She also received high-profile media coverage, with her story and photo appearing in multiple news outlets. However, the fame and glory cannot compare to the sacrifices made behind the scenes.
Right before the results of the COVID-19 antibody study came out, Wang suffered from neurological deafness, which led to temporary hearing loss in her left ear. She was hospitalized for five days after a doctor warned that, in the absence of timely treatment, she might suffer permanently impaired hearing.
"I seldom talk about work with my parents, but when I called my mom and said I was sick, she suddenly started crying, worrying that I would go deaf," Wang says, with tears in her eyes.
Regardless of the awards and titles, what Wang cherishes most is her father's praise. She grins as she recalls how he would boast to everyone he met, highlighting her accomplishments as a pioneer in Chinese virology.
The researcher is often described by her students as a "superwoman".But Wang is also a daughter, wife and mother. Like most career women, female Chinese scientists must find a balance between family and work.
Wang regrets that her dedication to research has meant spending little time with family, and yet she enjoys a harmonious family life. Her mother-in-law is very helpful in taking care of her 7-year-old boy. The easygoing in-law relationship has convinced her that the apparent conflict between family and career can be resolved.
The scientist also has a passion for promoting science publicly. Over the past two years, Wang has lectured to school students, police officers and rural residents in Northwest China.
As for the scientific work, she has not rested on her laurels, but has continued the research into new COVID-19 vaccines and drugs. Among the topics currently receiving her attention are a nasal-spray COVID-19 antibody drug and an mRNA vaccine. This vaccine will use the molecule mRNA that instructs our cells to make specific proteins.
Wang is determined to make an even greater contribution to the fight against the pandemic. Indeed, this woman's dedication to the task remains undimmed, proving that powerful things can be accomplished, irrespective of gender.
