KITE Trainee Profile: https://kite-uhn.com/trainees/azadeh-barzideh
LinkedIn profile: https://kite-uhn.com/trainees/azadeh-barzideh
Research Specialty/Focus of Research: Aerobic exercise in people with stroke
Academic Affiliations: Rehabilitation Science Institute - University of Toronto
What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
When I was an undergraduate student, in a course named “Evidence-based practice for physiotherapists,” I was formally introduced to the world of research at a higher level and the importance of evidence in practice. I was fascinated by this course as I could see its effects in practice firsthand. Since then, I knew I wanted to pursue higher education and do research.
How did you become interested in your specific area of research?
The brain and the nervous system have always been a fascination of mine. It started with biology lessons and the lab experiences I had in primary and middle schools, and flourished with the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology courses in undergrad and continued to be my favorite topic after. The brain has no limits, it continuously surprises you – whether in daily life or in practice. Currently, I am doing research on patients with a history of stroke caused by bleeding or ischemia in the brain.
What specific challenges do girls and women in science face?
I feel other people doubting girls’ and women’s abilities, intelligence and perseverance is the top challenge. It’s not even limited to the actual scientific work.
What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?
At the university-level councils and associations, some people would reject my ideas and then, re-introduce them as their own. Additionally, paternalistic behaviours and mansplaining are among the top challenges that I face working in a team. Not everyone is like this of course, but I see it from time to time.
Staying calm, being patient and talking to the person in private to try and address the issue are usually my first steps. If it doesn’t prove effective and their behavior is disturbing the workflow and the team effort, I will discuss it with the team lead to try and find a solution. In the end, if I find that the behavior is not improving and the team lead cannot or does not want to address the issue, if I have an option, I quit the team and pursue my interests in other teams and settings. Sometimes, it is more important to take care of your mental health than fight an uphill battle.
Why do you think it is important to have diverse voices in the lab?
We have one life to live and many people don’t get to move around the world to experience other ways of living and problem solving. Therefore, with a lack of this knowledge and experience, many cannot look at issues from various angles or are even unable to see an issue in the first place. Having diverse voices in the lab is like looking at something through a variety of lenses and seeing everything from other points of view that perhaps, you didn’t even know existed. The only issue is that those diverse voices may not find the space to speak up and therefore, should be empowered to do so.
Did you have any female mentors on your journey to KITE?
My mom has always been my mentor in life and in science as she’s one of the strongest, most intelligent and insightful women I know. I also have another mentor through my department who generously finds time in her busy schedule to guide me to where I want to get in the future. I still feel I need more mentors with similar experiences as mine who could help me deal with the challenges that I encounter on my way, who could provide me with their own experiences and solutions, someone I can bounce ideas off and don’t get self-conscious while doing so.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work?
Learning new things and problem solving are my favourite aspects of doing research. Also, overcoming challenges and coming out of them as a more capable person is rewarding for me.
What advice would you give young girls who are interested in science?
I am going to use my favorite quote ever from the movie The Pursuit of Happiness when the father was telling his son: “Don't ever let someone tell you, you can't do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you got to protect it. People can’t do something themselves; they want to tell you, you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.” I mean every word of this quote as I have experienced EVERY word of it myself.
Do you hope to be a role model for young girls?
Yes! It would be amazing to become a role model for young girls in the future, to facilitate their path and help them go further than I have.