Jana Asselman
BIO
Assistant professor in blue biotechnology and oceans & human health at Ghent University (Belgium). Mother of two.
Twitter: @jaasselm
LinkedIn: Jana Asselman
“Life will always present unexpected twists, no matter how much you plan!”
I feel I have the best job in the world. Being paid to pursue research you are passionate about and sharing that knowledge with young researchers, students, and society doesn't feel like a job at all. Similarly, I have found motherhood and raising children to be incredibly rewarding despite the challenges. I’ve shed many tears as both an academic and parent, facing frustration, anger, disappointment, uncertainty, and stress. Yet each time my drive and passion have got me through. For me, the gains far outweigh the losses.
I was seven months pregnant when I got the call to interview for my current position. It was scheduled a week after my due date. Fortunately, the selection committee was understanding and agreed to reschedule if necessary. My pregnancy and birth went smoothly, so I decided to go ahead with the interview.
I only told my partner and mentors about it as I was worried about being judged as a mother for going ahead with the interview. It's surprising how many mothers have faced similar situations. This experience taught me never to delay motherhood for a job opportunity. Life will always present unexpected twists, no matter how much you plan!
With job security and maternity leave in place, it felt like I had everything worked out. Then two months into my new position, the COVID-19 pandemic struck. I suddenly found myself at home with a 3.5-year-old and a five-month-old baby, while supporting a team of junior researchers.
I also lost two close family members to cancer and suicide. It was a recipe for burnout or depression. But I had a supportive mentor and people dependent on me—my team, my children, and my family. So I persevered. The tension between motherhood and academia ultimately became the driving force that got me through.
I believe that being a mother has made me a better leader, and vice versa. Flexibility, the ability to multitask, understanding, and creativity are essential skills for both roles.
Four values in particular have kept me grounded:
1. Growth mindset: use criticism as feedback for improvement and growth.
2. Honesty and kindness: academia is tough, but maintaining honesty, gentleness, and kindness is crucial. This is equally important in parenting: reacting in anger rarely helps.
3. Authenticity: regularly self-reflect on what you have achieved and how you can further improve. Strive to be a better scientist, leader, mentor, person, and mother.
4. Resilience: understand that failure is inevitable. When you fall, get back up and try again. This is how we grow.