From Surviving to Thriving
Being a first-generation immigrant college student in the greater Seattle area comes with its challenges. By sharing his story, Bish hopes to cultivate a sense of belonging for students who are in a similar position as he once was.
Dr. Biswajit (Bish) Paul currently serves as the Policy, Advocacy & Communications lead for Washington State at the Gates Foundation. Dr. Paul, serving in a critical role that bridges science, education, and policy, holds many intersectional identities that impacted how he grew up and his career path. Being queer, a person of color, a first-generation college student, and from a low-income immigrant household, Bish has dedicated his career to make systemic changes that alleviates the path into STEM careers and economic mobility.
Background
Dr. Bish Paul attended the University of Washington for undergrad in 2003 and then returned in 2011 to achieve his Doctor of Philosophy in Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology. During his time in undergrad, Bish was selected for the Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium competitive Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) in the summer of 2006. This opportunity was able to kickstart Bish’s research career by helping him gain his initial publication, build upon his academic portfolio, and strengthen his professional network by solidifying his reputation in research. After this experience, Bish was able to get involved in additional research opportunities and pursue various projects ultimately expanding his expertise and skillset.
Dr. Bish Paul shared a memorable anecdote that highlighted how much he had to learn after high school. On his very first day at the University of Washington, in a country that was entirely new to him, he unknowingly walked across eight lanes of interstate traffic just to make it to class on time. At the time, he didn’t realize how dangerous this was, being unfamiliar with freeways. This experience was just one of many eye-opening moments that marked the beginning of his undergraduate journey and personal growth.
During his scientific career, Bish’s accomplishments and discoveries were sometimes downplayed or not attributed to his hard work. Some peers questioned his research results or dismissed accomplishments, incorrectly assuming he was a diversity hire and did not earn his place fairly. Comments like these added to his imposter syndrome; he often felt out of place in and out of research and the classroom. There were few spaces where he felt welcomed, accepted, and supported.
This led Bish to become a student leader with Hutch United, a community of underrepresented and self-identified minority scientists at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. This group brought together a circle of students that supported him as his community, and that he relied on during the various challenges that come with pursuing a PhD. When asked if he could give advice to students who are in a position similar to his, he said “If the space is not built for you, make the space yours. Surround yourself with people who can relate to your experiences and find strength within each other.” Bish was eventually able to help with the creation of a Hutch United fellowship that raises funds for women, people of color, and international students. Later he realized that this kind of assistance, while necessary, was not sustainable unless supported by system changes and that he needed to take the next step up to start changing laws, ensuring longer term impact.
From Academic Research to Policy
Two things that motivate Bish when navigating his career are curiosity and discovery. From his previous academic research experience, he moved to become a Policy Analyst for the California State Legislature through the California Council on Science and Technology. During his first year, he was able to work on 18 different bills, one impacting over 40,000 people in the state of California. This experience affirmed his decision to move to a career in policy and systems change. He moved back to Washington and took on reforming policies in STEM education, many of which include funding and access. Washington, like other states, has a large gap in access for women and people of color, leading to less representation in research and industry.
“You need people from every background in a research lab, in order to accomplish research made for everyone. Diversity is absolutely necessary in science. It is your superpower!”
In his current role, Bish is making large-scale changes to increase access for education across Washington state; one project he described is the expansion of the College in High School initiative. This program increases access to college courses for all, including to lower income communities and young people from rural areas, bringing the college courses directly to high school classrooms. With a recent policy change no fees are associated with the program, and students are able to earn college credits while in high school. Over just one year of the policy change, 32,000 students were able to take advantage of this in different high schools across the state saving them tuition and time. Overall, what he finds most fulfilling about his current role is leaving his work and immediate surroundings better every day.
During our conversation Bish reflected that his background in science and intersectionality of identities greatly informs the system level changes that society needs. Dr. Bish Paul’s story and experiences are what guided him to making changes statewide, increasing STEM access for students across the board. He started his journey never thinking he could one day be in this position; but he is now able to pay it forward by taking a chance and investing in students the way that he was invested in.
By sharing stories like Bish’s, we hope to foster community through experience and reduce the feeling of imposter syndrome in STEM spaces. Everyone should feel that they belong and are welcomed on the path they are headed. STEM is meant for everyone and should be open to all who wish to pursue it.