Nairi Hartooni is a current SAGE Scholar double majoring in Molecular Environmental Biology and Molecular Toxicology with an interest in Pharmacology. Nairi’s commitment in developing her professional confidence and leadership skills is what sparked her interest in the SAGE Scholars Program. Prior to joining SAGE, Nairi struggled with professional development on her own. “Before SAGE I didn’t know how to ask someone for something or express my thoughts in a concise and professional manner, but through SAGE I have been able to identify this weakness and improve on it. Now when I send an email or send a copy of my resume to a potential employer, I am confident.”

Nairi’s journey is unique in that she wasn’t always a part of SAGE. She tried to network on her own but couldn’t seem to get her foot in the door to an internship. However, in her senior year, Nairi joined SAGE and her life began to change. “SAGE helped me revamp my resume, critique my cover letter, and get an internship at the Novartis Institutes of Biomedical Research (NIBR) in the Oncology Division.” At NIBR, Nairi worked on early phase drug discovery in the Cancer Biology.

While at Novartis, Nairi had the opportunity to meet Emma Lees, the site head of NIBR-Oncology and scientists of all ages and backgrounds. “Through SAGE I have met female scientists who are leaders at work and in their communities as well as mothers.” This experience was life changing for Nairi because of her unique background of growing up in Iran where women rarely have the opportunity to develop themselves professionally.

Meeting amazing individuals on the SAGE leadership board, like Tom White and Darian Rodriguez Heyman who actively introduce SAGE Scholars to new opportunities is a major benefit. Nari also credits lectures by Tom Miller and Chancellor Birgeneau that provided her with a better understanding of what it meant to be a leader. Finally, Nairi’s biggest inspiration is her fellow SAGE Scholars. “The individuals who have inspired me most are my fellow SAGE scholars. These students are dynamic and each of them has a unique story of triumph. The opportunity to study at UC Berkeley has prepared me academically, and SAGE has prepared me professionally.  SAGE will change your life.”