“LEADERs Completely Changed My Perspective on Research”: PhD Student Maria Khalid’s Transformative Experience

By Enryka Christopher 

Enryka Christopher (EC): What is your major and research focus? 

Maria Khalid (MK): I’m a fourth-year Biology PhD student in Dr. Erin Cram’s lab at Northeastern University’s Boston campus. I study a tiny roundworm called C. elegans, a powerful model for understanding how muscles contract. My research focuses on the spermatheca, a part of the worm’s reproductive system where eggs are fertilized and pushed through by muscle-like contractions.

C. elegans has a simple, tube-like body, similar to human smooth muscles, such as the intestines, blood vessels, and reproductive organs. In these systems, smooth muscle contractions help move liquids and nutrients. When these muscles don’t function properly, it can lead to serious health issues like infertility, digestive problems, or heart disease.

By studying how the spermatheca works in C. elegans, I aim to uncover the genes and signals that control smooth muscle movement and gain insight into how these processes work in humans. 

EC: What drew you to the LEADERs program? 

MK: I joined the LEADERs program to gain real-world experience, explore career options beyond academia, and apply my research skills to industry. 

EC: What are some valuable things you took away from the course? 

MK: One valuable takeaway from the LEADERs program was learning how to translate my research skills into real-world applications, making my work more impactful beyond academia. 

I also appreciated the interactive and reflective nature of the courses. They pushed me to think beyond academia and explore my leadership style and career options. Connecting with professionals and PhDs, and hearing their experiences, made it all feel more real and inspiring. It wasn’t just about research; it was about making an impact and growing as a person.​ 

EC: What did you gain from the “Leading Self and Others” course?  

MK: Before the Leading Self and Others course, I thought leadership was about telling people what to do. Turns out, it’s more about understanding yourself first. 

What made it even better? The people. I made some amazing friends during the course. We bonded over leadership talks, group activities, and unforgettable hikes where we all pretended we weren’t out of breath. Those shared moments showed me how important adaptability, empathy, and real communication are. 

It wasn’t just a course it was a reality check, a confidence boost and leadership suddenly felt less intimidating, and a lot more like something I could actually grow into. 

EC: How did the LEADERs Program support or change your perspective on your research?  

MK: The LEADERs program completely changed my perspective on research. Before, I’d get a little nervous just thinking about using those expensive, high-tech instruments in the lab. I was convinced I’d break something or somehow trigger a disaster. But thanks to the program, I learned that everyone was super supportive, and using those resources became less intimidating. It also taught me that research isn’t just about the work you do on your own, but about the people you collaborate with and the connections you make. I now know how to present my work in a way that engages others, and I’ve gained confidence in managing tight deadlines and maximizing the tools at my disposal. It’s all about building those bridges both in research and in the lab! 

EC: What was your experience like in the LEADERs Program? 

MK: The LEADERs Program totally flipped how I see myself and my research. I realized I’m actually good at staying calm in chaos and that it’s okay not to have all the answers. I got better at talking to people outside of science and learned how to step outside my comfort zone without totally panicking. 

One of my favorite memories was during the LEADERs course, a group of us went hiking, nothing like bonding over trails and pretending we weren’t out of breath. Then a year later, on the first day of my internship, I randomly bumped into the same friend from that hike on the MBTA. I was nervous, ended up oversharing my whole experience, and it weirdly felt like therapy on a train. 

It wasn’t just professional growth it was real connection, support, and a reminder that the people you meet on the trail might just show up when you need them most.  

EC: What advice would you give to a PhD student considering the LEADERs program? 

MK: I would advise a PhD student to be open-minded and embrace the opportunity to expand beyond research. It’s a great way to develop leadership, communication, and networking skills that can complement your academic work and open doors for future career opportunities. The program offers a unique blend of experiential learning and professional development that can enhance your research and broaden your career prospects. Additionally, the program fosters a supportive community where you can connect with peers and professionals, share experiences, and grow together. So, if you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, and gain valuable skills that will benefit you both during and after your PhD journey, the LEADERs program is a great choice. 

EC: What are some words of advice for PhD students coming to Boston to attend Northeastern from across the world? 

MK: My advice? Embrace the diversity and resources Boston has to offer seriously, this city is like a giant academic buffet, and you should definitely try everything. Don’t hesitate to reach out, ask questions, and network with people from all walks of life. The academic community here is supportive, and the connections you make can really level up your experience. And, hey, when you need a break from all that intellectual stimulation, take the time to explore the city. Boston is like a classroom with better coffee and way cooler museums! Just a heads up: prepare for the weather. Boston’s four seasons are like a reality show—one minute you’re in summer, the next, you’re knee-deep in snow. So, pack an umbrella, sunscreen, and a winter coat, because you might need them all… at once! Also, get to know the city’s transportation you’ll get your steps in for sure, but hey, Boston’s a walkable city, so enjoy the journey! Don’t forget to check out the beaches, museums, and parks, too. They’re the perfect spots to relax and recharge. Oh, and be sure to take a stroll around Northeastern and the other universities in town. Boston is basically the Olympics of intellects, and being part of that energy is nothing short of inspiring!” 

Upon completion of the “Leading Self and Others” course, LEADERs program staff and partner companies select fellows who align with specific industry needs. PhDs are supported through the fellowship application process and placed in a specialized role to solve a problem in industry. They go on to earn a LEADERs’ Experiential PhD leadership certificate, with guidance from an industry mentor and faculty advisor. The program is run by the PhD Network, which helps prepare students to enter the workforce as impactful researchers.

If you are a postdoc interested in the LEADERs program, sign up or contact Wendy Eaton, director of LEADERs partnership relations. Follow us on LinkedIn.