A few weeks ago, I and other colleagues sadly had to say ‘see you later’ to Wannida Sae-Tang, the first PhD in medicinal cannabis at Wageningen University. She probably does not know about the great impact of her presence here in the Netherlands for the time being, and that is why I write these words.
This meticulous, dedicated, and utterly humble Thai woman paved the way for herself as much as for many others under her wing. Thanks to her, six students, including me, had the opportunity to venture into the world of medicinal cannabis research, which later led to academic and industrial careers, igniting different flames in different paths.
One may wonder what the point of all this praise and appreciation is, and the answer is to stress the importance of diversity in every aspect of society.
People like Sae-Tang leave their countries to get high-level education at specialised institutions around the world with the determination of generating more knowledge that could potentially contribute to the development of their homelands or even the places they decide to stay. At Wageningen University, internationals account for 27 per cent of the student population, which does not seem a big number. However, it is impactful.
It is not news that more diverse groups can outperform homogenous groups
The presence of international people at WUR signifies different genders, ethnicities, and cultures, and such heterogeneity prompts a more inclusive, representative, and productive work environment. It is not news that more diverse groups can outperform homogenous groups.
What Sae-Tang did for many of us is summarised by the acclaimed African American novelist Toni Morrison: ‘When you get these jobs that you have been brilliantly trained for….and if you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else…’ Sae-Tang not only empowered all of her female peers, fellow citizens, and students, but she also became an embodiment of the greatness behind diversity.
Willy Contreras-Avilés (34) is a second-year PhD candidate in Horticulture and Biochemistry of medicinal cannabis, from Panama. He likes to dance (perrear), cook Italian food, and swim.
