Women of Impact: Interview with Lalitha Madhavan

Lalitha Madhavan, associate professor of neurology, discusses the potential of stem cell technologies to revolutionize our understanding of age-related neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, and her passion for helping to shape the next generation of problem-solvers.

In the "Conversations with Women of Impact" interview series, Women of Impact award winners provide perspectives on the future of their fields, share what inspires them, and discuss what they've been up to over the last year.

Tell us about your research.

Research in my laboratory focuses on stem cells, aging, and age-related neurodegenerative disorders. More specifically, we use cutting-edge stem cell technologies to understand the mechanisms driving aging and age-related neurodegenerative disorders, especially Parkinson’s disease (PD), with a view towards the development early diagnostics and therapeutics.

What kind of impact are you trying to have in your field?

In terms of research, my goal is to make meaningful impact that can lead to real world advances in the care for individuals with PD and other related neurodegenerative disorders.  I am also passionate about working with students and building a strong, diverse next generation of scientists.

In your view, what are some things people and institutions can do to retain and advance women in their work?

I have a few ideas.

• Engage women from diverse backgrounds in leadership positions and decision-making roles.
• Ensure that students and early-career scientists are matched with mentors who are not only invested in the mentee’s success, but whose aspirations and goals align.
• Consistently make space for easy, open communication to share progress and concerns.
• Validating the lived experiences of women scholars is an important step in addressing equity issues.

Can you talk about a mentor who made a significant impact on your career?

I’ve had several mentors. Some of their main qualities that have helped support my career are:

• They listen.
• They encourage you to express yourself and your values.
• They challenge you intellectually and in general.
• They provide frank, honest, and straightforward advice.

How do you foresee your field changing over the next 10-20 years?

Stem cell technologies are pushing the frontiers of research and I foresee them supporting key advances in understanding how the brain works, and how it changes in the context of aging and disease. These findings will accelerate the development of much needed therapeutics which are currently nonexistent in most cases.

What are you reading and/or listening to lately?

I’ve been reading a book on Eleanor Roosevelt and listening to Korean music!

What have you been up to since receiving the award last year?

I’ve been advancing ongoing research projects, writing grants and papers, launching a new BS in Medicine course on regenerative medicine, and working on strategies for commercialization of lab inventions.