Scientist Chand aims for the stars

Born and bred in the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) staff quarters in Lautoka, Pooja Chand’s journey from a small-town girl to a pioneering scientist is nothing short of inspiring.

She urges women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to push past boundaries and aim for the stars when pursuing their goals.

“My advice to other women who want to pursue higher education in STEM or any other field of interest is to believe in yourself and keep going, because there is no end to learning,” Ms Chand said.

“Keep working hard, it is all going to be worthwhile it in the end. Everyone’s journey is unique and it is very important to pursue a path that is aligned with your interests, values, aspirations that will satisfy you most,” she said.

At 32, Ms Chand is employed as a medical laboratory scientist in New Zealand, specialising in molecular/microbiology. She took up her current position at Health New Zealand TDHB in May 2023. 

Qualifications

She graduated from the University of Surrey in London with a Doctor of Philosophy in Biosciences and Medicine (Molecular Microbiology) on April 30.

“I had completed my Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science from the Fiji School of Medicine in 2013, followed by my Masters in Biomedical Science majoring in Medical Microbiology from Kingston University London in 2016,” she said.

Her journey began at the Lautoka Methodist Primary School, Drasa Avenue School, and Natabua High School before moving to Suva to pursue her Undergraduate Degree in 2010. After graduating in 2013, she started working as a technical officer at Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital in March 2014.

“My PhD research helped me understand the need for further research into the non-compliance of anti-TB therapy and study the molecular mechanisms of multi-drug resistance.

This understanding can contribute to managing and controlling the treatment and prevention plans of TB with adequate research funding,” she explained. 

She was awarded a Commonwealth scholarship to pursue a full-time Masters programme in Biomedical Science in London while working a full-time job in 2015. After completing her Master’s Degree in 2016, she returned to Fiji and worked at the CWM Hospital for two years before moving to Lautoka Hospital.

“I was awarded a Commonwealth scholarship for the second time to pursue my PhD programme in Biosciences and Medicine at the University of Surrey in November 2018,” she said. 

She completed her PhD thesis in Fiji and successfully defended it virtually in May 2023 however, returning home brought its own challenges.

“Finding a job within the clinical/research sector was extremely challenging. The job sector in Fiji is very biased, and it is difficult to progress in your career despite having higher qualifications, skills, and experience,” she said.

While broadening her job search, she handed a position at the Health New Zealand TDHB in May 2023. 

“My constant motivating factor during my studies was my passion for Tuberculosis research,” she said.

“In addition to this, my family and friends also provided a lot of motivation and encouragement, for which I am grateful. I hope to use my knowledge and skills to make a stepping stone in the tuberculosis field.” 

Missing home

She admitted missing home while in the UK, for a year for her Master’s programme and three and a half years for her PhD research.

“I miss everything about Fiji, my family, friends, the warmth of the people, and the home food,” she said.

Despite the distance and challenges, her family remained her pillar of strength. 

“I would like to dedicate my achievement to all my family and friends, especially to my parents; Philip Anil and Sarojni Chand, for being my pillar of strength, and also to my late grandparents, my brothers, Bevan Chand and Mevin Chand, sisters-in-law and nephews Bhavik and Milaan.”

Mr Chand said he had immense pride in his daughter’s achievements. “I am very proud of her; her mother and I are on cloud nine. I spent a lot of money on her education; this was my biggest investment, and it was worth it,” he said.

“It’s not easy to compete with others from European countries. She had to struggle, it’s definitely well-deserved after all her hardships,” he said.

“ Her two elder brothers are engineers, one is working in Melbourne and the other is in Brisbane.”

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