Nowadays, we are increasingly witnessing women exerting their influence by dedicating themselves to STEMM, contributing significantly to advancements and progress in these fields. As International Women’s Day (IWD) approaches, we stand in solidarity with the IWD 2024 initiative "Inspire Inclusion" by celebrating women's achievements. In this spirit, we are honored to invite Dr. Haofei Wang, Field Application Scientist and Demo Lab Manager at MGI Australia, to share her invaluable experience in pursuing a career in genomics and the impact of her leadership as a woman in the field.

Q1: Would you please introduce yourself and your work at MGI?

My name is Haofei Wang. I’m currently managing MGI CEC lab to manage trial and pre-sale projects, internal and external product testing, as well as hosting customer lab visits. In the meantime I’m Field Application Scientist (FAS) supporting our Australian and New Zealand customers.

Q2: What inspires you to pursue a career in genomics?

I've always been super into biology because it's all about our own bodies and species. Even though we can go to space and check out the whole universe, we still can't figure out the mystery of our own biology. In the world of biology, I find inspiration in genomics because of its potential to unravel the mysteries of life at a fundamental level.

Q3: Do you have a time when you faced a challenging situation in your career as a woman scientist? How did you overcome it?

I've encountered hurdles in my career as a female scientist, considering the predominance of males in both the scientific field and the world at large. Being a woman of smaller stature and not particularly outspoken, I've faced difficulties in making my voice heard and my opinions taken seriously. The situation improved a lot over time once I had the opportunities to demonstrate my capabilities. It underscores the importance of personal development and standing firm when you know you are in the right.

Q4: Have you ever had a female mentor? What do you think is the difference between male and female scientists?

Yes, I had many female mentors along my studies and career, including my supervisor during PhD, my previous and current managers.

From my personal experience, female in senior workplaces tend to be more emotionally stable when facing pressure and challenges, which contributes to effective communication and calm problem-solving. Additionally, female mentors can be more keenly attuned to others’ fluctuation, thus they would be able to provide guidance and support at the right time.

Q5: You almost spent your career life in MGI once you graduated. What calls you to choose MGI?

I've chosen to dedicate my career to MGI due to its commitment to cutting-edge genomics research and its vibrant, collaborative work environment. The opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects and work with a diverse team drew me to MGI. After I joined, I’m glad I made the right decision, and I’m grateful to be a part of this diverse yet collaborative team.

Q6: What would you consider to be the greatest achievement of your work in MGI?

I would say the greatest achievement of my journey with MGI is growing into the role of CEC manager and building a local team to continue advancing it. The experience expanded my capabilities, honed my skills in managing pressure, and challenged me to think innovatively.

In the last 1.5 years, our local CEC team has grown from zero to three FAS, all with the capability to provide customer support and problem-solving, while each of them holds their own strength and expertise.

Q7: We know that the Customer Experience Center(CEC) has been in function for over 2 years to support regional research. Could you please share with us one case of how your work enhances the development of regional genomics?

CEC has been supporting local customers since day one. We’ve been supporting regions not only by providing technical support to our customers, but also serving as a training center for junior FAS / FSE to keep incubating new blood to the team. There has been more than one case that customized solution was developed and tested prior to delivery at customer site, which facilitates 100% successful installation and training, and maximizes customer satisfaction.

Q8: The DCS lab was established last year and we believe your team must have put a lot of effort into it. Is there any behind story that's unforgettable?

Certainly. The DCS lab was established late last year right before Christmas holiday, while the team is busy setting up the lab as well as progressing ongoing projects. It was a tough yet fulfilling period, as the team worked in a highly collaborative and efficient way to accommodate lab setup while handling multiple customized trialing projects which was technical. We were able to complete all projects on time. We were all thrilled when the Go Spatial instrument's purple indicator light lit up, and we can’t wait to bring the groundbreaking STOmics technology to empower the local research community.

Q9: You’ve taken the role of Demo Facility Manager for your team since 2022. How do you lead and motivate your team as a woman leader in a usually male-dominated field?

I prioritize open communication, ensuring that each team member's voice is heard and respected. Recognizing the unique strengths and perspectives that everyone, regardless of gender and culture, brings to the table is crucial.

Q10: What kind of efforts do you think should be made to inspire more women to participate in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine)?

Having female scientists as role models would undoubtedly encourage more women to embark on this journey, establishing a precedent and serving as an inspiration. It also plays a constructive role in increasing the representation of females in the community, potentially contributing to a reduction in gender bias.

Q11: Aside from work, what do you do in your spare time?

Maintaining a work-life balance is vital for me as a rejuvenating weekend ensures I start the weekdays with full energy. During my spare time, I enjoy strolling in parks or by the river, or going hiking and camping with friends, to stay connected with nature. Piano and gardening also help me relax.

Q12: Can you share the coolest thing you ever did in your daily life?

I would say driving around Tasmania for 3 days for sightseeing be the coolest thing I’ve done so far. It’s a journey filled with unexpected surprises.