People
Faces of RefleXion: Women in Tech
July 13, 2021
Sonia Patel joined RefleXion in 2017, first as an engineering intern in the QA department and then full-time as a quality engineer later that year. In 2021, she was promoted to a regulatory and quality engineer. “It is very rewarding to be working for a company that has such a great vision and mission,” she says. “Cancer care is incredibly challenging and complex. I’m excited to be able to contribute to a technology that aims to give cancer patients more treatment options.” Patel earned a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering from UC San Diego and a master’s degree in biomedical engineering from Cornell University. Her job entails working with R&D and operations to develop specifications, perform risk analysis and review testing. She’s also working with the Regulatory Affairs group on RefleXion’s submission for marketing clearance with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Patel encourages young professionals to be curious and find opportunities to challenge themselves. “There will be ups and downs, but self-confidence is built up over time,” she says. “On the good days, stay humble, and on the bad days, don’t lose sight of the value you bring to your team,” she adds.
With over 20 years of experience in software verification and validation of medical devices, Olga Neva analyzes and reviews product specifications; authors test protocols, reviews test strategies and executes formal verification testing while also testing new builds in software labs. Neva received her bachelor’s degree in financial auditing from the University in Russia. “I like the challenging assignment and great opportunity to learn the functionality of a top-of-the-line medical device,” says Neva, who joined the company in 2018. “I feel personally involved in the great work we are doing together to beat cancer by creating new technology.”
Neva enjoys working with her team. She also likes RefleXion’s collaborative culture and the company’s leadership and vision. Reflecting on the rapid pace of change within the healthcare industry, including the continuous advancements in technology, she remarked that professionals need to keep pace. “A key aspect of the workday is efficient organization of personal workspace and schedules, and it’s vital that we focus on self-learning and building work-related skills,” she says.
Kalyani Gundepalli joined the company as a senior software engineer in late 2018. She is an application developer and helps develop software, integrating the front end and embedded applications of the X1 system with the database, and ensuring the data pipelines and stability of the X1 database. She also supports systems on-site. Previously, she worked in healthcare diagnostics and shipping logistics. Gundepalli, who earned a master’s degree in computer applications from the National Institute of Technology in Warangal, India, joined RefleXion because she was awed by the technology. “I’m proud to be part of such a wonderful team,” she says. “Contributing my computer science experience to make an impact is very rewarding.”
Her advice to others: “Stay open for any kinds of opportunities that have potential for growth. Stay committed to what you’re doing.” Gundepalli feels inspired by the vision and commitment of Sam Mazin, Ph.D., RefleXion’s founder and CTO, and the knowledge and humble nature of David Larkin, RefleXion’s SVP of research and development.
Raquel Pires Paye on right
“Not only is RefleXion a well-rounded, great company to work for, the leadership make it one of the most motivating places that I have ever been part of,” says Raquel Pires Paye, who joined as a medical facilities designer in 2020. “When I read about RefleXion before accepting the job, I felt it would be a company I can feel passionate about, grow with and help it develop its full potential.” Pires Paye completed training in computer aided drafting and architecture and was part of The Vocational Industry Club of America and previously worked in the construction industry as a designer/drafter, civil designer and electrical designer. She prepares site planning sets with accurate design documentation to assist in sales, manufacturing, implementation and service. She creates the Facility Planning Guide, which includes all the necessary information to introduce RefleXion’s system to new customer sites. “I update our guides with any processes or requirements that need to be altered so that each install runs smoothly,” she says. She also assists departments with creating and submitting change orders.
Pires Paye likes her fellow employees’ dedication and drive, and she finds working with like-minded people motivating. “I appreciate that my peers work very well as a team. I enjoy working with others who are just as eager to make this the best company they have ever worked for.” She encourages others to work hard, ask questions, believe in themselves and be passionate, patient and trustworthy. “If you love what you do and strongly believe in it, others on your team will feel the same. Passion can be the determining factor in driving your company toward success at a faster rate,” she says. “Someone who demonstrates patience has the ability to listen and the ability to deliver a message in a way the recipient can fully understand and connect with.”
Given the low percentage of women employed in technology––only 11% of practicing engineers are women, and women hold only 25% of computing roles, according to 1Adeva IT–– women like those featured here are wonderful examples of women who can achieve and succeed in their technical fields. And they inspire others through their work and their words.
*The RefleXion™ X1 is cleared for SBRT/SRS/IMRT treatments. BgRT is limited by U.S. law to Investigational use.
1Adeva IT. The State of Women in Tech. https://adevait.com/state-of-women-in-tech
