Her Story
About Ketki
Ketki Bhise serves as a Senior Scientist in the biotechnology industry with expertise in immune oncology and cancer immunology. She completed her PhD at Wayne State University from 2016 to 2021 following a master's degree earned with a Fulbright scholarship and an undergraduate degree begun in 2010, both in India. In her role since 2021 she develops new assays and implements genomic techniques on patient-derived tumors to analyze responses to immunotherapy for commercial applications. During her doctoral studies she contributed to patents and held a student membership in the American Association for Cancer Research. Bhise attributes her professional success to the unwavering support of her family, particularly her mother, father, grandmother, and husband. She places the highest value on honesty and integrity in scientific work, stressing the responsibility scientists bear to produce reliable data that offers hope to patients facing diseases such as cancer. She encourages young women entering the field to recognize their worth, avoid underselling themselves, and confidently assert their voice and qualifications.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ketki
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my family - my mom, dad, grandma, and especially my husband who has been a rock of support. They have been my motivation throughout my journey from India to earning my PhD and building my career in the US.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My professor Dr. Amola Rouse taught me during molecular biology class that no matter how big a scientist you become or what advances you make, there are still cellular signaling pathways we don't understand. God humbles you, and that keeps you grounded. It reminds me there's something higher than you, which stuck with me during my PhD when I thought I knew everything.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
As women we short-sell ourselves and I have been unlearning that. Know your value and worth - you have earned that degree and experience, so flaunt it like a red lipstick. Find your voice and stand by it, especially when men in power try to subdue you. Scream it aloud if you have to.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in biotech right now is the job market after COVID. Companies overhired during the pandemic and now there are layoffs, so it's hard for scientists to find the right job that matches their aspirations.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and integrity are most important. Never lie, especially in science. I have seen falsified data and plagiarism which is disheartening because people bank on our science for hope in diseases like cancer. Good science brings value and we have a big responsibility as scientists.
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