Sonia is a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the Dunn School of Pathology at the University of Oxford, and specialises in Cell and Developmental Biology. She currently works with the renowned head of the department, Matthew Freeman, whose group was one of the first “to identify a collection of intramembrane proteases (enzyme which breaks down proteins and peptides) in the cell that were involved in regulating a growth factor signalling that had broad implications for various diseases,” including of course notorious cancer. “This discovery was one of a kind,” Sonia emphasised, “because it involved the identification of a class of proteases which could function within a hydrophobic (water-repelling) environment. Since its detection, this family of proteases has grown into a superfamily with both active and inactive counterparts that are involved in a wide range of functions. My research mostly entails understanding the role of an inactive protease belonging to this cluster in relation to its role in stress signalling and neuronal function.”
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And the plurality of this unique discovery is significant. As the scholarly young mind also stated, the translational aspect of scientific research is vital for placing posited questions into the relevant context. This means the more diversified the experimental techniques and interdisciplinary conversation, the more likely there'll be incisive breakthroughs and the resultant workable cures. Indeed, Sonia has contributed her world-class expertise in genetics and cell-based imaging – supported by the prestigious Human Frontiers Science Program Fellowship, awarded to only 70 scientists across the existing 196 nations, of which Sonia is the second Indian woman recipient. “My colleagues are all incredibly talented and passionate too,” Sonia equably continued, “hailing from different fields and a mix of cultural backgrounds. Our varied ideas and means give us more than enough opportunity to discuss, argue and clarify the viable paths of action. In terms of the wider scientific community this really helps to break the rut. It’s possible to be so deeply involved that it’s difficult to rethink a problem by yourself. I also believe it’s a professional duty to participate in communication with the public. As individual researchers, we are accountable to the many people who are funding our work.” Thus we find that a science of organisms and buzzing life extends too to the sociological realm: “the complexity within a cell is almost unimaginable,” Sonia aptly added. “While the core components of each cell are more or less the same, the various phenomena and the dynamics of processes like protein trafficking, cell movements and so on will always vary between each cell type and between each different organism.” Add this to the recent findings that trees are able to talk to each other, and the natural authority– both the subject and her science – demonstrate to us that inner and outer life are one in the same wonder, and that the physical is as much the feeling.
What have been some of your proudest breakthroughs?
I have many fond memories, but I think one of the more special ones was when my first ever publication was accepted during my PhD. Another was when I was awarded the first ever Zeeshan Khan Memorial award by Olympus.
Do you feel science is given enough of a platform in society?
I think I speak for all scientists when I say that it's inadequate. This problem has been accentuated by situations like Brexit wherein the global funding will now be further reduced and money from various European organizations will no longer come into UK. This also has wider repercussions impacting the exchange of students between UK and EU, finally also hampering the exchange of scientific ideas and thoughts.
You have met the Nobel Prize-winning (Chemistry, 2009) Professor Venki; when interviewing with us, he mentioned that true achievements in science are methodical and concentrated fruits of labour, not some explosive discovery. But, at the same time, that there is a lot of creativity?
Science does demand patience. Unlike what’s projected in the movies, progress does not happen overnight. Often an important discovery is a combinatorial and concerted effort of many individuals over a long period of time. However, science is also an art which requires people to take risks, think out of the box and combine different skill sets to paint a more holistic picture.
What appealed to you so much about the world of biology and cellular research?
I’ve been fascinated by Biology since childhood. But during my formative years, I oscillated between Maths, Chemistry and Biology – it was the logical that appealed really. Even though I was the National topper in Biology in my school board exams, for example, I took a detour to Chemistry for my undergrad degree. Ultimately, though, my love for Biology prevailed.
Do you think studying cells can be as awe-inspiring and infinite as say the universe?
Absolutely. Just as we have fancy telescopes to track movements of planets and extra-terrestrial bodies, we now have great sub cellular imaging techniques which can capture life inside the cell in vivo in real time. It’s almost like the universe is functioning at a macro scale, and the cellular in the micro.
Would you say there is a bias against women in science?
It’s tough for women to reach top positions in academia. This problem has many layers: one is the lack of support from family and society in general which pressures you to quit prematurely. The other is more personal where it can be difficult to survive in a male dominated arena. My advice for women would be to work hard and let your actions speak for themselves. I’m inspired by a quote from a Japanese tradition which states that if you repair a broken piece of pottery with gold lacquer, you can make it even more beautiful than before. Thus the hardships and obstacles we face can actually transform us into better human beings.
What’s the most thrilling part of lab research?
The curiosity of exploring what no one's done before.
Did you receive a lot of support to get where you are today?
I'm grateful to my family and friends, especially my husband, who have always supported me in various capacities - from the uncertainties of a stable future to the very long working hours.
Finally, where do you envision all your hard work taking you in the future?
Using the knowledge that I've gained over the years to address an important problem in my own lab.