Celebrating women in science

Institute news

Introducing Dr Shu Mei Teo, the newest member of the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute’s Gender Equity and Diversity Committee which was formed in 2014 to address the issue of female under-representation at senior levels in science at the Institute.

Since 2017, Shu Mei has been a Senior Research Officer in the Baker Institute’s Systems Genomics lab, a ‘dry’ lab where the majority of work is done via computer. 

“I use statistics and computer programming to answer important biological questions that impact human health,” Shu Mei says.

“For example, identifying which bacteria and viruses in the noses of infants contribute to respiratory illnesses and subsequent development of allergy and asthma. And examining genetic data to better predict an individual’s risk of various diseases such as coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes.”

Shu Mei’s love of mathematics began in primary school. Her passion for learning and sharing knowledge meant that at one time she considered a career as a teacher. But it was while at university studying statistics in her native Singapore that she discovered genomics — the study of a person’s genes.

“As I continued into my PhD, I looked at population level genetic data, examining the variation we see in healthy humans. You have to characterise what is normal first before you can determine what is abnormal and linked to disease,” she says.

Shu Mei sees huge value in the creation of these genetic databases.

“Data science is going to be an increasingly important discipline in the future. With the addition of all the smart devices we have now, you can get access to so much information, but you need ways to harness what’s important from this data.”

Reflecting on her career so far, Shu Mei says there are still some structural challenges to advancement, even though many women are entering the field.

“As I went through my studies, in general the mathematics department was very male dominated. But somewhat surprisingly, when I got to my statistics Honours year it was majority women. Women seem more attracted to this applied part of mathematics, and I like the practical uses of statistics,” she says.

“But in the science community in general I think unfortunately you’re still at a disadvantage as a woman, particularly post-childbirth, you feel there are setbacks in taking time off to raise children.

“It affects your publications and your ability to travel which are integral to research. Thankfully, I have had supervisors that were supportive, and my current lab head is very flexible in allowing us to manage work hours and caring commitments. But there’s still more that can be done.”

Shu Mei has a five year old and three year old, and works part-time. She says it’s important to start with young children when encouraging careers in science.

“We need to invite women scientists and mathematicians to come and speak at schools. The worst thing is if children start to see certain subjects as a ‘male’ subject. We have to normalise girls being good at maths, science, programming and technology. The traits needed for good science — resilience, diligence, attention to detail, are traits no less in women than in men,” she says.

“For aspiring girls and women in science I say: Just go for it and believe you can do it. Science is for everyone.”