My Journey: Science, Passion, and Purpose

Growing up in a small town, my fascination with nature and science took root early. I was captivated by biology, laboratories, and the intricate world of scientific tools. My high school biology teacher nurtured this curiosity, encouraging me to question, explore, and seek answers beyond the textbook. In my society, it was uncommon for a young woman to leave home for university, but my beloved parents made immense sacrifices to support my education. Their belief in me, even when societal norms suggested otherwise, was a powerful force that propelled me forward.​

With their encouragement, I left for Jerusalem to pursue my studies—a journey that was both challenging and transformative. The complex nomenclature of biology and the rigorous academic demands tested my resilience, but I persisted. My passion deepened in the lab, where I dedicated long hours to DNA preparation, cell culture, and biochemical assays during my Master’s research.

A defining moment in my scientific journey was attending a Max Planck conference, where I was introduced to live microscopy techniques. Watching cells respond to chemotactic stimuli and migrate in real-time was a moment of profound discovery—a perfect blend of science, technology, and wonder. This passion carried into my Ph.D., where I specialized in protein purification, fractionation, and advanced cell biology techniques. Collaborating with Johns Hopkins University, I led a pioneering project on protein localization, which allowed me to travel, engage with top scientists, and immerse myself in cutting-edge research.

 

Transitioning to Leadership & Career Evolution

My postdoctoral training in the USA exposed me to some of the most prestigious laboratories and institutions, expanding my scientific expertise and professional network. However, navigating immigration status and visa limitations often posed challenges, limiting my career flexibility. Despite these obstacles, I transitioned into a Research Scientist role, contributing to groundbreaking research on Huntington’s disease. It was an incredible experience—working alongside brilliant minds, united by a shared mission to advance neurodegenerative disease research.
While immersed in research, I began to notice inefficiencies in lab operations, and found myself naturally drawn to streamlining processes, optimizing shared assays and mentoring junior scientists. It was then that I realized my passion extended beyond the bench. This led me to transition into lab management and operations, a pivotal shift that transformed my career. Through this role, I learned how to empower teams, mentor scientists, and create streamlined, high-functioning laboratory environments. The transition was not easy, but it shaped me into the leader I am today.

 

Resilience, Reinvention & Founding IntellAstra

Who switches jobs during a pandemic? I did. A biotech company offered me my dream role—an experience filled with growth, innovation, and leadership opportunities. But like many in the life sciences industry, I faced an unexpected layoff. It was a moment of uncertainty, yet also one of immense clarity. Instead of seeing it as an end, I saw it as a new beginning.

It was time to take control of my own path. With more than two decades of scientific expertise, operational excellence, and leadership experience, I founded IntellAstra Solutions—a company built on the principles of mentorship, innovation, and impact. My mission is to give back to the scientific community, empower professionals, and drive transformation in life sciences.

My journey has been one of continuous learning and evolution, navigating both scientific challenges and career transitions. Now, I'm dedicated to leveraging these experiences through IntellAstra Solutions, empowering the next generation of life science leaders, guiding them towards fulfilling and impactful careers.