A Lifelong Passion for Knowledge and Connection
Her career began as a Research Scientist at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Today, as a Cancer Clinical Trials Professional at Cleveland Clinic, she witnesses the fusion of science and human connection daily. She observed that oncologists, surgeons, CEOs, and even patients sought expert insights—not only for medical guidance but also for perspectives beyond science. To her, science wasn’t just about equations and data but about identifying patterns—patterns in life, emotions, and healing. She admired the wisdom of ancient Indian sages who lived not for recognition but for the welfare of others. She believed that impactful research was not just about discovery but about how it could improve lives.
One crucial lesson stood out to her: emotional intelligence is the foundation of leadership. The most effective leaders weren’t just intellectually gifted; they understood people, inspired trust, and created environments where individuals felt seen, valued, and motivated. She noted that people rarely left jobs due to policies; instead, they left because they felt overlooked by their leaders.
For Shinjini, her work is more than a profession—it is a mission, a responsibility, and a bridge between scientific knowledge and human connection. She does not merely see herself as a researcher but as a conduit of Shiv and Shakti, guiding her to make a real impact. Every day, she carries this belief with her, striving to heal not only through science but through wisdom, compassion, and genuine human connection.
A Journey of Education, Strength, and Support
Born in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, Shinjini grew up in an academically accomplished family. Her father, Dr. O. P. Singh, was the Professor and Head of the Department of Anaesthesiology at BRD Medical College and later served as Dean until his retirement. Her mother, Asha Rajput, dedicated her life to raising their family. Growing up on a medical college campus, Shinjini was constantly surrounded by doctors, which shaped her early understanding of the medical field.
Her ancestral village, Madhopatti in Jaunpur, is renowned as the “IAS Factory of Bharat” for producing a remarkable number of IAS and PCS officers. However, her mother, a former NCC cadet and accomplished athlete, emphasized the importance of both academics and sports, ensuring that Shinjini had a well-rounded upbringing. As a student, she excelled in multiple areas—academics, athletics, music, and leadership—becoming her school’s head girl.
Contrary to common misconceptions, Shinjini believes that astrology is deeply connected to mathematics and science. Her father, a firm believer in its principles, was once told that she would work in a field involving medicine and extreme precision. Initially, he assumed she would become a neurosurgeon. However, as she pursued biotechnology, she realized the prophecy had referred to molecular biology—a field that delves into the intricate pathways of DNA, RNA, and proteins within cells, going beyond the study of organs and tissues.
She pursued her academic journey at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), one of India’s top institutions, where she was selected for a PhD program at the Institute of Medical Sciences. During this time, she married Anuj Srivastava, her childhood best friend and unwavering pillar of support. Simultaneously, Anuj secured a position as a software engineer at Infosys, a company known for its rigorous entrance examinations and training programs. Now, he serves as a Senior Data Engineer at a company owned by Warren Buffet in the US. Coming from an equally accomplished family, his father, Dr. S.K. Srivastava, retired as the Director General of Health Services in the UP Government, while his mother, Mala Srivastava, has always been a strong supporter of Shinjini’s academic and professional achievements. His brother, Akshay Srivastava, has held multiple leadership positions in IT and healthcare firms in the US, serving as a motivator during Shinjini’s job search in Dallas.
Balancing a long-distance marriage while completing a PhD was no easy feat. With Anuj working in Chandigarh and Shinjini studying in Varanasi, their time together was limited. Before they could settle together in India, Anuj was offered an opportunity to move to the US through Infosys. As she approached the completion of her thesis, this transition introduced uncertainty. Around the same time, her father became critically ill and was admitted to the ICU, adding to her emotional burden. Despite these challenges, she persevered and successfully submitted her PhD thesis, drawing strength from the support of her family and loved ones.
Her sister, Shalini, a devoted teacher in India, and her brother-in-law, Pankaj Singh, a politician, have been unwavering supporters of her journey. Lifelong friendships also played an essential role in her path. Her childhood best friend, Dr. Shalini Shukla, a pathologist in Delhi, remains a constant source of strength, while the friends she made during her PhD became her second family, providing her with academic, emotional, and personal support. Looking back, she acknowledges that she was able to navigate the most challenging moments of her PhD because of their steadfast presence.
A special acknowledgment goes to her mentor, guide, and elder brother figure, Prof. R.K. Singh, whose encouragement and wisdom were instrumental in her completing her PhD.
Shinjini’s story is one of perseverance, intellectual pursuit, and the profound impact of unwavering family and friendship support. From an academically rigorous upbringing to navigating personal and professional hurdles, she remains steadfast in her belief that dedication, emotional intelligence, and meaningful relationships pave the way for success.
A Career Defining Moment
A significant turning point in Shinjini’s career was working under the mentorship of Prof. Aggarwal, a highly respected scientist who played a pivotal role in the discovery of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) at Genentech, a rising biotech company at the time. His groundbreaking work on curcumin, found in turmeric, as an anti-cancer agent and its role in chemotherapy and radiation therapy greatly influenced her.
During the early years of her PhD, an unexpected shift occurred in her research topic—from studying the molecular aspects of Alzheimer’s disease to investigating the p53 gene in breast cancer patients. This change arose due to a lack of available patient data necessary for her original study.
This transition marked one of the most challenging phases of her doctoral journey. Support from her family played a crucial role in adapting to this shift. Her father’s connections in the medical field at BHU helped ease the transition, while her father-in-law’s professional network facilitated access to cancer tissue samples, expediting her research. The collective support from both families proved invaluable, reinforcing the importance of parents encouraging their daughters to pursue ambitious careers.
With a PhD in Cancer Biology, focusing on the p53 gene in breast cancer, she found herself immersed in groundbreaking research. Each day, she saw leading oncologists, surgeons, CEOs, and cancer patients seeking Prof. Aggarwal’s guidance. The most powerful moments were when cancer patients, ranging from early to advanced stages, personally expressed gratitude for his research and life-saving recommendations. It was during this time that Shinjini fully realized the true power of being a scientist—her work wasn’t just about discoveries; it had the potential to transform and save lives.
