Dr. Lisa Robinson is Vice Dean, Strategy & Operations at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Professor, Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto. She was formerly the Division Head of Nephrology at The Hospital for Sick Children and is a Senior Scientist at the SickKids Research Institute. She holds a Canada Research Chair (CRC) Tier 1 in Vascular Inflammation and Kidney Injury.
What are some of the challenges that you have faced as a Black individual pursuing research in STEMM? I consider myself incredibly privileged to be able to do interesting work with fantastic people. I've had lots of opportunities in my life and I'm very grateful for them. As a Black person in STEMM, during training and as faculty, I have often been the ‘only’ in the spaces I am in. I have personally only ever encountered a handful of Black scientists who do basic science research. We're few and far between and that in and of itself can be challenging and even isolating. We hear all the time that if you see it, you can be it. I was very fortunate to grow up in a household where education was important. My parents raised me to believe that if I worked hard, I could do anything. I acknowledge the enormous opportunities and privilege I have had that have enabled me to achieve my goals.
Did you have moments or experiences that really made you believe in yourself? Throughout my career, as an academic finding my path and eventually my place, many moments have helped me believe in myself. For example, when I have a new research idea and the chance to discuss it with brilliant colleagues whom I respect and whose opinions I value. Similarly, having the opportunity for our team’s work to be shared at important conferences or published in respected journals can be empowering. As an academic physician and scientist, I have benefited enormously from critical and constructive feedback. Black faculty members are often asked to speak about our personal experiences of being Black in STEMM. It’s affirming when our scientific and scholarly work is appreciated for its quality.
Some of my favourite moments have been seeing the impact of my outreach work on Black students who have told me they’ve never met a Black woman who is a doctor or scientist before. Representation is so important to inspire the next generation of Black physicians and scientists. Helping students recognize that there are many careers and educational opportunities out there for them is unbelievably gratifying.
Do you have any advice for Black youth interested in pursuing medicine or STEMM in general? Think of what makes you excited and what it is you really want to do. Finding the right path and mentors to help you can be challenging, especially when there aren't people from your community in those spaces. Having said that, I have had some amazing mentors who have deeply influenced me and who look nothing like me. While it’s great to find mentors with similar lived experience, mentorship comes in many different forms. Remember that most people are happy to provide mentorship, so never be afraid to reach out and ask. Take advantage of the networks that exist, such as the Black Research Network and the Canadian Black Scientists Network, which is a national network that includes established scientists and early-career researchers. And be on the lookout for scholarships for Black students, as many departments have already developed, or are in the process of developing, such opportunities.
