I-Wei, An Inspirational Woman in the Field of Biology

Our first inspirational woman is I-Wei, a whip-smart scientist who also happens to be a dear friend of mine. Evofem is proud to be unique amongst feminine hygiene providers in that we are a women's health company, so I-Wei's work is near and dear to our hearts. I-Wei was born in Taiwan and came to the U.S. when she was 12. She's now working at Theraclone Sciences and has some great advice for women looking to break into a tough field.

Tracey: Tell us about your work.

I-Wei: My company specializes in finding therapeutic antibodies from actual people, often individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as HIV infection or cancer, because their immune systems have been working on fighting off these diseases. But their own repertoire may not be effective because they're not making enough of the right antibodies. Our goal is to develop safe and effective therapeutic antibodies for prevention and cures for all that ails humankind. My role in this company is to characterize and grow the cells that make antibodies in a laboratory setting. 

Tracey:  What inspired you to start your career in science?

I-Wei: My high school biology teacher, Mrs. Kozarski, made biology the most interesting class I had ever taken. There is so much that happens inside your body every second—many intricate signals and mechanisms working together—it's astounding and fascinating. And it's different for every organism. You think plants are boring because they just sit there and don't move? Their genome is dynamic and changes all the time! I don't think I can ever get bored doing biology.

Tracey: What advice would you give to women looking to go into your industry, or change careers?

I-Wei: Find a mentor, or even many mentors, in the industry you want to work—a woman who has achieved what you would want to achieve some day. Get to know them as people, ask them questions like the ones you're asking me.

Tracey: What's the best advice you've ever received?

I-Wei: It is impossible to figure out ahead of time what is going to make you happy. Remember to do your best, take time to enjoy life and take notes!

Tracey: And now for the Proust questions. (Those questions they ask on the Actor's Studio)...

I-Wei: My favorite thing about myself is . . . I have a healthy self-esteem, and not much scares me. 

Tracey: Did I mention that I-Wei rides motorcycles? Pretty cool.

I-Wei: The advice I would give to my younger self is . . . Cynicism gets you nowhere.

With my spare time, I like to . . . Cook, rock climb, grow vegetables, learn new skills, try new things.

Tracey: What I-Wei's not mentioning is that she had a full-on urban farm, complete with a chicken coop!

I-Wei: My idea of happiness is . . . When there's nothing else you'd rather be doing.

To me, the meaning of success is . . . When your happiness is easily maintained by your everyday life.

Tracey: I love that. It's something that's really easy to lose sight of.

I-Wei: I am inspired by . . . Just about everyone I meet! Every person has a different point of view, life experience, and knowledge that adds to society.

One word I hate is . . . "Basically." I find the use of it very condescending.

One word I love is . . . Defenestrate.

Tracey: I had to look that one up, by the way. It means to throw someone or something out the window. We hope all you women are encouraged to defenestrate all your self-doubts.

I-Wei: If someone wrote a book about my life, it would be called . . . Do or do not, there is no try.

If I could go anywhere in the world right now, I'd go to . . . Japan; I hear the food there is really good, especially the kind that involves raw fish.

Right now, I feel . . . Hungry.

Tracey: Hm, me too...

View a complete list of the inspirational women we've profiled so far.

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