carry forward throughout my career.
In 10 years, I envision myself leading my own research lab—a dynamic space where all kinds of perspectives converge to drive innovation and discovery. Beyond the lab, I aim to be a leading voice in science communication and policy, actively working to bridge the gap between science and society. As scientists, we bear a profound responsibility to serve the public, whose trust and resources fuel our work. It is our duty to uphold the highest standards of integrity, ensuring it is used to uplift humanity, address pressing challenges, and create a better future for all. Through my research, mentorship, and advocacy, I hope to leave a lasting impact—one that not only advances human knowledge but also inspires others to see science as a powerful catalyst for meaningful, positive change.
What is the best thing about working in science?
Abinaya: You have the wonderful opportunity to solve puzzles as part of your work. It's a rewarding experience, and on those special occasions when your solution makes a real difference in the world, it brings an incredible sense of joy and fulfillment.
Prashanth: The best part about working in science is the intellectual independence it offers — the ability to conceptualize, hypothesize, and test ideas to see if your thoughts can be translated into action, with the ultimate hope that these discoveries will lead to treatments that alleviate specific diseases. I also believe that a successful career requires strong, supportive, and motivating mentors who push you beyond your limits, encouraging you to try things you might not have considered. I am incredibly thankful to my mentors, Dr. Gyongyi Szabo, Dr. Edward Fisher, and Dr. Matloob Hussain, who have each played a critical role in shaping my scientific career at different stages.
Caroline: I absolutely love networking, and the network of colleagues I am building. My favourite thing is to attend conferences and catch up with academics all over the country. Many have followed my career from a PhD student, and there is a real sense of support from them. I like finding out the answers to questions we are asking, the problem solving and the potential that my research could really make a difference.
Gayan: The best thing about working in science is the thrill of discovery—unraveling the hidden conversations between microbes and understanding their impact on plant health. My research has shown me that microbial interactions are far more intricate than we ever imagined, and each new finding opens the door to even bigger questions. Beyond the science itself, I love the collaborative nature of this field. Engaging with researchers worldwide, exchanging ideas, and applying discoveries to real-world agricultural challenges keeps me constantly inspired. The idea that my work could lead to innovative microbiome-based solutions for plant health and sustainability is what drives me every day.
Malaika: The greatest privilege of working in science is its ever-evolving nature. It places you at the very edge of human knowledge, empowering you to push the boundaries of what is known and explore the uncharted. This journey is not just about discovery—it’s about daring to challenge long-held assumptions, dismantle outdated dogmas, and redefine the limits of possibility. Fueled by the rapid pace of technological advancement and innovation, science not only unlocks new frontiers but also equips us to rigorously test and transform established beliefs. In doing so, it paves the way for groundbreaking revelations that not only reshape our understanding of the world but also hold the power to profoundly serve humanity. To be part of this pursuit is to contribute to a legacy of progress that transcends generations.
Connect with our previous winners via LinkedIn:
Apply for our next Early Career Scientist Grant!
If you’re a life science PhD or postdoc, you could be eligible to apply for one of our $500 grants. Like the winners above, you could use the grant to attend a conference that might just open a door to the next stage in your life science career!
Click here to apply for our next grant - it’s quick and easy!
Read more about all of our previous winners in our interview archive.
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If you enjoyed this article, why not check out the other resources available on our blog. We are passionate about supporting life scientists including early career life scientists and PhD students - with really low-priced reagents, antibodies and biochemicals, early career scientist grants, and resources to help with both personal and professional development. We know how tough it is - so we hope you find these helpful!
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