Assistant Investigator Siva Sankari, Ph.D., joined Kaylee Peile, Director of Development at the Linda Hall Library, for the Library's Women in Stem series. Sankari discussed her lab's microbe research, why she joined the Institute, and her passion for diversity in STEM.

“What brought me to the Stowers Institute is the uniqueness and freedom we have to work on the aspects of science we’re passionate about. I’m super excited that I get to do what I love," Sankari said. "Every day, I get to research the questions I want to answer in science. I also get the support to train who I want to train. I’m excited to help bring up the next generation of scientists to ask important questions of life."

The Linda Hall Library's Women in STEM series focuses on the work and accomplishments of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The series aims to highlight and lift up the women making advancements in their STEM industries and their work in Kansas City and beyond.

"I want women and those in underrepresented groups to have the courage to express their passions and go for it,” Sankari said.

Watch the video above to hear the full interview.