Dr. Sandra J. Laney came to Quinsigamond Community College with a passion for learning, but an unclear path and no knowledge of what college even was. Today, Laney is a widely recognized expert in global health science who has worked in 13 countries worldwide. She also founded a consulting practice that helps maximize the benefits of philanthropy. Her journey from uncertain student to international health leader and philanthropy advisor shows just how far you can go starting with a community college education.
"I loved my time at QCC," Laney recalled. "Not having an understanding of what college was, it was a nice entryway. It was game-changing in taking the next steps in my career."
Laney didn't come from a college-educated family. She had gotten "a little sidetracked" in high school and carried a lingering fear of science after failing biology, “an attitude rather than aptitude problem,” according to Laney. Initially drawn to visual arts at QCC, she found herself needing to complete a science requirement to graduate.
Reluctantly enrolling in a biology for non-majors course, Laney experienced an unexpected revelation.
"I felt instantly at home," she said. "I'm a learner at my core. I'd be a student forever if someone would pay me, and that's what science is—paying you to learn."
Late QCC professor Melvin Shemluck noticed Laney's potential and became the mentor who would alter her life trajectory.
"Even though I was an art student, he explained that I could still go on and do whatever I wanted, including science," Laney said.
Shemluck recognized her aptitude in the sciences and suggested Smith College's Ada Comstock Scholars Program, a bachelor's program for non-traditional students. Laney took his advice, completing a degree in biological sciences. She continued at Smith for her master’s as well, all while raising a family and working to support them.
Her academic journey gained even further momentum while working in Dr. Steven A. Williams' laboratory at Smith College. When Dr. Reda Ramzy, a collaborating professor at a sister laboratory in Egypt, encouraged her to pursue a Ph.D., Laney explained she couldn't afford to stop working to attend graduate school full-time. Understanding her constraints, Dr. Ramzy arranged for her to enroll and expand her research through his laboratory while maintaining her position as a research scientist at Smith College and participating in their collaborative research project with Dr. Gary Weil at Washington University Medical School—allowing her to earn while she learned. She ultimately earned her Ph.D. in molecular parasitology and zoology from Ain Shams University, with her dissertation now housed in the prestigious National Library of Alexandria.
Laney's expertise led to an advisory position with the U.S. Department of State through an American Association for the Advancement of Science fellowship, where scientists and policymakers collaborate. She then transitioned to philanthropy when she was selected as an inaugural fellow in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Global Health program. She also held leadership positions catalyzing breakthrough science with the Walder Foundation and Paul Allen’s philanthropy at Vulcan. Her life’s work has taken her to 52 different countries, working directly with governments, scientists and communities fighting infectious diseases, like Ebola and Neglected Tropical Diseases.
"Never in a million years with my background did I dream I'd be traveling the globe to places like Papua New Guinea and French Polynesia," she shared.
Today, Laney runs Strategic Journey Lab, Inc., a boutique consulting practice where she serves as a philanthropy advisor and strategist to high-net-wealth individuals, foundations, and companies helping them give their money meaning and impact at the intersections of science and society. Her unique perspective encompasses the vantage points of beneficiaries, scientific researchers and funders. She is also part of P150, an invitation-only group started by Schmidt Futures (founded by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt) that brings together philanthropic advisors to maximize charitable impact worldwide.
In 2013, Laney’s achievements and ongoing connection to QCC were recognized with a Wyvern Guardian Award. Laney's connection to the college continues today, as her grandson Jadyn Kiley now studies chemistry at the same institution that launched her remarkable career.
Kiley recalled how Laney encouraged family members to get as much education as possible, but because he didn’t get high grades in high school, he didn’t think college was for him. However, after working in the food service industry for several years, he started to crave more intellectual stimulation and his grandmother’s wisdom took hold.
He enrolled at QCC and in a similar twist of fate, developed a strong connection to his biology professor, Dr. Swathi Turlapati, who helped ignite his passion for science. Subsequently, he began to excel academically. Though he is still deciding what direction to take his studies, he has been enjoying organic chemistry and has an interest in soil science. Kiley credits part of his newfound confidence to his grandmother’s influence.
“Any time I have a problem, or feel like I can’t do something, she has been so supportive,” Kiley said. “She doesn’t care what you’re doing, as long as you’re doing it to your full potential.”
Looking back on Laney’s journey from uncertain art student to global health expert and educational advocate, she attributes her success to incredible people opening doors for her and a simple principle: say yes.
"I'm very good at saying yes and then working hard to make sure I can capitalize on the opportunities in front of me."