My grandfather, a retired doctor from World War II, gave me a book called Dolly, the First Sheep Cloned when I was little. An immense curiosity captivated me, and I finished the book within a night.
Being a female in a developing country was not easy, I have experienced situations where the voice of the women was barely heard, where women were always victims of domestic violence or sex trafficking, and where few women were involved in politics or science. Thirsty for knowledge and eager to contribute to my community, I found myself digging into libraries, reading books from science fiction to classic literature. Influenced from my grandfather’s background in medicine and from my father’s background in law, I decided to pursue my undergraduate studies in biology and, at the same time, be involved in a civil society to advocate for women’s rights and equality. As I have always believed that the improvement of a society starts with the empowerment and economic advancement of women and girls, I joined Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), a nongovernmental organization. During my time at YWCA, I volunteered in many activities to increase decision making and promote leadership among women and girls. This was a learning experience, as I improved my communication skills in public speaking, but I was also able to help rebuild the self-confidence of the young girls.
My grandfather inspired me with his work in gut bacteria inspired me to explore the essential role of bacteria in ecosystems and human health. Therefore, I decided to do my Master’s degree in Molecular Biology. Later, I started to work as a molecular biologist.at the National Reference Virology Laboratory, Institute of Public Health in Albania. I sought the guidance of my cell culture professor at the University of Tirana, who helped me to develop the skills and knowledge needed to be a successful researcher. Part of my job was to determine genotypes of influenza viruses. Duringthese experiences, I built networks, increased my knowledge base, and gained a deep appreciation for the impact of research on people’s lives.