My Journey in Leadership and Research: Embracing Strength in STEM

By Nella C. Delva 

As I stand at the threshold of completing my journey as a senior graduate student in biomedical science, I am filled with immense gratitude for the experiences and challenges that have shaped me into the leader I am today. Through my years in STEM, I’ve learned not only to hone my technical skills but also to embrace my identity—an identity that I once thought was a disadvantage. My background as a Haitian immigrant, combined with the transformative power of mentorship and leadership in STEM, has taught me invaluable lessons that have opened doors I never thought possible.

From Perceived Weakness to Source of Strength 

When I first arrived in the United States as a Haitian immigrant, I often felt like an outsider. Haiti, a country rich in culture and history but with limited opportunities in science, was the foundation of my identity. While my upbringing in Haiti endowed me with resilience, I felt insecure about how my background might hold me back in a field as competitive as biomedical science. I believed that not having the same resources as my peers would make it difficult to keep up. This feeling of inadequacy lingered until I started realizing that my background was not a weakness but a profound strength.

Growing up in Haiti, I witnessed firsthand how stress could affect individuals, families, and entire communities. Stress-related disorders, stemming from political instability, economic challenges, and natural disasters, are part of daily life for many Haitians. This personal connection to stress resilience was the seed of my academic curiosity, and it drove me to study neurobiology to understand stress and resilience. Today, my research focuses on understanding the neurocircuits of stress resiliency—work that aims to contribute to a broader understanding of how we can alleviate the global burden of stress-related disorders.

It is this personal connection that now fuels my research passion. What I once considered a hurdle—my identity as an immigrant from a small, resource-limited country—has become a vital part of my scientific journey. It offers me a unique perspective that enriches my research and enables me to approach problems with an open mind and creative solutions, drawing on my experiences of overcoming adversity.

Leadership in STEM: Building Strength Through Community 

Leadership in STEM has been a cornerstone of my journey, offering me opportunities to grow as a scientist and as a person. I’ve had the privilege of presenting my research on several platforms, including the recent FSU Biomedical Science Retreat, where I showcased my dissertation work. These moments have shaped me into a confident communicator and problem-solver, two essential traits for any scientist.

However, leadership is not just about being at the forefront. It’s about building and sustaining a community. One of the greatest joys in my academic career has been mentoring younger students and peers, helping them navigate the complexities of biomedical research. Sharing my journey with others, particularly those who also come from underrepresented backgrounds, has deepened my belief in the importance of community and support networks. Being a leader in STEM has taught me that no one succeeds alone.

I am fortunate to have had strong mentors who believed in my potential, various colleagues and professors who have encouraged me to embrace every opportunity. Their guidance, particularly during challenging moments like the unexpected disruption in my research caused by COVID-19, has been essential in keeping me focused and resilient. This strength in mentorship and community has been a constant anchor throughout my graduate school experience, teaching me the value of shared knowledge, mutual support, and collaboration.

Passion Meets Purpose: Neurobiology of Stress Resiliency 

My passion for understanding the neurobiology and neurocircuits of the brain, specifically in stress resiliency stems from both my personal background and my scientific curiosity. Stress is universal—no one is immune to it. It affects everyone, from children to adults, from people in Haiti to individuals across the world. As stress-related disorders continue to rise globally, my research aims to uncover the mechanisms that enable some individuals to be more resilient than others.

This topic is not just relevant; it’s deeply personal. Growing up in Haiti, where adversity was part of everyday life, I’ve witnessed the toll that chronic stress can take. But I’ve also seen the incredible resilience of people who continue to thrive despite unimaginable challenges. This duality—the fragility of the human mind and the extraordinary power of resilience—drives my work. My hope is that my research will eventually contribute to new interventions that help people build resilience in the face of stress, mitigating the onset of stress-related disorders such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

The opportunity to study something so close to my heart has opened numerous doors for me, including the honor of receiving a Fulbright award. My work in neurobiology has taken me to new places—both geographically and intellectually—and I now realize how vital my personal journey has been in shaping my scientific path.

The Future: Turning Challenges into Opportunities 

Reflecting on my journey, I no longer see my background as a challenge to overcome, but rather as a source of power that continues to open doors for me. My experiences as an immigrant and a woman in STEM have granted me resilience, empathy, and a deep understanding of the importance of diverse perspectives in science. These qualities have shaped my leadership style and helped me forge meaningful connections with others in the scientific community.

Through my research, my leadership, and my mentorship, I am driven by the belief that science has the power to change lives, not just in theoretical ways but in tangible, impactful ones. My goal is to continue contributing to the scientific community, particularly in the field of stress resiliency, and to use my experiences to inspire others who may feel like outsiders in this field. My blog, STEM-azing.com, is one way I hope to share my journey and connect with others who are passionate about leadership in STEM and the value of diversity in science.

As I look ahead, I am excited about the opportunities that await. The challenges I once feared have become steppingstones toward growth, and my background—far from being a weakness—is the foundation of my strength. Leadership in STEM has taught me that the only limitations we face are the ones we place on ourselves. I am proud to continue this journey, guided by my passion for understanding the human mind and the endless possibilities that science offers.

Let’s keep growing, learning, and leading in STEM together. 

Nella C. Delva