We’ve Got You!

In 2022, SIVB returned to in-person annual meetings – an essential part of bringing our community back together. Continuing to stay engaged, motivating each other, and learning from each other is now more important than ever for our Society. With this in mind, “We’ve Got You!” is a featured series of the In Vitro Report, which shares the stories of SIVB members, new and seasoned, alike. Regardless of your career stage and area of expertise, we hope these reflections encourage and engage you, our students, colleagues, and members, to pursue your research dreams!

In this issue, we are pleased to highlight Shekoofeh Sadravi, a talented and motivated PhD student in Molecular Biosciences Program at Arkansas State University. Shekoofeh’s first experience with our Society was at the 2025 Annual Meeting of the SIVB in Norfolk, VA. Here, Shekoofeh reflects on the welcoming and supporting environment she found at SIVB, and her active engagement and service in multiple roles in the SIVB since then.

We hope you will be touched and inspired by Shekoofeh’s story, and we look forward to reading your stories in this column soon!

Addy Alt-Holland and Michael Fay

My name is Shekoofeh Sadravi, and I am a second-year PhD student in the Molecular Biosciences program at Arkansas State University. My research focuses on using plant-based systems as biofactories to produce pharmaceutical and industrial proteins.

My experience with SIVB began at the 2025 conference, which became a turning point for me. As an international student who had recently moved away from home, I initially felt isolated and unsure about attending. I even considered not going, but a friend who had previously attended the conference encouraged me to participate. She spoke highly of the friendly and professional environment and described how welcoming and supportive the community was. Her experience motivated me to give it a chance. On the first day, I was nervous and did not know how to approach people. However, the welcoming atmosphere quickly changed that feeling. The student-focused events, informal gatherings, and networking sessions created a strong sense of community. People were open, friendly, and eager to connect. Those moments helped reduce my loneliness and reminded me that professional spaces can also be supportive and inclusive.

Over the next few days, I realized how meaningful student involvement was at SIVB. There were daily activities designed specifically for students—networking events, ice-breaker games, and training sessions. It became a space where students from different universities could connect and share experiences. Meeting another Iranian student also brought me comfort in a new environment. Evenings were filled with laughter, conversations, and professional networking. I had the opportunity to speak directly with company representatives, share my ideas, and receive thoughtful feedback. They listened carefully, asked questions, and exchanged contact information. That experience made me feel valued as a young scientist.

One evening, I met a member of the SIVB named Hannah, and we had a long conversation about research, universities, and personal interests. On the final day, we took a boat ride along the Elizabeth River. The organizers remained friendly and approachable throughout the conference, offering advice and encouragement.

Looking back, SIVB 2025 was more than a conference. It became a turning point. It eased my loneliness and reminded me that even far from home, I could find community and belonging.

Today, I serve on the Social Planning Committee because the networking events at SIVB 2025 were the first experiences that made me feel I truly belonged. I want to help create that same welcoming environment for new students who may feel shy or uncertain. I also serve as a student delegate to increase awareness of SIVB within my university and encourage greater student participation. I hope to create more opportunities for students to connect with the society and benefit from its professional network. Additionally, I expressed interest in joining the Educational Committee because my research area—plant-based pharmaceutical production—had limited visibility at the conference. I hoped to promote this cost-effective biotechnology field and suggest more interactive educational activities to better connect ideas with practical applications.

Submitted by Addy Alt-Holland and Michael Fay