Her Story
About Asmita
Asmita Ghosh is a scientist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, where she focuses on developing innovative RNA-based therapeutics for pediatric neurodegenerative diseases. In her current role, she designs, screens, and validates therapeutic approaches using patient-specific cellular models to better understand disease mechanisms and identify potential treatments. With a background in cellular and molecular biology, Ghosh brings more than five years of experience studying neurodegenerative disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Her work reflects a commitment to translating laboratory discoveries into therapies that can improve outcomes for patients and families.
Before joining St. Jude, Ghosh served as a senior research scientist at UMass Chan Medical School, where she investigated antisense oligonucleotide therapies using disease-relevant neuronal models. She previously completed a five-year postdoctoral fellowship within the University of Montreal hospital system, where her research explored cellular stress responses, RNA biology, and molecular pathways involved in ALS. Ghosh earned an integrated undergraduate and master’s degree in biotechnology from St. Xavier’s College in Calcutta and later completed her Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the CSIR Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology in Delhi in 2019. She is a member of the Oligonucleotide Therapeutic Society and continues to contribute to the scientific community through research collaborations, editorial work, and knowledge sharing.
Beyond her research, Ghosh is passionate about advancing patient-focused science and supporting the communities affected by neurodegenerative disease. She has volunteered with the ALS Society of Canada and its Quebec chapter through fundraising efforts and awareness initiatives. She credits her success to the encouragement of her family, the guidance of mentors, perseverance through challenges, and a commitment to continuous learning. Guided by values of integrity and kindness, Ghosh encourages the next generation of scientists—especially young women—to pursue their ambitions with confidence, remain resilient through setbacks, and seek opportunities that allow them to make a meaningful impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Asmita
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination, resilience, and the support of the mentors and family members who encouraged me throughout my journey. My father taught me the importance of grit, turning dreams into actionable goals, and learning from the examples of successful people. My high school biology teacher showed me the value of perseverance and viewing mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve. Those lessons, combined with the guidance of mentors and the support of my family, have shaped the way I approach challenges and pursue meaningful work.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to develop mental resilience and learn how to quickly return to a calm, focused mindset after stressful situations or setbacks. Challenges are inevitable, but the ability to reset, adapt, and continue moving forward allows you to maintain perspective and avoid letting one difficult moment impact your entire day or long-term goals.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to remain true to their aspirations and pursue their goals with confidence and commitment. Women should feel empowered to define success on their own terms and pursue the careers and opportunities they are passionate about without being limited by societal expectations. Your ambitions, talents, and contributions matter, and you should never compromise who you are or what you hope to achieve.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in my field is the potential to develop new cures, therapies, and biomarkers for diseases affecting the nervous system. At the same time, significant challenges remain, including the complexity of accessing the brain and spinal cord for research and treatment. The blood-brain barrier creates additional obstacles, and developing therapies that are both effective and free from serious side effects requires careful innovation and rigorous research. These challenges also inspire continued progress and discovery.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity and kindness are the values that guide me most. In science and research, integrity is essential to ensuring that the therapies we develop are safe, effective, and truly serve patients. In life, kindness helps us navigate challenges, build meaningful connections, and contribute to a better future. I believe these values are fundamental to both advancing humanity and making a positive impact on others.
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