Women in STEM: Mentorship, Resilience, and the Road to Research

In honor of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we sit down with Megan Kamm, Head of Global Clinical Project Management at CTI, and Dr. Amanda King, nurse practitioner, PhD, and clinical researcher in oncology and rare disease. Together, they explore their career paths, early scientific inspirations, the promise of personalized medicine, and how women are driving innovation across clinical research. Their conversation offers practical advice, powerful personal stories, and a look at breakthroughs shaping the future of health care. 01:12 — Megan’s Career Journey (Clinical Research → Global Leadership)From research coordinator to leading CTI’s global clinical project managementfunction. 02:17 — Amanda’s Path (Clinician-Scientist in Oncology& Rare Disease)A nurse practitioner and PhD with deep experience across pediatric critical care, oncology, and research. 03:07 — What Sparked Their Interest in ScienceEarly strengths in STEM, curiosity, and real-world exposure that shaped career direction. 04:53 — A Personal Story That Shaped a CareerAmanda shares how childhood experiences with cancer influenced her calling in healthcare and research. 05:49 — Turning Complex Science into Real-World TrialsMegan explains what it’s like to help move early concepts into tangible clinical studies with a path to patients. 07:12 — Why Rare Disease Research Hits DifferentAmanda describes the urgency—and reward—of trials where no standard of care exists. 07:38 — Where Innovation Is Headed: Personalized MedicineTargeted therapies, mutation-driven treatment decisions, and what that means for outcomes. 08:15 — The Promise of Cell & Gene TherapyHow technology is enabling potential one-time treatments and even cures—for previously untreatable diseases. 09:12 — Challenges Women Still Face in STEMBeing underestimated, navigating bias early in a career, and the role mentorship plays in resilience. 11:06 — Advice for Girls & Young Women Exploring STEMDefine success on your own terms, find the right environment, and learn what you truly value. 12:30 — Habits That Help: Mentorship + CuriosityShadow, ask questions, stay open to pivots, and keep learning as roles evolve. 14:12 — A Practical Takeaway: Don’t “Single-Track” Your SkillsetMegan on blending science with business skills to expand options and impact. 16:01 — Start Early: Intern, Shadow, ExploreAmanda’s recommendation to get real exposure early because STEM has more paths than most people realize.