Rhea’s Story

As an early-career researcher with parental responsibilities, it has been amazing to be part of the WiSPP network. I have attended many of the programs and workshops held by WiSPP, but the one that has had the most impact on me personally was the Cross Institute Grant Preparation Program.

As part of this program, we were put into cross institute mentorship groups. There are six postdocs in my mentoring group (including two others from WEHI), as well as two senior lab heads (from the Doherty and MCRI). Since July 2018, my group has been meeting fortnightly (and this continues to date).

The impact that this continued mentorship has had on my career and outlook on working as a woman in science is immense. Specifically, I have received countless hours of guidance, encouragement and direct feedback relating to grants I submitted to the NHMRC this year. This has included both senior leaders and peers reading and editing my grants.

I have always had excellent support from the two laboratory heads I work with at my own institutes but receiving feedback on my application from those outside my research area was fantastic, and particularly important given the peer review panels are generally broad. This support was invaluable and I believe played a role in my successful application for an NHMRC Investigator Grant. 

Importantly, through this mentorship group, I have made connections within my own institute that I would not have otherwise. As a parent of a young child, I find it difficult to attend many of the postdoctoral social events. I am really thrilled that within my WiSPP mentoring group I have met and formed solid friendships with two other WEHI postdocs from outside of my division. I have experienced this with other WiSPP programs as well, and through my participation in these programs, my network both within and external to WEHI has definitely expanded over the past 1-2 years.