Being recognized as an ASCP 40 Under Forty was a pivotal moment in my career. This award provided me with visibility in the global pathology and laboratory medicine community, paving the way for international collaborations and leadership opportunities. Since then, I have expanded my expertise into areas such as space medicine, omics research, and digital healthcare. I joined several organizations, including NASA and ESA Citizen Scientist Projects, and the CLSI. My work now spans diverse fields, from molecular diagnostics to space health, climate health initiatives and sustainable healthcare innovation. This recognition also led to opportunities for mentoring, conference workshops and contributing to policy discussions on global health and laboratory medicine.

Since receiving the 40 Under Forty recognition, I have earned a range of advanced credentials, including a Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital and Health Management, certifications in Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt, got recognition as ISO 15189 Internal Auditor, and College of Pathology Inspector. I have also undergone specialized training in space medicine through the ESA program and the International Space University.

In addition to these certifications, I have developed advanced hard skills such as multiomics research, AI-driven predictive modelling, molecular diagnostics, and sustainable health system design. I have also honed soft skills in leadership, global health advocacy, cross-disciplinary collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and mentorship. These skills have allowed me to lead interdisciplinary projects and contribute to innovative solutions in health-sciences.

The ASCP 40 Under Forty recognition acted as a catalyst for my career, amplifying my contributions to clinical chemistry and diagnostics. This opened doors to high-impact projects such as the United Nations Women Network, World Health Organization, and Digital Health Fellowship. These platforms have allowed me to collaborate with leading scientists globally, contribute to space health research, and address healthcare challenges in my organization. The recognition also positioned me as a thought leader, enabling me to advocate for gender equity in STEM.

Additional recognitions

Since receiving the recognition, I have made several significant contributions to science and healthcare. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I studied the biomarkers of COVID-19 and the pretest and post-test probability and cost of testing. This work provided valuable insights into the immunological response to COVID-19 and its implications for patient management. In space medicine, I contributed to genomics research aboard the International Space Station and co-authored pivotal papers on multiomics and laboratory medicine. My ongoing projects include musculoskeletal and women’s health in commercial spaceflight, as well as precision nutrition strategies for astronauts.

I led sustainability initiatives, including implementing a biomedical waste management plan and using NASA data for precision climate modelling to address public health issues. My work in education has been impactful as well, involving the development of digital tools for underprivileged girls in STEM and participation in initiatives.

I have been fortunate to receive several prestigious awards since being named an ASCP 40 Under Forty. These include:

Kalpana Chawla Scholarship awarded by the International Space University for excellence in space medicine research and leadership.

AACC Artery Ambassador Award recognizing my efforts in public engagement and education in clinical chemistry.

Inclusion on the Pathologist (United Kingdom) Powerlist 2022 and 2024 and receiving the Young Investigator Award by Malaysian association of Biochemistry. I was recognized as 75 Women in Chemistry India by Royal Society of Chemistry and Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor India 2023 and 75 Women leaders by United Nations India 2023

Each of these awards reflects my commitment to interdisciplinary research, innovation in healthcare, and promoting equitable access to education and opportunities in STEM.

Lessons learned

The most valuable lesson I have learned is the importance of adaptability and collaboration in advancing science and medicine. Bridging interdisciplinary collaboration and fostering diverse perspectives have been key to driving innovation in my work. I have also learned that mentorship and advocacy are critical for empowering the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals, enabling them to address global healthcare challenges with creativity and resilience.

I am most proud of my contributions to space medicine and laboratory medicine and their integration with global health challenges. Collaborating on genomics research aboard the ISS, leading studies on precision nutrition, infectious diseases and advocating for gender equity in STEM have been particularly fulfilling. These achievements underscore my commitment to advancing medical science while championing inclusivity and sustainability in all aspects of my work.