Celebrating Women at Accellix
This blog highlights the inspiring stories of exceptional women who contribute to our mission at Accellix. Their diverse talents and perspectives are instrumental in our journey to bring automated flow cytometry to cell and gene therapy quality control and manufacturing.
Shosh Ollech
Operations Director
Shosh is an accomplished engineer with a strong technical expertise and foundational experience with Accellix. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, her successful journey in the cell and gene therapy space is a testament to her determination, love of math and mechanical design, as well as her scientific curiosity.
After a transformative gap year in Jerusalem, Shosh pursued a degree in mechanical engineering at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, one of the first institutions to provide successful CAR T cell therapy. Her academic pursuits took her to the Technion in Haifa, Israel, where she not only discovered her future husband but also embarked on a pivotal internship at Accellix (link to Accellix.com) that would shape her career.
Today, as a dedicated member of our team, Shosh plays a crucial role in optimizing our production processes and operations. Her passion for problem-solving and her ability to find innovative solutions have been instrumental in our company’s growth.
Outside of work, Shosh enjoys a variety of hobbies that allow her to unwind and recharge. She has recently discovered a passion for embroidery, finding it a hands-on and creative outlet. When she’s not crafting intricate designs in denim, she can be found spending quality time with her family, camping, attending music festivals, or simply enjoying a good book.
Balancing a demanding career with motherhood is not easy, yet Shosh has continued to find success by setting clear boundaries and talking openly about her needs. Her determination to create a supportive work environment for herself and other women is inspiring.
During her university training, Shosh was significantly influenced by her university mentor, a renowned robotics professor.
“Her passion for robotics is infectious, and she has this amazing ability to make even the most complex concepts seem accessible and exciting. What really inspires me is how she combines her deep technical knowledge with a genuine dedication to mentoring her students. She’s always encouraging us to push boundaries and think creatively, and she does it with such grace and enthusiasm. As one of the few women in a male-dominated field, she sparkles”.
Her mentor’s passion for technology and her commitment to mentoring students has been a huge motivation and shaped how Shosh approaches her own work and goals.
As a company, we are proud to have Shosh as part of our team. Her contributions to our success are immeasurable, and her dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace is an inspiration to us all.
Nikhita Bhalsod
Scientific Sales Representative
Nikhita is a dynamic young professional making waves in her role as a sales representative at Accellix, covering the EMEA region.
Growing up in London and Singapore, Nikhita has a curiosity for culture and different ways of life. In her current role, she combines her passion for science with a love for exploration and connecting with people. Outside of work, she challenges herself both physically and mentally through bouldering, a sport that has taught her the importance of perseverance and individuality.
While Nikhita has faced challenges related to her age and gender, she has emerged stronger and more determined. She is passionate about supporting other women in the workplace.
“Women in the workplace have an incredible opportunity to positively impact the women they work with. Their support can be instrumental, especially for those early on in their careers.”
Nikhita also believes in the power of mentorship. Her advice to young women starting their careers is simple: find a mentor who can guide and inspire you. For Nikhita, her mom has been a consistent mentor, teaching her to aim high and act with respect and integrity.
Nikhita’s journey is an inspiration for young professionals in the biotechnology industry. Her dedication, resilience, and passion for making a difference are qualities that will undoubtedly lead to continued success in her career.
Jyothi Jayaram
Staff Scientist, Assay Migration and Development
Jyothi, a seasoned member of our Assay Migration and Development team, brings a unique blend of global perspective and scientific expertise to Accellix. Hailing from the vibrant city of Mumbai, India, Jyothi moved to the US to pursue a PhD from Texas A&M University. Her love for gardening, particularly her succulent obsession, serves as a tranquil counterpoint to the fast-paced world of product development.
With a strong foundation in Microbiology from both undergraduate and graduate training, Jyothi’s career has evolved from assay development to becoming a skilled Product Development Specialist. Her passion lies in creating user-friendly products that deliver tangible value. Over fifteen years, she’s successfully launched over thirty products, demonstrating her remarkable ability to translate scientific concepts into practical solutions.
Jyothi’s professional philosophy emphasizes adaptability, open-mindedness, and growth.
“Every workplace, project, and goal has its own challenges. You’ll have to think outside the box to figure out your path forward. Keep an open mind and be open to feedback.”
She believes in the power of perspective and the importance of setting achievable goals. While acknowledging the challenges inherent in any workplace, she highlights a motivation to be better each day and remembers to celebrate life’s accomplishments.
Jyothis’ mentorship philosophy of open-mindedness and continuous improvement empowers her team to excel, and her contributions are fundamental to the company’s success.
Special Thanks
A big thank you to all the women who work hard to realize Accellix’s mission. Special thanks to those who contributed to this blog, including Jyothi Jayaram, Shosh Olleh, Nikhita Bhalsod, Christian Aguilera-Sandoval, Efthalia Gerasimopoulos, and Rey Mali.
