Yu-Jui Yvonne Wan speaks from experience when she talks about the challenges female researchers can face, especially young scientists juggling being a mother and a wife while pursuing careers.
“It is not just the priority of child raising; there is also the fact that many research opportunities for female scientists take a backseat to a husband’s career,” Wan said.
Wan came to the U.S. to pursue advanced degrees after graduating from Taipei Medical University in 1979. She became a single mother when her children were only 7 and 12. At that time, Wan was a full professor in residence at UCLA, which required her to rely on research funding to support herself and her research programs.
In 2003, Wan left California for the University of Kansas Medical Center and became the director of a newly founded Liver Center. She also recruited and built a strong liver research team there.
Nine years later, in 2012, Wan joined the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UC Davis Health. She is now a university distinguished professor and the only East Asian woman with this title at the UC Davis School of Medicine.
Serving three medical schools for a combined total of more than 35 years, Wan has mentored over 120 students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty members. At UC Davis alone, her lab has hosted more than 50 students, trainees, and postdoctoral fellows. Many are faculty members now and have their own research labs and programs.
Wan strives to help junior scientists succeed in their careers while balancing time to spend with their families. Six female scientists working in her lab have taken maternity leave. Wan was there to mentor the young mothers through the process and provide personal and professional support.
She also mentors and supports female researchers in grant writing and guides career development. Many of Wan’s mentees have received national and international recognition through their innovative research.
“Being successful is about our individual choices,” Wan said. “It starts with seeking mentors who can provide guidance and knowing you are not alone.”
