Meet Our Lab Heroes Awards™ 2024 Highly Commended Nominees: Cayvenne Joseph ‘CJ’ Carag
It’s time to meet another of our Lab Heroes Awards Highly Commended nominees for 2024! Our judging panel chose Cayvenne Joseph ‘CJ’ Carag as one of ten ‘Lab Stars’ after being nominated by 14 of her colleagues at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute in Athens, Greece.
She was described by colleagues as ‘fearless, hilarious, and unstoppable’ and praised for her ‘infectious energy’ as well as her creativity and positive attitude. Lab leader Era Taoufik said that despite being the newest member of the team, she had quickly become ‘a cornerstone of the lab’ who can ‘turn a rainy day into something beautiful and hopeful’.
CJ studied Biomedical Sciences at the University of West Attica from 2020-2024 before being taken on as a lab intern at the Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute. In September 2024 she became a Research Assistant at the same lab, and now co-runs a vlog channel called ‘InVivo - Nervous tales’ with her supervisor and mentor Dr Elpinickie Ninou.
We spoke to CJ about her career, her research & her passion for public engagement in STEM!
Congratulations, CJ! How did it feel to know that so many of your colleagues had nominated you as their Lab Hero?
It felt absolutely incredible and humbling to know that my colleagues value my contributions and see me as a source of positivity and support. Being recognized by the people I work closely with is one of the greatest honors, and it motivates me to continue giving my best every day.
How did it feel to learn you had been chosen as a 'Highly Commended' nominee?
I was absolutely thrilled! It’s so rewarding to be acknowledged in such a meaningful way, especially in a community full of hardworking and inspiring scientists. It was an emotional and proud moment for me, given the fact that I am just a BSc graduate.
Why do you think it’s so important to celebrate life science researchers, and what more could be done to show recognition in life science?
Life science researchers are at the forefront of solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges, yet their work often goes unnoticed outside the scientific community. Celebrating researchers fosters motivation, raises awareness about their contributions, and inspires future generations. More public engagement, funding opportunities, and platforms for sharing our work would go a long way in increasing recognition.
What do you enjoy most about working in STEM?
I adore the constant curiosity and the excitement of discovering and explaining something new. Every day in STEM brings the opportunity to solve puzzles, explore complex systems, and contribute to something bigger than myself. The collaborative and innovative spirit of the field is truly invigorating and the constant need of learning gives me daily motivation towards beating the unknown.
Did you always want to be a scientist when you were younger, and if so, why?
Yes, I’ve always been fascinated by science. As a child, I loved understanding how things work, and I was drawn to biology in particular. Learning about life at a molecular level felt like unlocking hidden secrets, and that curiosity has stayed with me.
Can you tell us a bit more about what you're working on in the lab at the moment?
Our lab focuses on the study of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in CNS disorders, particularly Parkinson's disease, aiming to understand disease mechanisms using in vivo and in vitro systems, omics techniques, imaging, molecular biology tools, and novel therapeutics. Our focus project has to do with the role of microglia in Parkinson's Disease, how these brain immune cells contribute to neuroinflammation and/or neurodegeneration and further understanding them in order to develop better therapeutic approaches.
What does a typical day in the lab look like for you?
A typical day in the lab is a mix of exciting chaos and fulfilling routines. I start with experiments, which is like stepping into a tiny, hidden universe of discovery. Then it’s time for meetings—sometimes productive, sometimes filled with passionate debates (and occasionally a little chaos). The best part, though? Being surrounded by people I genuinely appreciate and love. Whether we’re brainstorming ideas, troubleshooting experiments, or just sharing a laugh over coffee, it’s the people who make the lab feel like a second home.
Your colleague praised you for your positive attitude in the lab. Why is it important for a lab to have 'good energy' and what effect can this have on team morale and productivity?
A positive energy in the lab fosters a supportive and inspiring environment for all. It promotes candid communication, teamwork, and perseverance in the face of hardship. Everyone's creativity, productivity, and job satisfaction are directly impacted by a positive work environment. In the end of the day, it wouldn't be a good day if you didn't get to laugh throughout it!
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing life scientists at the moment?
The pressure to publish, employment insecurity, and funding constraints are major obstacles. More public understanding of science and easier access to cutting-edge technologies are also necessary.
What key piece of advice would you give to a younger scientist just starting out in their career?
I practically still am a very very very young scientist that is just now starting my career! But the things I always like to repeat to myself are to always be curious, to be persistent, and to be open to learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes—that’s how you grow. Build a network of mentors and peers who inspire and challenge you, and always celebrate small victories.
How do you see your career developing in the future/where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I have no idea. To be honest, I have come to terms with not overthinking nor overplanning my future. For the meantime, I know I have a special liking towards Academia and Neurobiology. But whatever comes, comes. I will welcome it with gratitude and optimism!
Who is YOUR lab hero? Which scientist or mentor has inspired you the most in your career so far?
My mentor, Dr. Elpinickie Ninou, has been incredibly inspiring. Her passion for neuroscience and unwavering support have had a profound impact on my growth as a scientist and as a person as well. I don't think I would be the person nor the scientist I am today without her presence.
What’s your favourite science quote?
“In science, there are no shortcuts to truth!”
Is there anything else you would like to tell us, eg. specific issues or initiatives in science that you are involved with or are passionate about?
I’m passionate about increasing diversity and inclusion in STEM and the gender balance that we should see. I believe science benefits from diverse perspectives and underrepresented backgrounds. That's why I also enjoy engaging with the public to communicate complex research in an accessible way!
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Thank you so much for speaking to us CJ! And congratulations once again on being highly commended!
Connect with CJ:
- LinkedIn: Cayvenne Joseph Carag
- Instagram: InVivo - Nervous tales
Find out more about our Lab Heroes Awards™ 2024 winner and highly commended nominees here: https://hellobio.com/blog/meet-the-lab-heroes-awards-2024-winner.html
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