Her Story
About Soniya
Soniya Quick is a bioanalytical scientist whose career has been shaped as much by resilience and mentorship as by science itself.
Raised in India, Soniya did not begin her journey with a detailed career plan or a lifelong dream of becoming a scientist. Instead, she was drawn to opportunities that challenged her and pushed her beyond what she thought she was capable of achieving.
As an undergraduate student, she found herself in a highly competitive academic environment surrounded by exceptionally talented peers. Like many high achievers, she often questioned whether she truly belonged. Those experiences showed her that success is rarely about being the smartest person in the room and more about continuing to learn, adapt, and move forward.
A pivotal turning point came when she was selected to work as a junior researcher in the Netherlands. Traveling internationally on her own for the first time broadened her perspective and opened her eyes to possibilities she had never considered for herself. The experience gave her the confidence to think beyond the boundaries of what once felt achievable.
That newfound confidence eventually led her to pursue a PhD in the United States, an accomplishment she considers one of the defining achievements of her life. While earning the degree required determination, perseverance, and sacrifice, the most lasting impact came from the mentors she encountered along the way.
By observing leaders who combined scientific excellence with humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to developing others, Soniya gained a deeper appreciation for the influence one person can have on another's life. She learned that true leadership is not measured solely by expertise or accomplishments, but by the opportunities we create, the encouragement we offer, and the people we help grow.
Today, Soniya works in pharmaceutical bioanalysis, contributing to the development of therapies that have the potential to improve patients' lives. She also serves as a Laboratory Safety Officer and is passionate about helping early-career scientists build confidence, develop their skills, and recognize potential they may not yet see in themselves.
Looking back, she sees her journey as proof that resilience can open doors, but mentorship can change lives. The opportunities she pursued shaped her career, while the people who believed in her helped shape the person she became.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Soniya
01What do you attribute your success to?
I don't think success comes from any single quality. For me, it's been a combination of perseverance, being open to new opportunities, and having mentors who were willing to invest in my growth.
Looking back, some of the most important moments in my career started with opportunities that felt intimidating at the time. I'm grateful that I had people who encouraged me to take those chances and supported me along the way. Their guidance shaped not only my career but also how I try to support and encourage others today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is not to wait until you feel completely ready before pursuing an opportunity.
Several of the experiences that shaped my career began with a degree of uncertainty. If I had waited until I felt fully confident in my abilities, I might never have taken those steps.
I've learned that growth often comes from challenging yourself beyond your comfort zone and trusting that your capabilities will develop along the way.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stay curious and don't be afraid of not knowing the answer.
Science is built on asking questions, yet many early-career professionals feel pressure to have all the answers. Some of the best scientists I've worked with are the ones who continue learning, adapting, and approaching problems with curiosity.
Your ability to learn will take you much further than your fear of being wrong.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The complexity of modern drug discovery continues to grow. New therapeutic modalities and increasingly sophisticated technologies require scientists to be continuous learners and effective collaborators across disciplines. I believe the most exciting breakthroughs will come from teams that combine deep scientific expertise with curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from one another.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are continuous learning, humility, and compassion.
Throughout my career, I've learned that none of us have all the answers, and there is always something new to learn from the people and experiences around us. I also believe in treating others with empathy and respect. Some of the people who influenced me most were those who paired expertise with genuine care for others, and I try to bring those same qualities into my own work and relationships.
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