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Building Bridges in Science: How Purdue Shaped Dr. Belinda Seto’s Path to the NIH

10-21-2024

Headshot of Belinda Seto

Dr. Belinda Seto’s journey from Hong Kong to becoming the Deputy Director of Data Science at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a story of resilience, passion for science, and commitment to public service.

As a Purdue alumna, Seto credits much of her success to the foundational experiences she had at Purdue University, which gave her not only the academic tools but also the personal strength to thrive in the challenging world of biomedical research.

Growing up in Hong Kong, Seto’s early life was shaped by her family’s decision to immigrate to the United States in search of better educational opportunities. Her parents, determined to provide their four children with a more promising future, settled in Sacramento, California. Seto recalls the culture shock she faced upon arrival, struggling with language barriers and feeling out of place in a new culture. Despite the challenges, she persevered, driven by her family’s sacrifices and her own love for learning.

After transferring from a community college to UC Davis, Seto's interest in biomedical research blossomed. She attributes her initial fascination with research to the encouragement of dedicated professors who provided hands-on learning experiences. This exposure solidified her desire to pursue graduate studies, and when it came time to choose a Ph.D. program, Purdue’s transparency about its financial support sealed the deal. “Purdue made it clear what the arrangement was,” she explained, recalling the importance of the $5,000 teaching assistantship the university offered.

At Purdue, Seto faced new challenges—most notably, adapting to Indiana’s harsh winters. A professor’s advice to make the best of the environment became a guiding principle in her life, teaching her to embrace challenges and find opportunities for growth even in difficult circumstances.

Seto thrived in the academic environment, working under the mentorship of Dr. Len Mortenson, she explored anaerobic bacteria and nitrogen fixation, a continuation of her undergraduate thesis work at UC Davis. Mortenson’s approach—allowing students to explore and ask questions freely—was pivotal for Seto. “He wasn’t one to hover over us like we were children,” she said. “He gave us guidance and let us pursue answers creatively.” This environment of trust and collaboration fostered her confidence as a scientist.

It was also at Purdue where Seto met her future husband, and she fondly recalls late-night research sessions followed by donut runs with her lab mates. These friendships, some of which have lasted a lifetime, created a tight-knit community that supported her both personally and professionally.

After completing her Ph.D., Seto embarked on a postdoctoral fellowship at the NIH, where she worked under renowned biochemists Earl and Theresa Stadman. The Stadmans, who treated their postdoctoral fellows like family, nurtured Seto’s growth as an independent researcher. “They expected you to work hard but were incredibly generous socially,” Seto recalled, sharing how the Stadmans would host weekly wine tastings where scientific and social discussions flowed freely.

Seto’s dedication to public service was solidified during her time at the FDA, where she played a critical role in the response to the AIDS epidemic. As part of a team tasked with approving HIV detection kits, Seto’s work had a direct impact on ensuring the safety of blood products during a time of great uncertainty. “That made it real for me,” she said.

“I wasn’t looking for recognition; I wanted to make sure no one was unknowingly exposed to HIV from blood products.”

This experience cemented her commitment to public service, a value deeply rooted in her family’s immigration story and the opportunities provided to them by the U.S.

Her career took another significant turn when she was appointed as Deputy Director of the newly established National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB). In this role, Seto was integral in building the institute from the ground up, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between engineers and medical imaging scientists. “I had just finished executive leadership training at Harvard, and I was literally taking the lessons I learned there and applied them to the new institute,” Seto recalled. During her decade-long tenure, she guided the institute’s research agenda, shaping it into a thriving hub for innovative biomedical research​. This experience also deepened her appreciation for the power of leadership and the importance of building strong teams. It was this ability to nurture a nascent institute into a thriving hub for cutting-edge research that further established her reputation as a leader in biomedical science.

After her success at NIBIB, Seto transitioned to the National Eye Institute (NEI), where she was drawn to the opportunity to work on clinical trials. At NEI, she explored groundbreaking advancements in gene and cell therapy for eye diseases, which brought hope to individuals with genetic eye conditions. Seto was deeply moved by her interactions with patient advocacy groups, whose passion for finding cures for vision loss inspired her work

Today, as Deputy Director of Data Science at the NIH, Seto focuses on ensuring equitable access to technology. One of her key focuses is on artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, where she advocates for transparency and diversity in data collection to prevent biases that could harm vulnerable populations. Her leadership in the field is shaping the future of healthcare by promoting models that are inclusive and representative of diverse populations.

Seto’s connection to Purdue remains strong. She serves on the Biological Sciences Alumni Advisory Council and the advisory board for the Global Women’s Health Initiative. In memory of her late husband, whom she met at Purdue, Seto established an endowment to support postdoctoral fellows facing financial hardship. “Purdue is where my career and family life started,” she reflected.

“I owe so much to the university, and I’m committed to giving back”.

Dr. Belinda Seto’s journey—from a young immigrant struggling to fit in, to a leading scientist shaping the future of data science at the NIH—exemplifies the power of perseverance, mentorship, and the lifelong impact of education. Through her work, Seto continues to inspire future generations of scientists to take risks, embrace challenges, and always strive to make a difference.

 

About the Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue University

Purdue Biological Sciences is the largest department in the Life Sciences at Purdue University. As part of Purdue One Health, we are dedicated to pioneering scientific discoveries and transformative education at the cutting edge of innovation. From molecules to cells, from tissues to organisms, from populations to ecosystems - we bring together multiple perspectives, integrating across biological scales to advance our understanding of life and tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Learn more at bio.purdue.edu/.

 

Writer: Alisha Willett, areferda@purdue.edu

Source: Belinda Seto

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