Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science with…
Pragti Varshney
BSc Global Resource Systems 2026
What excites you about science?
What excites me most about science is its ability to transform curiosity into meaningful, real-world impact. Science encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based decision-making, which are essential for addressing complex global challenges. I am especially drawn to how science intersects with health, nutrition, and public health, where research can directly influence prevention strategies, policy development, and community well-being. The fact that science is always evolving motivates me, as there is always more to learn and improve upon. I also appreciate how collaborative science is, bringing together diverse perspectives to generate innovative solutions. Knowing that scientific knowledge can be applied to reduce health inequities and improve quality of life is incredibly motivating and reinforces my desire to pursue a career rooted in scientific inquiry.
When did you realize science was for you?
I realized science was for me because I have always been naturally curious, even from a young age, and enjoyed asking questions about how things work. As I moved through school, that curiosity grew into a deeper interest when I began to see how scientific concepts applied to real-life situations. Learning about the human body, nutrition, and public health helped me understand how science directly affects everyday health and well-being. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, I felt motivated and excited by the challenge of understanding complex systems. Hands-on learning and real-world examples showed me that science is not just theoretical but practical and impactful. That realization made it clear to me that I wanted a career where curiosity, learning, and problem-solving are ongoing and meaningful.
Who is your role model?
My role models are my parents because of their strong work ethic, resilience, and constant encouragement. Growing up, I watched them work hard, remain disciplined, and persevere through challenges without losing sight of their values. Their dedication taught me the importance of consistency, responsibility, and believing in oneself even when faced with uncertainty. They have always encouraged me to pursue my interests and supported my academic and personal goals, which gave me the confidence to challenge myself and aim higher. Their example has shaped how I approach my education and future career, reminding me that success comes from persistence, humility, and effort. Seeing how they balance hard work with integrity continues to inspire me to pursue my goals with determination and purpose.
What is the greatest challenge you’ve had to tackle?
One of the greatest challenges I have faced has been balancing academic responsibilities with volunteering, work, and extracurricular commitments. Managing multiple priorities required me to develop strong time-management and organizational skills while learning how to adapt under pressure. At times, it was challenging to meet expectations in all areas without feeling overwhelmed. Through this experience, I learned the importance of setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and asking for help when needed. It also taught me resilience and self-awareness, helping me better 3 understand my limits and the importance of maintaining balance. Overcoming this challenge has strengthened my ability to handle demanding environments and prepared me for future roles in healthcare and public health, where multitasking and adaptability are essential.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 10 years, I see myself working in the field of healthcare, and hopefully contributing to research, policy development, or community-based programs that promote health equity. I hope to be involved in initiatives that address systemic health disparities and improve access to nutritious food and preventive healthcare. Ideally, I would like to work in a role that allows me to combine scientific research with practical application, whether through program planning, policy advocacy, or education. I also see myself continuing to learn and grow professionally while mentoring others who are entering the field. Ultimately, my goal is to make a meaningful impact on population health while remaining committed to lifelong learning and community engagement.
Tagged with: 2026, Equity Diversity Inclusion and Indigeneity, Global Resource Systems, Undergraduate, Women and Girls in Science