Howard Garrison Advocacy Fellow

Ninadini Sharma

Ninadini Sharma is a postdoctoral researcher at California Institute of Technology.

Describe your interest in participating in the program. 
Sharma: My interest stems from a deeply rooted commitment to advancing evidence-based policies in reproductive biology and women's health. Through my research on how maternal age affects fertility, I've engaged with diverse audiences—from clinicians and researchers to in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics and the public. These experiences highlighted the critical need for informed policy-making that supports women's reproductive choices and healthcare access.

Having spoken on international platforms and engaged in public discourse, I've witnessed the profound impact of policy decisions firsthand. Recent developments, such as the Alabama ruling and debates on Roe v. Wade, underscore the urgency of advocating for robust healthcare policies that safeguard patient autonomy and scientific advancements. I am motivated to engage with policymakers and ensure that evidence-based approaches inform regulatory frameworks and public perception.

In addition, my involvement in a venture capital fellowship at Goddess Gaia Ventures has provided insights into the commercialization of healthcare technologies and the regulatory landscape for biotech start-ups. I am interested in exploring how policy interventions can facilitate the responsible and equitable implementation of emerging biotech/pharma while prioritizing patient safety and ethical considerations.

Moreover, funding allocation, regulatory frameworks, and public discourse surrounding reproductive biology are intricately intertwined with policy considerations. Yet, I've also observed how biases and misconceptions embedded within these policies can distort public perception, hindering progress and exacerbating societal divides.

As I start my postdoctoral position in the lab of Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, focusing on stem cell-based human embryo models, I am acutely aware of the scientific richness of this field, juxtaposed with its potential to evoke public controversy and backlash. The ethical and societal implications of stem cell research and embryonic development are profound, necessitating active engagement from scientists to foster constructive dialogue and advocate for evidence-based policies.

Participating in the Howard Garrison Advocacy Fellowship represents a pivotal opportunity to enhance my science policy, advocacy, and leadership skills. I am particularly excited about engaging with experts during events like the Science Policy Symposium and Capitol Hill Day. These opportunities will refine my ability to communicate scientific complexities to policymakers and the public, contributing to inclusive and impactful policies prioritizing scientific integrity and ethical considerations.

How do you plan to use the knowledge and experience gained through your participation in the Howard Garrison Advocacy Program? 
Sharma: I am particularly passionate about writing opinion pieces that bridge the gap between scientific advancements and public perception. The emergence of femtech companies like Gameto and Conception (working to "end menopause") highlights the transformative potential of technology in reproductive health but also underscores the need for nuanced public discourse. Through this program, I aim to refine my skills in crafting compelling narratives that demystify complex scientific topics, empowering lay audiences to make informed decisions.

Furthermore, my commitment extends to fostering public engagement and inspiring the next generation of scientists. By participating in outreach initiatives and workshops, I intend to spark curiosity and promote scientific literacy, especially among historically excluded groups in STEM.

At the California Institute of Technology, I envision leading initiatives that stimulate debate and elevate scientists' voices in policy discussions. I am eager to champion initiatives promoting women's health research and funding, advocating equitable access to healthcare innovations.

Looking ahead, I aspire to contribute to public governance and policy work, leveraging insights gained from Capitol Hill Day and engagement with policymakers to shape evidence-based policies that advance societal well-being.

The Howard Garrison Advocacy Fellowship aligns perfectly with my goals of writing impactful opinion pieces, fostering public engagement, championing women's health, and exploring roles in public policy. I am enthusiastic about using this platform to amplify scientific voices, challenge misconceptions, and advocate for policies promoting health equity and scientific integrity.

Using no more than 250 words, describe your research as you would to a non-scientist. 
Sharma: Over the last few decades, modern science has allowed us to age slower and live longer. In a sharp and disappointing contrast, women's clock of reproductive aging has not slowed down. One of the unique challenges of women fertility lies in the fact that women are born with a finite number of eggs, a reserve that steadily diminishes over time. By the mid-30s, less than four percent of these eggs remain, and those that persist often exhibit diminished quality, leading to increased rates of miscarriages, abnormal pregnancies, and infertility. As more women delay childbirth globally, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related infertility becomes increasingly crucial.

During my doctorate, I found a mechanism that regulates the loss of egg quantity and egg quality with advancing maternal age: the damage in the DNA of the egg. High levels of DNA damage can trigger egg death, contributing to loss of fertility.

I found that eggs from older mothers accumulate high levels of DNA damage due to a change in the DNA repair machinery and slower and more error-prone DNA repair. Slower repair results in persistent DNA damage, which ultimately causes egg numbers to decline. Error-prone repair causes mutations in the egg, which explains why older mothers are more prone to having babies with genetic defects.

I aim to repurpose this knowledge about what goes wrong with aging into developing strategies to improve DNA repair in older eggs. I aspire to offer new hope to women seeking to conceive later in life.

Briefly describe any past or present participation in additional career exploration activities, experiences, and/or programs. 
Sharma: One of my significant roles involved advocating for better pay equity and ethical standards for doctoral students as part of my leadership position within the Max Planck PhDNet. This experience allowed me to champion fair compensation practices and advocate for more equitable treatment of early-career researchers, contributing to tangible improvements in wage structures within the Max Planck Society.

I have started initiatives promoting LGBTQ+ inclusivity in STEM at the Max Planck Institute by organizing educational and mixer events. I aimed to foster a more inclusive environment where individuals of all backgrounds feel valued and supported in pursuing careers in science.

My commitment to bridging the gap between scientific research and public policy is further demonstrated through my participation in policy briefs and white papers at the Max Planck Society. I actively contributed to discussions on research ethics, initiatives to reduce animal use in scientific research, and the impact of government funding on research and education in India.

My experience in a venture capital fellowship gave me valuable insights into the commercialization of healthcare tech and regulatory landscapes for biotech start-ups. This role equipped me with the skills to effectively advocate for issues related to women's reproductive and sexual health, engaging with investors and larger funding bodies to promote advancements in these critical areas.

I have extended my impact through public engagement efforts. I have delivered public talks at international conferences, local schools, and on televised platforms like NDTV in India, addressing topics ranging from women in research to government funding.

Ninadini Sharma is a member of Society for the Study of Reproduction, a FASEB member society.