From a young age, Shinjini Singh was drawn to two things: people and books. While books offered her knowledge, structure, and the vast expanse of science, people revealed a different kind of truth—the unpredictability of emotions, struggles, and the deep need for connection. As she grew, she realized that understanding people was just as important as understanding research.
She worked as a Research Scientist at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Now, working as a Cancer Clinical Trials Professional at Cleveland Clinic, she sees this intersection come to life every day. She watched oncologists, surgeons, CEOs, and even patients turn to experts—not just for clinical answers but for insight beyond medicine. Science, to her, was not just about data and equations but about patterns—patterns of life, emotions, and healing. She saw wisdom in ancient Indian sages, who lived not for recognition but for the betterment of others. She knew that the best research wasn’t just about discovery but about how it touched lives.
In her journey, one lesson stood out: emotional intelligence is the heart of leadership. The best leaders weren’t just intelligent; they understood people, inspired trust, and created an environment where everyone felt valued and empowered. She observed that people rarely left jobs because of policies; more often, they left because they felt unseen by their leaders.
To Shinjini, her work is more than a career—it is a calling, a responsibility, and a bridge between knowledge and humanity. She doesn’t see herself as just a researcher but as a medium of Shiv and Shakti, guiding her to make a real difference. Every day she steps into work, she carries this understanding with her, striving to heal not just through science but through compassion, wisdom, and the power of human connection.
A Journey of Knowledge, Resilience, and Support
Shinjini was born in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, into a highly educated family. Her father, Dr. O. P. Singh, served as Professor and Head of the Department of Anaesthesiology at BRD Medical College, later becoming Dean until his retirement. Her mother, Mrs. Asha Rajput, dedicated herself to raising their family. Growing up on the medical college campus, Shinjini was surrounded by doctors, fostering a childhood filled with both academic excellence and a deep understanding of the medical world.
Her family roots trace back to Madhopatti village in Jaunpur, a place famously known as “The IAS Factory of Bharat” for producing the highest number of IAS and PCS officers in India. However, her mother, a former NCC cadet and accomplished athlete, emphasized both academics and sports, ensuring that Shinjini had a well-rounded childhood. Excelling as an all-rounder, she was a top student, lead singer, best athlete, and head girl of her school.
Despite common misconceptions, Shinjini believes that astrology is deeply rooted in mathematics and science. Her father, a firm believer in its principles, was once told that she would enter a field related to drugs and medicine, requiring extreme precision. Initially, he speculated neurosurgery, but as Shinjini pursued biotechnology, she realized that the prophecy had pointed toward molecular biology—a field that delves even deeper than organs and tissues, exploring the intricate pathways of DNA, RNA, and proteins within cells.
Her academic journey led her to Banaras Hindu University (BHU), India’s premier institution, where she was selected for a PhD program at the Institute of Medical Sciences. While pursuing her doctorate, she married Anuj Srivastava, her childhood best friend and strongest pillar of support. At the same time, Anuj secured a job as a software engineer at Infosys, known for its rigorous entrance exams and training in Mysore. Now, he works as a Senior Data Engineer at Warren Buffet’s company in the US. Coming from an equally accomplished family, his father, Dr. S.K. Srivastava, retired as Director General of Health Services, at UP Government, while his mother, Mrs. Mala Srivastava has always been very supportive and proud of Shinjini’s academic qualifications and achievements. His brother, Akshay Srivastava, has held multiple leadership positions in IT and healthcare firms in the US, serving as a significant motivator during Shinjini’s job search in Dallas.
Managing a long-distance marriage while pursuing a PhD was challenging. With Anuj working in Chandigarh and Shinjini studying in Varanasi, their time together was limited. They never had the chance to build a home together in India before Anuj was offered an opportunity to move to the United States through Infosys. As she neared the completion of her thesis, this transition brought uncertainty. Around the same time, her father fell critically ill and was admitted to the ICU, adding to her emotional turmoil. Despite the hardships, she persevered and successfully submitted her PhD thesis, drawing strength from her family and loved ones.
Her sister, Shalini, a dedicated teacher in India, and her brother-in-law, Pankaj Singh, a politician, have always been immensely proud and supportive of her work. Lifelong friendships have also played a crucial role in her journey. 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 academic, emotional, and personal support. She often reflects that she navigated the toughest times of her PhD because of their unwavering presence.
A special mention goes to her mentor, teacher, and elder brother figure, Prof. R.K. Singh, whose guidance and encouragement made completing her PhD possible.
Shinjini’s journey is one of intellectual pursuit, resilience, and deep-rooted support from family and friends. From a childhood filled with academic rigor to navigating personal and professional challenges, she remains steadfast in her belief that dedication, emotional intelligence, and strong relationships are key to success.
A Pivotal Moment in Her Career
Working under Prof. Aggarwal, a highly renowned scientist, marked a turning point in Shinjini’s career. He had played a key role in discovering Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) at Genentech, a then-emerging biotech startup. His pioneering work on curcumin (found in turmeric) as an anti-cancer agent and its protective role in chemotherapy and radiation therapy inspired her deeply.
During the initial years of doctoral research, an unexpected shift in the thesis topic occurred, transitioning from a molecular study of Alzheimer’s disease to an investigation of the p53 gene in breast cancer patients. This change resulted from the unavailability of the required number of patients as outlined in the original hypothesis.
This phase proved to be one of the most arduous and challenging stages of the doctoral journey. Support from family played a vital role in adapting to this transition. Assistance from a father’s network of medical colleagues at the Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, facilitated the adjustment, while a father-in-law’s connection with a professional at the North Indian Railway Cancer Institute expedited the collection of tissue samples for protein and DNA analysis. The unwavering support from both families proved invaluable, highlighting an important lesson for guardians, particularly in India, to prioritize the career aspirations of their daughters.
With a PhD in Cancer Biology, focusing on the p53 gene in breast cancer patients, she found herself immersed in groundbreaking research. Every day, she witnessed leading oncologists, surgeons, CEOs, and cancer patients seeking Prof. Aggarwal’s guidance. The most profound moments were when cancer patients, from early to advanced stages, personally thanked him for his research and life-saving recommendations. It was then that Shinjini fully grasped the power of being a scientist—research was not just about discovery; it had the potential to change and save lives.
A New Path in Clinical Trials
Just as her career gained momentum, another unexpected turn came when Anuj had to change jobs and visa status, causing Shinjini to lose her work permit. They moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and at the end of 2014, they learned that PhD holders could apply for a Green Card under the Extraordinary Ability (EB1A) category. Determined to secure her future, she started working on her petition.
Her only missing qualification was editorial experience—she needed to serve on editorial boards of international journals and review scientific manuscripts. Rising to the challenge, she worked tirelessly to gain this experience. By the time they submitted her petition, she was serving on the editorial boards of 7-8 internationally renowned oncology journals and had reviewed around 200 scientific manuscripts.
Despite the struggles, Anuj remained her unwavering support, much like her mother had been during her early years. In 2017, she finally received her Green Card, allowing her to work again. Though she had initially searched for a basic science research position, she unexpectedly landed in Cancer Clinical Trials—and this is where the prophecy from her childhood fully unfolded.
Her father had been told that she would work in a field related to “drugs and medicine”, but even more precise than neurosurgery. Now, she was directly involved in drug development and clinical research—an outcome she had never anticipated but found incredibly fulfilling. Since 2017, she has remained in Cancer Clinical Trials, using her expertise to contribute to medical advancements that help patients worldwide. She is thankful to all clinical trial patients for their invaluable participation, courage, and contribution to advancing medical research, helping to shape the future of healthcare, and improving countless lives worldwide.
The Power of Support
Shinjini’s journey was not without immense personal struggles. The period in Dallas was one of the hardest phases of her life, as she experienced severe depression due to job search challenges and isolation. Being far from friends and family, which had always been a crucial part of her life, only deepened her struggles. Anuj provided endless support, comforting and encouraging her every evening after work. Both of them suffered, yet they never gave up.
When she finally secured a position at MD Anderson, Anuj’s job required him to relocate to New Jersey and Chicago, forcing them apart yet again. During this period, her siblings, Ajay and Neelam, graciously invited her to live with them in Houston, providing the warmth of family she needed.
For Shinjini, family and friendships have always been the foundation of her life. Just as her loved ones have supported her, she has always stood by them, proving that success is not just about achievements—it’s about the people who walk alongside you on the journey.
A Scientist’s True Calling
As a basic scientist turned clinical researcher, Shinjini never pursued her career for name or fame. She firmly believed that if her work contributed to curing debilitating diseases like cancer, the recognition would come as a byproduct of her dedication. For her, the real reward was the impact on patients and their families.
As an Indian-American scientist, she deeply respects her cultural heritage and sees a profound connection between ancient Indian sages and modern scientific research. She reflects on how visionaries like Sage Vishwamitra and Sage Vyas not just spiritual figures were but scientists and physicians ahead of their time. The Rig Veda, humanity’s oldest scripture, states that only the most responsible, persevering individuals can dedicate their lives to this profession, as it exists solely to serve society through knowledge, research, and discovery. Shinjini sees this as a timeless truth—even today, scientists and innovators shape the future of nations, with the United States leading as a global powerhouse.
For her, science is a sacred duty, not a means to personal glory. “If someone enters this field chasing fame, they are on the wrong path,” she says. Every morning, as she steps into work, she reminds herself: that her purpose is to make a difference in patients’ lives.
A Profound Loss & A Father’s Last Gift
Like many, COVID-19 changed her life forever—but for her, it brought the deepest sorrow she had ever known. She lost her father—her best friend, her guru, her greatest source of strength. She had always dreamed of working at Cleveland Clinic, the top multi-specialty hospital in the U.S., and used to ask her father when that dream would come true. At the time of India’s second COVID wave, she had several interviews lined up—but on May 6, 2021, her father left for his heavenly abode.
The Indian borders had closed on May 4, making it impossible for her to travel. She couldn’t be there for her mother. The pain was unbearable. Overcome with grief, she wanted to cancel her Cleveland Clinic interview, but a close friend reminded her, “Isn’t this what your dad wanted for you?”
Summoning all her strength, she wrote to the professor, explaining her situation. To her astonishment, he responded, saying he was waiting for her. What followed was a grueling eight-round interview process—facing some of the world’s leading physicians, scientists, and clinical research experts. Through it all, her mind was clouded by grief, and she cried often, but she kept going, believing that her father was guiding her.
The night before her final interview, she saw her father in a dream, smiling at her with pride and joy. The next morning, before the last round even began, the professor emailed her with a job offer. Overwhelmed with emotion, she collapsed in tears. It felt as if her father himself had made it happen—as if he now had powers beyond this world, shaping her destiny from above.
Her husband, Anuj, consoled her, reminded her of her strength, and helped her gather herself for the final interview.
Courage, Commitment, and COVID-19
Even after securing the job, she never stopped pushing forward. She worked tirelessly day and night, carrying the weight of loss in her heart. In August 2021, another storm hit—her mother fell seriously ill. Without hesitation, Shinjini and Anuj rushed to India to be with her family.
Returning to work, she found herself on the frontlines of the pandemic, fearlessly working in the lab and hospital while COVID-19 surged around her. She witnessed firsthand the sacrifices of doctors, scientists, and caregivers, dedicating themselves selflessly to the fight.
She salutes these true heroes—those who worked day and night during the pandemic in every country. And though she endured loss, separation, and struggle, she continues her journey, knowing that science is not just her career—it is her karma, her purpose, and her father’s greatest gift to her.
A Life of Resilience, Dedication, and Impact
Throughout her life, Shinjini has demonstrated remarkable strength, perseverance, and dedication. She has faced some of the toughest challenges, yet she has never given up. Whether it was battling depression during her time in Dallas, tirelessly working to secure a Green Card under the prestigious EB1A category, or transitioning fearlessly from basic science to clinical research, she has always shown resilience in the face of adversity.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought some of the deepest personal losses she had ever known. Losing her father, her father-in-law, and one of her best friends, Dr. Saurabh Srivastava, within a short period changed her life forever. Despite being in such a situation, she works every day now to make her dad and father-in-law feel proud that he raised a good and strong daughter who wants to be a good human being always and is making a difference in the world through her work and strong conviction. She always dedicated her achievements by keeping any award or recognition that she received, in their feet for their blessings.
Strengths & Growth as a Leader
Her greatest strength lies in her relentless perseverance and determination to make a difference. No matter the challenge, she never allowed negativity or doubt to define her. However, one of the key lessons she learned in her career was the importance of delegation. Having always been a scientist accustomed to handling every detail herself, she initially struggled to delegate tasks and trust team collaboration. Over time, she embraced teamwork as a vital aspect of leadership and professional growth.
A Heartfelt Dedication
Shinjini is honored as IFAH – Top 100 Visionaries in Healthcare & Health 2.0 – Excellence in Healthcare. She is also serving as an Editorial board member in Internationally renowned publications and has written numerous book chapters. Shinjini dedicates all her achievements and success to her parents—especially her father. She acknowledges that who she is today is because of them. She also expresses deep gratitude to her husband, Anuj Srivastava, her best friend and soulmate, who has been her unwavering support through every high and low. His love, encouragement, and belief in her have kept her strong through the toughest moments of their lives.
In the end, her journey is not just about personal success—it is about service, resilience, and making a lasting impact on the world.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders
For those stepping into leadership roles, Shinjini Singh believes that one quality stands above all others: emotional intelligence. She has observed that true leaders are not just defined by their titles but by their ability to connect with people, understand their needs, and inspire them. Addressing the women leaders, she mentioned, “Every woman’s success is a step towards a stronger nation. Their courage, dedication & leadership are transforming the world and inspiring generations to come with resilience.”
The Power of Spirituality & Meditation
A deeply spiritual person, Shinjini meditates daily, believing that meditation brings clarity, focus, and direction in life. She shares that during moments of uncertainty or confusion, simply focusing on one’s breath can bring guidance from a higher power.
As a Sagittarius in Vedic astrology, she resonates with the symbol of the half-human, half-horse archer—a seeker of knowledge, wisdom, and truth, always aiming high and bridging the earthly and the divine.
A Life of Purpose & Service
Shinjini sees herself as a medium of Shiv & Shakti, here to serve society, uplift humanity, and make people’s lives better through her work. For her, success is not just about personal achievements but about giving back, helping others, and making a lasting impact on the world.
