Alumni Spotlight on Priyanka Suryavanshi

Priyanka Suryavanshi is an MS-RSM alumna, class of 2023. She completed the thesis track and conducted research with Dr. Mary Ellen Pavone. She is currently a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Thesis mentor: Mary Ellen Pavone, MD 

Thesis title: "Analysis of Inflammatory Cytokine Profile of Follicular Fluid from Patients with Endometriosis and its Impact on Sperm Motility."

What is your connection to the CRS community and what is your current position? 

I completed my masters in MSRSM in 2023 and was fortunate enough to have Dr. Mary Ellen Pavone to guide me as my mentor for my thesis project. Currently I am working as a Clinical Research Coordinator as a part of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern. 

Could you describe your current research/studies? 

Currently I work as a clinical coordinator for Breast Cancer Research Studies with Dr. Seema Khan at the Lynn Sage Comprehensive Breast Center where the study focus is primarily on prevention trials via interventional and non interventional approaches.

What aspect(s) of CRS did you find most valuable?  

Being a part of CRS was definitely an eye-opening experience that challenged and gave me the opportunity to explore different niches in the reproductive science field. The program also allowed us to shape our experience in a way that helped our future trajectory without having one rigid path. I really enjoyed the different types of classes and electives that were available to us as well as the wide array of labs and mentors we could reach out to for research guidance and mentorship.  

What has been the most valuable aspect to your training as a reproductive scientist in CRS? 

The most valuable aspect to my training as a reproductive scientist in CRS was the support and guidance I received my mentor Dr. Pavone, and Dr. Babayev who was instrumental in my journey throughout.  

What would you recommend to junior scientists in order for them succeed in their scientific careers?​  

My advice to newcomers would be to believe in yourself and say yes to everything you want to try even if you’re not sure you can do it.  It may sound obvious but as someone who’s passionate about science imposter syndrome is your biggest hurdle and you have force that confidence until it starts feeling natural. I promise it will. Because your passion and hard work dictates your capacity. Never lose faith in yourself and always be willing to ask for help. You’re here to learn and you’re not supposed to know everything, otherwise you wouldn’t be here.  

Do you have any notable stories from your time in CRS? 

Among the most memorable events/stories from CRS would be the Illinois Symposium of Reproductive Sciences, 2021 – my first conference as an MS-RSM student. It gave me a chance to not just explore reproductive science in our broader network, but also to connect with CRS faculty beyond classes and research. Another one would most definitely be the “Friendsgiving” 2021 and 2022 which I co-organized with my fellow members of the MS-RSM Student Council.