Shokeen Receives International Suffrage Science Award

Monica Shokeen, PhD, vice chair for diversity, equity, inclusion and justice for Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR), was honored with the International Suffrage Science Award for Life Science from the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Medical Sciences. Presented every year to 11 individuals from across the globe, the award celebrates women in science for their achievements and ability to inspire others.

Also an associate professor of radiology and a principal investigator in the Biophotonics Research Center, Shokeen’s research is focused on investigating the underlying mechanisms of disease using molecularly targeted imaging agents to develop novel approaches for imaging cancer, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. She also serves as director of the Molecular Imaging Center and the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice.

The previous award holders choose awardees for their scientific achievements and ability to inspire others. Shokeen was nominated by Naomi Matsuura, PhD, an assistant professor of materials science and engineering at University of Toronto, who received the award in 2020.

In her nomination, Matsuura describes Shokeen as an exceptional scientist and leader in the DEIJ space. “Dr. Monica Shokeen, an exceptional scientist who designs innovative new molecules to image and treat cancer. Behind her many scientific accomplishments, Dr. Shokeen is a remarkable human being. She champions her colleagues, uplifts trainees and works tirelessly to ensure women and underrepresented groups obtain equitable access to training and career opportunities. Dr. Shokeen, an inspiring leader in the molecular imaging field, is truly deserving of a Suffrage Science Award.”

Shokeen and the other award winners were honored during a ceremony hosted at the University of Oxford. Winners received heirloom jewelry pieces commissioned from University of the Arts London students, who worked with scientists to create items inspired by research and the Suffragette movement, from which the program takes its name. Shokeen received a brooch from Matsuura and will continue to pass down its legacy.