WiNS Vice President

Janice Rateshwar is a B.S./M.D. candidate at the City College of New York and CUNY School of Medicine, as well as a passionate advocate for women in STEM. As Vice President of the Women in Science Organization at CCNY, she is committed to fostering a dynamic platform that promotes mentorship, collaboration, and professional development. Her leadership is dedicated to empowering women and other underrepresented groups to overcome barriers and thrive in academia and beyond, with a strong focus on building an inclusive and equitable scientific community.

Janice has developed extensive biomedical research experience through her work at NYU Langone Health, the CUNY School of Medicine, and Hackensack Meridian Health. At NYU, her research focuses on advancing melanoma diagnostics and enhancing patient trust by integrating cutting-edge scientific innovation with compassionate care. Her passion for discovery also extends to immunology; at CUNY, she investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This work is especially meaningful to Janice as it addresses the disproportionate impact of SLE on women of color, highlighting her commitment to advancing science that serves underserved communities. Additionally, she has made significant contributions to cancer therapeutics, particularly through her work on IT-848, a novel NF-kB protein inhibitor, and by exploring innovative combination therapies for treating refractory multiple myeloma and lymphoma. Through her diverse research efforts, Janice remains dedicated to applying her scientific expertise to develop healthcare solutions that enhance patient outcomes and promote health equity.

Outside of her research, Janice is a dedicated advocate for special education. Through her work with The Inspired Community Project, she helped improve access to special education for students with intellectual disabilities, reinforcing her lifelong dedication to equity and inclusion. Her advocacy underscores her belief in the importance of ensuring that every individual has the right to meaningful and engaging education.

As Vice President of the Women in Science Organization, Janice envisions creating a thriving and supportive community where women and other minorities in STEM can cultivate leadership skills and academic excellence. By encouraging open dialogue, organizing impactful professional development events, and fostering mentorship, she is steadfast in her mission to provide her community with the resources, networks, and inspiration needed to succeed. Janice’s unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse future in science drives her ongoing efforts to champion these important causes with passion and determination.

Last Updated: 10/15/2024 21:42