May 13 is Mother's Day in the US. In honor of the occasion, we spoke with Biophysical Society member Goli Yamini, the Catholic University of America, about what it is like to be a biophysicist and a parent, and how the two roles impact each other.

How many children do you have? What are their ages?

Two boys, 7 and 4 years old.

At what stage of your career did you have your children? 

I had my first when I was finishing my master’s degree and working at the NIH, and my second arrived in year 2 of my PhD.

Has your career been influenced or changed by your role as a parent? How?

Yes, greatly. It is of course challenging to balance work, school, a new born baby, and a toddler. It even sounds crazy just putting them all in the same sentence. But my family is a great source of inspiration and motivation for me. I want to be a good role model for my sons, and show them what is possible. I describe myself as an emotional person and very much devoted to my children. So I don’t take being away from them lightly, and the times I couldn’t be home with them have always been ultra-productive, maybe as a way of dealing with “mommy guilt.” I’ve had to step back, take time off, and prioritize my family in the past. So there have been sacrifices I have had to make regarding my career. But I have also learned how to make the best of the time I have and to take it one day at a time.

How (if at all) has your career been influenced by your own parents?

My father is a scientist, so the standards were set pretty high for us as kids. I feel very motivated by my father’s story and success, and although both my parents are very supportive, it was my mother actually who always encouraged me to pursue science. Ever since I was very young, she had a deep conviction that I had a large source of unrealized potential, which I was obligated to tap into. So at every step of my career I feel I get closer to realizing that “epic” potential my mom always saw in me. They never pressured me or my sister into pursuing a certain pre-defined path, but because of their faith in us, seeing them be proud of any accomplishment big or small is a great source of joy in my life.  

What has been the most challenging aspect of being a biophysicist and a parent?

Finding flexibility in my day to day work that could provide room for dealing with the never-ending unexpected things that come up when you have two young children. You have to learn how to manage your time, make the most of the time you have, and wear many hats as a mother in science. It is often hard to find a place where people will be OK with you wearing those different hats, and appreciate what you have to bring to the table. 

Have there been any benefits to being both a mother and a scientist?

Absolutely, problem solving! I had no idea how the deductive approach you get trained in applies to both science and motherhood. They are both filled with new problems that constantly push you out of your comfort zone. The patience you build dealing with the unknown really applies to both.

Would you encourage your children to be scientists?

Pursuing science for me was a process of self-discovery and finding my passion. So I encourage them to find what makes them happy and is worthy of investing their life in.

How would your children describe your work?

“Mommy goes to a school with no recess!”

Any advice for other mothers or prospective mothers pursuing science careers?

Just do it! Pursuing science is a passion, and when you discover that about yourself, you realize that it is a part of you that cannot be ignored. So don’t ignore it. The path is not always easy, particularly balancing work and a new baby. But that’s the case in pursuing any dream. Plus, everything is already harder with kids, even “relaxing.” A lot of the horror stories you hear are not really exclusive to people with science careers. I’ve seen a lot of compassion and understanding, found an absolutely wonderful advisor, and am very happy with the balance I was able to reach eventually. You just have to own being a mom, be clear about your obligations, and don’t feel apologetic or that you are at a disadvantage for having a family. Being a mom actually is sort of like boot-camp training for all the other stuff outside the home.

Any other thoughts you would like to add: 

Happy Mother’s day to all the fierce scientist moms out there!