An Interview with Dr. Brenda Andrews on Women in Science
Dr. Brenda Andrews is a globally recognized leader in genetics and molecular biology, serving as a University Professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto. She was the inaugural director of the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research for 15 years, shaping it into a renowned hub for interdisciplinary research. Dr. Andrews' contributions to systems genetics and cell biology have been instrumental in advancing biomedical research. She has authored over 200 scientific publications, is a Companion of the Order of Canada, and is an international member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.
In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Andrews to discuss her journey, the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in academia, and her hopes for the next generation of scientists.
A Late but Lasting Passion for Science
Unlike many scientists who discover their passion early, Dr. Andrews’ path was not linear. Initially drawn to languages and music, she pursued an arts degree before reconsidering her trajectory. "I went back to summer school to take chemistry and calculus and then enrolled in science programs," she recalls. It wasn’t until her fourth year at the University of Toronto that she encountered molecular biology and genetics through primary literature. "That was the turning point. I found the field fascinating and decided to gain lab experience, leading me to graduate school."
As her career progressed, she explored various aspects of molecular genetics. “During graduate school, I was working on biochemical purification of recombination enzymes in yeast, but then I read research papers by Ira Herskowitz and was completely inspired. That led me to pursue a postdoc in his lab, even though I wasn’t originally a geneticist.” This decision ultimately shaped her career and broadened her expertise.
Groundbreaking Research and Collaboration
Dr. Andrews’ research spans several decades, with some of her most significant contributions emerging from collaboration. "When I started my lab, focused research was the norm, but when the yeast genome was sequenced, the field shifted toward functional genomics," she explains. One of her proudest achievements is the long-standing collaboration with Charlie Boone, where they mapped the first genetic interaction network for any system. "Collaborations like this have been the most inspiring aspect of my career. They have catalyzed new directions in my work."
Challenges and Work-Life Balance
Reflecting on the challenges she faced as a woman in STEM, Dr. Andrews acknowledges that expectations were different in the 80s and 90s. “Women expected to face barriers. Sexual harassment was common, though it is now addressed more openly.” She credits her male mentors for their support but notes the absence of female role models with children. "When I became pregnant as a postdoc, I felt isolated simply because I hadn’t seen many women balancing both academia and family. However, everyone was incredibly supportive."
On work-life balance, she emphasizes the importance of personal choices. "I chose to return to Toronto to be near family, which was crucial for support. In the early years of starting my lab, I was intensely focused on its success. I won’t say I managed balance perfectly, but having support made a huge difference. Now, with an established lab and research team, I have more flexibility."
Empowering the Next Generation
Dr. Andrews is passionate about fostering diversity in STEM. At the Donnelly Centre, she initiated outreach programs targeting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. "We invited students and teachers to visit labs and see scientists at work, making science feel accessible." She also participates in global grant programs that provide financial aid and research opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds. "These programs are effective. Students who engage in them often continue into higher education and research."
Regarding the barriers young girls face in science, she points to lingering stereotypes. "There’s still this notion that girls aren’t strong in math or quantitative thinking. Even today, young women often don’t see themselves represented in science. Seeing real-life scientists, especially diverse ones, can change that perception."
The Evolution of Mentorship and Scientific Leadership
Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Dr. Andrews’ career. Reflecting on her journey, she states, "My PhD and postdoctoral advisors, Paul Sadowski and Ira Herskowitz, had very different mentorship styles but both gave me crucial guidance when I needed it." She shares an anecdote from her postdoc years when she struggled with publishing a paper. "My advisor left me a note saying, ‘If you don’t have a title for your paper, it’s probably not ready to be published yet.’ That advice made me rethink the structure of my work and ultimately helped me finalize it."
Her approach to mentorship has evolved over the years. "When my lab was smaller, I was more hands-on. Now, my role is more about guiding students through the big-picture thinking, helping them interpret results and find meaning in their research."
On the broader scale, Dr. Andrews believes institutions must do more to support women in academia. She adds, "One of the biggest drop-off points is between postdoc and faculty applications. At the PhD and postdoc levels, we see near gender parity, but only 20-30% of assistant professor applicants are women. Universities should provide heavily subsidized on-site childcare and enforce parental leave policies for both men and women to change this dynamic."
Advice and Legacy
Dr. Andrews offers a simple but powerful piece of advice: "Always seek guidance. The moment you stop learning from others, you stop growing as a scientist and leader."
She hopes her legacy will be felt through the students she has mentored and the collaborative culture she has helped foster. "The Donnelly Centre was a new model—an interdisciplinary space where researchers from different backgrounds could come together. Building that from the ground up was one of the most fulfilling parts of my career."
On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Dr. Andrews leaves a final message for young scientists: "Your ideas and contributions are needed. Science thrives on diverse perspectives. Don’t hesitate to take your place in it."
Author's Note
I met Brenda for the first time at my pre-reclass meeting. She was my assigned examiner. At the time, I was very hesitant about doing a PhD. Just like most of you, I didn’t know if I was capable enough to pursue one. When the exam ended, I asked Brenda a couple of questions about her journey. I asked if she always knew that doing a PhD was the path for her, to which she answered, "No, you don’t know until you do it. You try it, and if you like it, you do it." Then I asked her if she thought I could do a PhD. She immediately responded, "Do you like it?" When I said, "I love what I do," she simply said, "If I were you, I would stop doubting myself and start doing what I love doing." She left the room, probably clueless that she was the person who helped me finally make my decision. That night, I emailed my advisor to say I wanted to do a PhD. I don’t know that many people who are as humble and as influential as Brenda. Just having a five-minute conversation with her felt incredibly helpful and truly shaped my thought process about the decision I was trying to make. She is absolutely right—young women need more female role models in science. People like Brenda are inspiring and very much needed. It was my honour to sit down with her and write about her journey in science. Thank you, Brenda!
