On Being A Woman In STEM (Perspectives #1)
In this inaugural piece for Looking Forward, we interview women scientists from a variety of fields and career levels on how they got to science and what the future looks like for women in STEM.
Introduction
Welcome to Looking Forward: Women in STEM, a brand new section dedicated to highlighting the achievements and perspectives of women and non-gender conforming scientists. You may be wondering, why did we create this section? What motivated us to make this a permanent feature of How We Talk About Science? Before we dive into the perspectives of the amazing women we interviewed in this inaugural post, my new collaborator on this section, Jessica Oros, and I briefly discuss our experiences in science and how they inspired us to begin this work together.
Isabella: In the months leading up to Women’s History Month, I felt like everywhere I looked, I ran across a study or article highlighting the ways in which inequity in STEM limits women from progressing farther in their careers. As a Latina woman preparing to apply to graduate school, I find myself thinking more and more frequently about how my gender and my ethnicity may work against me not only at the graduate level, but beyond it, particularly within academia. (Take this example from last year’s NSF GRFP review cycle, where an applicant was faulted for his “Hispanic pride.”) I started this newsletter in January with the hopes of improving science communication by generating accessible content and encouraging both scientists and members of the general public to learn more–about the science, yes, but also about the barriers that lie between us. In the last few days of February, however, I wondered: how can we promote women in STEM, particularly beyond Women’s History Month alone? How can we encourage others to support these women and to fight the barriers that prevent their success in science? With a few texts to my friend, Jess Oros, and a conversation with my friend Yehyun Kim (whose brilliant editing I am indebted to), Looking Forward: Women in STEM was born. I am, admittedly, still somewhat pessimistic about the nature of the obstacles that lie ahead not only for me, but for all the women who pursue this career. Indeed, some of the responses you’re about to read will highlight the vast difficulties that women continue to face–from struggling to juggle parenthood with a research career to “the leaky pipeline.” In the face of these issues, however, my hope is that this section will inspire all of us to envision a better future for women in STEM–and to forge it together.
Jess: I started graduate school a few months ago, leaving my cozy Midwest undergrad bubble and moving halfway across the country. While the adjustment to the more demanding expectations and the higher standards was not the easiest, I found myself running into other obstacles I hadn’t encountered at this scale yet. From seeing how the women in labs are primarily responsible for non-scientific labor such as social events or lab cleanings, to watching close friends burn out early in graduate school because as women, we are taught to never turn down piling more responsibilities on our plates, I was forced to truly see how inequities were playing out right in front of me. The moment when it metaphorically slapped me in the face was a departmental Women in STEM brunch. That morning, I heard the stories of women at all levels of their careers, and they all boiled down to some form of dejected understanding that no matter where you stood in your workplace or how hard you worked, you would never be quite equal. I felt overwhelmed with mixed feelings of solidarity and unity but also such a profound hopelessness. If everybody saw it happening, why was nobody doing anything? I’ve felt honored to work on Looking Forward: Women in STEM with Isabella and hear the stories and experiences of women across different careers in science. Though the hopelessness hasn’t completely dissipated, each person I talk to, each story I’m told, and every word of encouragement makes me fight harder to bridge the undeniable gap. I hope this section makes you feel similarly, or at the very least, I hope you draw some inspiration from the incredible stories of the women whom you’ll meet today.
Questions & Answers
Who do you draw inspiration from?
My students. - Dr. Victoria Prince, Professor of Organismal Biology and Anatomy at the University of Chicago
I cannot identify a single person, but rather a multitude of people that I draw inspiration from. I have so many strong women in my life who are mentors, friends, and colleagues, as well as mothers, scientists, or professionals. All of these women inspire me to be the best me that I can be everyday. - Dr. Crystal Rogers, Associate Professor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
I draw inspiration from my PhD advisor, who is both brilliant and kind, and has supported my career since the day we started working together. I am also inspired by fellow scientists, particularly women, from my part of the world (South Asia) who have often persevered against great odds to pursue their careers. - Dr. Sanjana Curtis, Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellow at UC Berkeley
This is an excellent question, as my inspirations have changed along the different stages of my life. However, my grandmother has been a constant inspiration. My grandfather passed away when I was young, and my grandmother never remarried. As I grew up, I understood that she was the oldest of her family and had to cut her education short before reaching high school to help support the rest of her family. Some might say that she was therefore not educated in the terms that we mean today, but she was brilliant, one of the most curious, attentive to details, and kind people that I ever met. She was consistently renewing herself and being creative. Her thirst for learning new things never stopped; she was in her 80s when she learned to use a laptop and send emails... - Dr. Mélissa Léger-Abraham, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital
I find inspiration in many places and people; all depends on what I am looking for at that particular moment. Sometimes, I find that music or a long walk clears my mind and allows me to “imagine” particular situations or experiments. Other times, especially when it is a well needed long term inspiration, I look up to my past and present mentors, friends, and colleagues. Their stories and amazing dedication to science, and importantly their families, gives me a life perspective that sometimes gets lost in the middle of all the chaos that being a new faculty represents. - Dr. Marina Venero Galanternik, Assistant Professor of Human Genetics at the University of Utah
As I navigate my own journey in STEM, I'm inspired by Leona Woods Marshall Libby, a pioneering physicist whose contributions to the Manhattan Project played a crucial role in the development of the atomic bomb. Despite facing significant gender discrimination in the male-dominated field, Leona persevered and made remarkable achievements in her career. Her groundbreaking work not only demonstrated the capabilities of women in STEM but also paved the way for future generations of female scientists. Leona's determination, intellect, and courage in the face of adversity serve as a constant reminder that barriers can be overcome with passion, dedication, and resilience. - Sonya Gupta, Master’s Student Studying Regional Studies at Harvard University
I draw a lot of inspiration from the women who came before me, paving this trail I now walk. Women like Katherine Johnson, Rosalind Franklin, Marie Curie, Dorothy Hodgkin, and so many more were so brave and relentless in their pursuit of science. When I am frustrated or struggling, I look to how hard they worked, and the differences they were able to make, and I keep going so that one day I can make a difference like they did. On an everyday level, I am inspired by my mom, a fellow woman in STEM. I see not only how hard she works, but also how rewarded she is by her career, and this motivates me to pursue a career I know will be rewarding for me; a way I can make a positive difference in the world. - Kaylee Brilz, Undergraduate Student Studying Biomedical Physics at Creighton University
So many people! My parents, first and foremost, for always supporting me and encouraging me to strive to reach my full potential. My friends and classmates, and the grad students in my lab + PI and other professors - I would love to learn the way they think and approach questions which is why I'm in this field. - Sonia Yuan, Undergraduate Student Studying Biochemistry and Computer Science at the University of Chicago
For my studies, my inspiration comes from nature. Free access to nature is one of the best ways to cultivate curiosity and admiration for the natural world. Seeing the wonders of nature with your own eyes presents an invaluable opportunity to open the mind to new experiences and evaluate for oneself what is interesting. I approach my research with a similar exploratory attitude. - Dr. Jasmin Camacho, Hanna Gray Fellow at Stowers Institute
What made you pursue this career path? What do you find exciting or rewarding about it?
I was drawn to a career in science policy because I love learning about emerging technologies and science communication. - Dr. Crystal Randall, Biologist at Argonne National Laboratory
I have wanted to understand how the natural world works for as long as I can remember. But my path into physics was not straightforward -- in fact, my undergraduate degree is in engineering. During my undergraduate studies I realized that I wanted to dive deep into building an understanding of basic physics, into topics like general relativity and quantum mechanics. This led me to pursue a PhD in physics, and eventually to working in the subfield of nuclear astrophysics. I think it is a great privilege to be able to explore ideas about how the universe works and collectively push towards learning something new about it. - Dr. Sanjana Curtis
For the past ten years, I have had the joy of unraveling the intricate adaptations of the hyperdiverse Neotropical leaf-nosed bats (Order Chiroptera, Family Phyllostomidae). These captivating mammals have ignited my scientific curiosity, as they are a wonderful example of natural selection. We can look to dogs to appreciate the power that selection has in shaping all the different sizes and shapes from different breeds. In a similar way, the selection has shaped the sizes and shapes of different bat species. Bats resemble the diversity of dogs so much that we call them "sky puppies". It amazes me that over the course of millions of years of evolution that we have all these beautiful animals out in the world. I find a lot of satisfaction knowing that the work I do promotes the importance of these animals and helps us to better understand these often misunderstood animals. Their amazing immune systems have brought them bad press as disease hosts. However, mosquitos are more deadly than bats! Bats are important to our environment, they pollinate flowers and disperse seeds, allowing forests to flourish. They also eat many insects that would bring disease to people and our agricultural crops. All of these ecosystem services bats provide and their specialized way of life make them very exciting to study! It is my dream to know how to be more like a bat. - Dr. Jasmin Camacho
Prior to entering graduate school, I didn't really think about the concept of "being a scientist" as a job. I grew up thinking that clinical jobs were the only option if you loved science. I thought I needed to be a physician or veterinarian if I enjoyed biology. I applied to graduate school on a whim, and when I was accepted into Georgetown University to pursue my PhD, I jumped at the chance. I love developmental biology, but I had no idea what the field was until my third rotation in graduate school. Once I watched frog embryos develop from single cells to tadpoles, I was absolutely hooked. As developmental biologists, we have a unique opportunity to watch life create itself! I love the discovery, the complexity, and the beauty of it all. I never thought I would be a professor or that I would remain in academia, but here we are. - Dr. Crystal Rogers
I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career related to science. The questions were always: how, where, and in what field? As math and physics came easier than other disciplines, I chose biochemistry as my major because I needed to put more work into it to succeed. I was constantly stimulated by the range of questions I could ask. The rest of my career decisions were influenced by people I met (e.g., mentors, friends, teachers, etc.) and the opportunities that came along. Now, nothing is more rewarding than having discussions with trainees looking forward to pursuing a career in science! - Dr. Mélissa Léger-Abraham
My reasons for following my career path evolved over time. Pure curiosity about the way the world works initially drew me to learn about science in high school and college. During my PhD I struggled to become a decent experimentalist and felt a sense of achievement as my competence grew, but it was as a postdoc that I fell in love with experimentation on developing embryos and realized that learning how development works is a fascinating question that I could and should devote my career to. As I started mentoring and teaching, I found that this other part of the job - sharing my excitement for science with young people - is as rewarding as doing the science. As time went on I found that through leadership positions, such as chairing a graduate program, serving as a dean for graduate affairs, and most recently serving as president of my professional society (the SDB: Society for Developmental Biology) I could connect with a wider array of like minded individuals and have a broader impact on the field. Overall, I would say that I came for the science and stayed for the scientists. - Dr. Victoria Prince
I wanted to be a writer before I wanted to be a scientist. I loved to read, and I saw how the right words had the power to form self-identity, bring people together, and catalyze change. Needless to say, that didn't work out, but as a happy accident I found my way into molecular biology and I've been hooked ever since. I find it incredibly inspiring to pursue nature's "truth" - even if all our models today are flawed, I sill find meaning in our effort. Moreover, I like how the philosophy of teaching and mentorship is built into the structure of research - every moment I'm in lab I feel like I'm learning so so much from the grad students, postdocs, and my PI. Overall, I know that science can be a very hard path, but the room for growth feels limitless. - Sonia Yuan
Honestly, I think it happened somehow by chance. I did not grow up knowing what a scientist does or how to become one, I just always liked nature, animals and anything related to living things. Initially, I thought I wanted to be a vet, but I quickly realized that one thing is to love animals and a completely another is to be their doctor. I was just not strong enough to see animals in pain. It took me a long time to figure out what I wanted to be after that. I did not want to become a doctor, so I tried dentistry. Back home, in Peru, you get into medical or dental schools directly from high school, so that is what I did. My first year as a dentistry student was incredibly exciting, we covered anatomy, microbiology, embryology, and other basic science courses with extensive exposure to lab work, but then suddenly all that changed, and we started focusing more on the dental aspect of the training. This was the moment I realized that I was actually fascinated by the understanding of basic biological principles ruling our life, our health, and our diseases. I remember that day, because I did not know that Biology was a professional career I could pursue and it took another year before I was able to officially enroll in a biology major, but since then, I never looked back and to this day, I am convinced I made the right decision. Studying biology has been the most rewarding and enriching profession. Biology and the science associated with it never stops, there is still an unlimited ocean of unexplored biological areas and knowing that my work contributes – even if it is in a tiny amount – to answer these open questions, makes me jump out of bed every morning and come to work. Importantly, biology is universal, we have the opportunity to interact with people from all over the globe, learn from each other and contribute to human scientific knowledge together and that for me has been one of my most rewarding experiences professionally. - Dr. Marina Venero Galanternik
I was inspired to pursue a career in physics by the stories of the women who came before me. Specifically, reading about early NASA physicists Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson at a young age ignited a passion for physics and space exploration that I am still chasing today. I am proud to be alongside these incredible women who fought relentlessly for their right to make a difference in the world, further the pursuit of knowledge, and establish a place for women in physics. Physics is an incredible science that allows one to see the true beauty of our universe. I find myself drawn to space exploration, and the wonderful unknown of space, and I am motivated by those who inspire me to work hard to have a rewarding career in the field I know I can make a difference in. - Kaylee Brilz
What advice would you give to young women interested in pursuing your career path?
Assume that you can and will make it in science if you put your best effort in. But make sure you have a supportive network of people who believe in you to help you through the inevitable setbacks. - Dr. Victoria Prince
Just believe in yourself and persist. I've talked to a lot of professors and people who've "made it" - their stories differ, but they all share a common theme of stubborn persistence. More concretely, I think it's very important to have tight feedback loops. As in, the way we get better and learn is to try something, see the result, and reflect on what went well and what didn't. The shorter the timeframe between when you try something and get feedback on it, the better because then the more you can self-evolve. - Sonia Yuan
Make sure you want this. Talk to women professors who lead the lives you aspire to. Do you want to stay single, travel the world giving lectures, live a jet-set academic lifestyle? Find someone who has done that and ask them all of the questions you can. Would you prefer to be a quieter scientist, focusing on the students and service responsibilities and improving your specific institution? Maybe combining motherhood or being a pet mom? Find someone who has that life and get an informational meeting. I think that often, we miss the details of these jobs as we are training for them. Find out what people's daily schedule looks like and think about if that is right for you. Ask the hard questions so you can be more prepared than your predecessors may have been. - Dr. Crystal Rogers
Physics is hard. This is true no matter your gender, ethnicity, or race. Therefore, it is vital to not go the path alone. Find support, and create community where there is none. It can be competitive, and isolating, and it is easy to feel as if everyone is doing better than you, and you alone are failing. But I promise, this is never true. The key to success in a career in physics is to work together. Study together, ask each other questions, and don’t be afraid to make the first move reaching out to your classmates/colleagues! Too many times I have struggled alone, believing to be the only one confused, or behind, only to learn later that this was never true. Because physics is still predominantly male-dominated, it can seem competitive and unwelcoming, especially for women. It will benefit you most in the long run to find support for yourself, and to collaborate, rather than compete, as much as possible. Persistence is key. Physics, like all science, is forever growing and changing. There will always be more to know, and the further you get, the more incomprehensible things seem to become. Channel your inner confidence, know that you belong here, and keep fighting. You will get there! - Kaylee Brilz
My main advice is to build your community support. Value your friendships and your mentors and don't rely on only a few people. Work will always be there so go to that birthday dinner or go to that mixer in your department or at conferences. You need to step outside your comfort and be willing to ask for what you need to thrive. Be brave and follow your heart, this is the one life we have, and I think everyone can make a positive contribution in the world. For me, connecting with others has been the best part of doing science. It isn't a career you do alone, it is a team effort. More practically, one of the biggest lessons is to not make yourself small. You have to create as much space as you can (stand tall, gesture, point, etc) and use your chest voice to project into a room. Professionally, you need to create a version of you for work and keep your personal self for your friends and family. I feel like in the sciences, the line between profession and friendship is often blurred, which can create some problems as you can imagine. - Dr. Jasmin Camacho
Don't be afraid to try new things or follow an interest! I ended up where I am today because of my curiosity and willingness to explore different paths. Being able to combine my interests has enriched my career in unexpected ways by opening doors to exciting opportunities and helping me make meaningful contributions. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions or seek out guidance! You never know what amazing ideas or mentors might come from it! - Sonya Gupta
I always remind myself and any young scientists that we can do this job, we can complete the summer internship, we can do the master’s and the PhD, and we can move on and use that graduate degree in the way we think is best, either by staying in academia, exploring careers in industry, science policy, science communications, or any field where our scientific training can take us. There is not just one path in this profession, we all contribute in a unique way, and although there will be many stones along the way, most of them will be presented by people who either do not want us to succeed, or people who want to reflect their failures on us. I tell my trainees to avoid listening to anyone who discourages them with phrases like “graduate school is too hard for you”, “science will not take you places” or the classic “only a few make it, so do not have big hopes”. These and similar comments used to make me doubt myself and my place in academia, one day I realize that the many people telling me these things were those that either never tried, had different interests or that just did not wanted me to try, so I decided to ignore their constant discouragements, and only listen to those who supported me, who inspired me, who provided constructive and thoughtful feedback, who would advise me to keep doing what I love, what I was passionate about, and especially those that instead of tearing me apart with negative feedback, would provide me with advice on how to improve, how to learn more, how to overcome any shortcomings or gaps in my training as a scientist. Being a scientist is not an easy profession, but the hardest part sometimes is not the science, it is uncertainty of whether you will become a good scientist. For me, we as a scientists tend to compare ourselves throughout our career. We notice when someone else gets better grades, gets an exciting project, publishes first or in a ‘better’ journal, wins awards or gets that prestigious fellowship. I remind myself and anyone working with me, this is not a race, we all have things to learn and improve, things to celebrate and to be recognized for, and importantly things to contribute. Imposter syndrome is real, and it affects scientist at all levels of career, recognizing that it exists is the first step, not letting you dictate your life is the second and most important one, but also the hardest step to overcome. Find mentors who see your potential, who will be there for you when you are doing well and especially when you are struggling. Your mentors can be senior or mid-career scientists or anyone who shares your stage in career, advocate for each other, and importantly help those who are going through struggles you may have overcome in the past, be kind to each other and one day, you may witness them achieving their goals and I promise it will feel amazing! - Dr. Marina Venero Galanternik
Don't hesitate! Of course, that sounds cliché because we know trainees face many uncertainties and challenges during their education, and much more so for women and non-gender-conforming people than men. However, as much as you can, try to train your brain early on to go further than the limits imposed by society and your rational brain. It is all about getting the confidence that you will find the answers to complex questions as they come along. - Dr. Mélissa Léger-Abraham
I would say work hard at what you enjoy, never stop learning and improving, and surround yourself with good people who have your best interests at heart. Don't let anyone else tell you what you are capable of, especially not someone who has never walked in your shoes! - Dr. Sanjana Curtis
There is no single correct path to pursuing a career in STEM. It is ok to change directions. - Dr. Crystal Randall
What do you believe are the biggest issues facing women in STEM today?
There are so many. I think that the concept of overworking, ignoring one's own health, trying to be everything for everyone all at once, and the way the system rewards people mostly for scientific discoveries, rather than giving credit for the hard work of changing the world in other ways like providing opportunities to others. Too much service without any credit, the expectation of always being available and always having to say yes or being considered difficult and "not a team player," struggling the balance of being a partner, a child to aging parents, a mother to growing children, and a mentor to many trainees and never having time to just breathe because there is always something else to do on the list. There is more, but I have to get back to reviewing grants so I do not have time to list them all. - Dr. Crystal Rogers
Equity is still a big issue for women. There is still pay disparity and despite the higher proportion of women in PhD programs, very few of them go onto leadership positions. This is something I've heard called the 'leaky pipeline', but really it is like a game of 'chutes and ladders' (Crawford and Windsor 2021). Your experience is contingent on luck and your advisor(s), if you have good ones, you can get that dream job and pay within a short time, whereas if you don't, then it is like you never have enough time to be lucky. - Dr. Jasmin Camacho
I think we need structural changes in academia to support early career women (students, postdocs, assistant professors). Many needs are universal and true for women regardless of which career they are in (safe work environment free from bias, equal and adequate pay) and some are more specific to career stages (support for postdocs with children, e.g.). Broadly speaking we need to not only recruit women but also actively retain them, and we have a long way to go with that. - Dr. Sanjana Curtis
One of the most significant issues that women face is that they are more often evaluated in comparison to men, even though women face completely different life realities. As such, women find it more difficult than men to find a supportive mentor, need to give more thought about the timing and decision to start a family, or are required to strike a balance between being assertive and direct without being completely disengaged from their feelings. That said, the biggest challenge for women in STEM is a mentor who enables them not to fear these adversities but to believe they can be overcome, allowing them to aspire and reach high positions. - Dr. Mélissa Léger-Abraham
Lack of representation by people in positions of power (ie. Tenured profs). It's an unfortunate phenomenon where female students perform better in the classroom, but outside of it their numbers drop off. A related issue is childcare and maternity leave - I have no idea how female profs balance it especially when they are trying for tenure. - Sonia Yuan
I think it is important that young women don't take the opportunities they have in science for granted. I am currently reading 'The Exceptions' - the story of Nancy Hopkins and other talented, highly qualified women, who are just one generation older than me. These women had to fight for even a semblance of fairness in their academic science careers, but through doing so they provided an invaluable service to the women who follow them. Knowing some of this history is valuable, because it will undoubtedly continue to be important for women to fight for what they need to succeed. I would say that the fact the fight is not over is the biggest issue facing women in STEM today. - Dr. Victoria Prince
Hmm...I'd say first and foremost is getting recognition for your work. I have had experiences where I wasn't recognized for my work on a project, despite making significant contributions and meeting or exceeding expectations. It's disheartening to see your efforts overlooked or attributed to others, especially when it impacts your career growth and opportunities for advancement. Second, is work-life balance. It's something that many women in STEM struggle with, myself included. The demands of a STEM career can be intense, often requiring long hours and a high level of commitment. Balancing these demands with personal responsibilities and priorities outside of work can be incredibly challenging, and without adequate support systems, it can lead to burnout. Lastly, underrepresentation is a major challenge! Putting more emphasis on diversity and inclusion initiatives is essential for creating environments where all individuals, regardless of gender, feel valued and supported in pursuing STEM careers. This can also be compounded by intersectionality, as women from marginalized groups face additional barriers and discrimination that further limit their opportunities for success in STEM fields. - Sonya Gupta
In general, I have been happy to see that women are largely accepted in many parts of STEM, and have been making a big difference! That said, physics and engineering are still very male-dominated. I don’t think the challenge today is fighting for your right to be there, or your space in the classroom, but rather creating a culture that doesn’t isolate women or make them feel as if they have to compete against everyone else to maintain their place. To fix this, we as women must continue to create collaboration between genders, and to encourage diversity in science. Although women are heavily encouraged to pursue careers in STEM, women in physics and engineering areas are often ostracized or left out of the “boy’s clubs.” It is critical that women not only be allowed into these areas of STEM, but also be folded into the collaborative team. We must continue to fight for an inclusive culture that accepts scientists for scientists, no matter their gender. I am hopeful that in the future, people of all genders will have their contributions and ideas treated with equal merit and consideration. - Kaylee Brilz
What keeps you going in the face of adversity, particularly as it pertains to being a woman in STEM? This can be phrases you live by or memories you hold onto.
Whatever you can do or dream, begin it. - Dr. Crystal Randall
Resilience. I've always believed that challenges are just opportunities in disguise, and every setback is a chance to learn and grow. One phrase I live by is "she believed she could, so she did." It's a reminder that with determination and a positive growth mindset, there's nothing I can't overcome. Whenever I face adversity, I think back to all the amazing women before me and keep striving to join them! I also hold onto memories of those aha moments when everything falls into place after struggling with a problem. Those moments of triumph, no matter how small, remind me why I'm passionate about what I do and give me the strength to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. - Sonya Gupta
I love the science. I work a lot of hours at the expense of time with my friends and family, but I do have my dream job. I have the opportunity to mentor the next generation of scientists, watching them fall in love with the joy of discovery and experiencing experimental failures, and regrouping, to do more science the next day. I have the freedom to ask scientific questions that intrigue me rather than being forced to answer someone else's questions. I get to work with such cool model animals (birds and axolotls) and in what other job besides zookeeper can people do this? Also, spite. I do not give up and I will not let the system break me down. I have fought through a life of adversity to get here, and although failures and rejections are emotionally painful, there is no way I will let myself give up. The system has its issues, but I am stubborn, proud, and passionate, and the system will not break me. - Dr. Crystal Rogers
Probably the most important drive to keep me going comes from my family, my friends, and my supportive professional network, however, I have to say, I am a bit stubborn too, so some of the motivation comes directly from me, from my own set of goals and my desire to be a scientist. As an Assistant Professor, I now have a new platform to help others achieve the same goals and help others discover and fall in love with science, but most importantly, I can open the door to anyone who wants to discover science, I can educate people of what is like to be a scientist, what to focus on during the process and where to find the support and mentorship we all need along the way. Growing up in Peru, my mother was one of the few who worked. Seeing her being an amazing professional was so inspiring. I wanted that independence for myself, and I wanted to be able to make personal decisions with that same freedom. She showed me with her example that we can be fantastic at home and also at work. My mom showed me that balancing a career and a family is possible, even if it comes with extra effort. Since graduate school, I encountered so many amazing women who are absolutely dedicated to their career and family, who keep pushing the boundaries of science with their discoveries and who do not let cultural preconceptions to stop them from doing what they love. Today, my ideal aim at the end of a week is to feel that I worked hard, and I still had quality time with my family. If I feel like I had sacrificed one over the other, or both, I do my best to start the new week putting my major effort toward restoring that wished balance. It’s not perfect, and many times things (at both ends get in the way) but having that goal in mind helps me putting things into perspective, especially when one of these essential parts of my life seem chaotic. - Dr. Marina Venero Galanternik
Don't pay too much attention to what other people think of you or your science - while advice can be helpful it is important to be true to yourself. - Dr. Victoria Prince
I am lucky to have a family I am close with. Even though I am first-gen and my family doesn't understand the intricacies of academic life, they support me as much as they can. Usually, my dad will say that everything will be OK, and that is enough. My dad raised three girls with the help of my abuela and my tias. He did it on the modest stipend many PhD students receive, so I know anything is possible with help from your family. I also consider my close friends and my lab as family, so it extends to them as well. It is those small affirmations that make the big difference. We always support each other at work and outside the lab. We do the best with what we have so the next generation of our trainees can have it better. - Dr. Jasmin Camacho
What keeps me going? Telling myself to "Just do it!" Of course, it is not easy; nothing is as simple as "just" do it. However, having a mindset in somewhat that direction is more likely to make you move forward than not give up. - Dr. Mélissa Léger-Abraham
Physics is a complicated but beautiful field. It is the study of how the universe we live in works, and to study it means having the incredible privilege of getting an insider’s look at the workings of the world around you. I am continually and repeatedly awestruck by the simultaneous simplicity and complexity that makes our universe function. When learning physics, there is a feeling of wonder, and of privilege, that strikes you as you come to know more about our beautiful universe. When I am faced with adversity, I think back to the immense sense of amazement I have felt in moments of clarity, and I can’t help but push to continue to learn more.
When I am faced with discrimination or exclusion as a woman in STEM, it makes me incredibly angry. I am so frustrated that, even after all these years of women proving that they can contribute to science and improve the world through STEM fields, we still face discrimination by ignorant and misogynistic minds. I fight for my place today as a woman in STEM so that my future daughters and descendants won’t have to. I am so incredibly grateful for all the work that previous women in STEM have done to allow me to even be where I am, and I am choosing to pass that on. Because my female ancestors fought for my rights, and helped me get to where I am today, I fight for my female descendants, so that I can help them reach their goals and be more accepted/included in STEM fields than I am. - Kaylee Brilz
I think you either need a healthy streak of arrogance or ignorance. For me, when I think about what I want to achieve, the positions and responsibilities I want, on one hand I can feel intimidated and have imposter syndrome. But what gets me through that is I ask myself "why not me?". Like, for any spot, it has to be filled by someone, so why shouldn't it be me? And then I'm like yeah, I guess it could be, why not? Even if I see my flaws and may not think I'm great, I should let others judge that instead of having me be the obstacle to my own achievement. - Sonia Yuan
My love for physics comes from the core of who I am as a person, and so even with career roadblocks I had not anticipated or disappointing behavior from people around me, I know that I will keep trying to make sense of this world one way or the other. I feel like this is a very personal thing which no one can give me or take away from me. It may even happen that I am no longer employed in STEM due to any numbers of reasons, but I will never stop asking questions or thinking like a scientist. Remembering that all the external measures of success are external at the end of the day, and my core remains untouched, helps me cope. - Dr. Sanjana Curtis
What changes do you hope to see in the coming years when it comes to equality in STEM?
I am hopeful to see a culture change. Some fields of STEM are very accepting of all genders and encourage diversity, while others remain male-dominated, insistent on preserving their “boy’s club” cultures. I don’t want future women to feel as if they must be perfect or get out. Men are allowed to make mistakes and grow from them. I want the same for people of all genders, women included. I would also like to see the eradication of “pink-collar” jobs. I find that many times women are only encouraged to pursue careers in science if they are interested in pink-collar jobs that specifically target females. I feel this distinction restricts women to only certain careers, and also keeps men from feeling comfortable pursuing those jobs. Jobs should not be gendered, and we as a society need to get comfortable with people pursuing the job they belong in, regardless of their gender. - Kaylee Brilz
My top tip for women academics on the tenure track is: Volunteer to do significant and meaningful service that you care about; do not wait to be allocated something tedious that you have no interest in. I am so happy that I learned this early because it has greatly enhanced my career. - Dr. Victoria Prince
I would like to see more support in the form of mentoring and financial for students as they transition from school through their earlier career. - Dr. Crystal Randall
I would want to be able to say that we have moved away from the term "equality in STEM." I hope and wish that in the coming years, we will be able to focus on mentoring a new generation of trainees interested in pursuing a career in STEM. - Dr. Mélissa Léger-Abraham
Though we have made major positive strides, there is still work to do! I would love for us to have more representation of women and minorities in all levels of STEM. Not only numerical representation, but also ensuring that diverse perspectives and experiences are valued and integrated into decision-making processes. Additionally, creating more inclusive and welcoming environments where individuals from underrepresented backgrounds feel supported and empowered to pursue their passions in STEM is crucial. Also, better addressing the impacts of intersectional discrimination and addressing the unique challenges faced by women from marginalized backgrounds. We need to ensure that all individuals, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability, have equal opportunities to succeed and contribute to scientific and technological advancements. Lastly, we also need to make sure organizations and institutions are transparent and accountable for their promises to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM. This includes collecting and reporting data on diversity metrics, implementing policies and procedures to address instances of bias and discrimination, and fostering a culture of accountability where issues are addressed in a timely and effective manner. Transparency and accountability are key to driving meaningful change and creating more equitable and inclusive STEM environments for everyone. - Sonya Gupta
I want to see more equity and inclusion, as equality cannot happen without them. We need to make sure we are building a system that values and embraces what people bring to the table. A simple way of showing this is additional stipend or bonuses for all the extra labor women tend to be tasked with (community engagement/outreach, teaching, mentorship, etc). - Dr. Jasmin Camacho
I hope that institutions will see the burden that they have placed on women and that they make the system more equitable. Right now, women do more service, and minoritized women are often hit with the "minority tax." The minority tax is invisible and uncompensated work, the need to code switch, expectations of service above and beyond the requirements for people from the majority groups, however, these women are held to the same research and funding expectations. I hope that in the future, we are seen as whole beings and that our service responsibilities and efforts to expand access to STEM fields and mentor students whom we do not advise, on top of all of the other things we do, will be considered in our careers as we progress. - Dr. Crystal Rogers
More people from different backgrounds I can look up to! Also getting grad students a 401k account. Grad school is a sorta mid financial decision, and so I think that precludes a lot of people from pursuing it which feels really unfair. - Sonia Yuan
Is there something you would want our readers to know about your experiences or career path that is not covered by these questions?
I love what I do, but I would not recommend that people do this job the way I do it. I give this job my everything but this means that my family and friends only get the pieces that are left. This isn't fair to them but, unfortunately, I do not know another way to do this job. I hope that people who come behind me find a way to do the work they love while making space for themselves and their loved ones. An academic career can take over your life if you let it, so have firm boundaries if you can. However, you must also know that it is hard to get to the upper levels without a lot of hard work. - Dr. Crystal Rogers
I have a non-linear career path and I am much older than others at a similar stage of career. I say this because, on paper, I have a lot of prestigious awards and fellowships, which make it seem like I had a clear path to getting my PhD at Harvard and becoming a HHMI Hanna Gray fellow at the Stowers Institute. However, it was my dear mentor, Verónica Martínez Cerdeño, after undergrad, that believed in me the most and gave me the opportunity to build up my confidence as a scientist. She treated me like a colleague and gave me authorship on publications normally a technician would be excluded from. As an undergrad, I didn't know I could be a scientist myself, I was just trying to get a good paying job after college. I am grateful to have someone like this in the world. It is so easy to be generous and it shocks me how little of it I see at the PhD level. All the adversity I have faced along the way made me acutely aware of things that need to be changed. My long journey allowed me the precious time to reflect and work towards making those changes in the spaces I occupy. - Dr. Jasmin Camacho
Being a woman in STEM today is often glorified or romanticized on social media or in the greater culture. This is not the truth. Pursuing a career in STEM, especially as a woman, is not always pretty. It is challenging, and it will knock you over time and time again. But it is also incredibly rewarding, and if you feel called to do it, don’t let anything stop you. Women are now permitted to pursue careers in STEM fields, but not all cultures are particularly welcoming. So if you decide to pursue a career in STEM, be prepared to follow your own convictions and advocate for yourself. Plenty of people (many in positions of influence and authority) will try to talk you out of your goals, to do something “easier” or “more appropriate for women.” Don’t listen to these people. Know that you deserve to be in a STEM field just as much as anyone else, you are allowed to make mistakes and learn from them, and that no matter what anyone else tries to decide for you, only you can decide what you’re capable of. - Kaylee Brilz
I question myself a lot. And vastly overthink everything. And I think that's ok - hopefully it will make me a better scientist, but sometimes I do wonder if life would be easier if I didn't do this. - Sonia Yuan
Learn More About Our Interviewees
Dr. Jasmin Camacho:
About me: As an evolutionary biologist, I am interested in exploring extreme mammalian adaptations for insights into organismal features that might become informative targets for repairing and protecting human health. I am currently performing research in the Stowers Institute for Medical Research as an Hanna Gray fellow. I am supported by the HHMI, BWF, and NSF.
Research Interests: I received my PhD in Harvard's Organismic and Evolutionary Biology Program in the lab of Dr. Arhat Abzhanov and Dr. Clifford Tabin. My long-term aim is to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms implicated in the adaptations of extraordinary mammals- bats. My research is focused on bat physiology and cellular metabolism for advancing therapeutic treatments for metabolic diseases.
Higher Education Advocacy: I was born and raised in East Salinas, California. As a first-generation Chicana and Native scholar from an underserved (low-income) community, I am aware of many obstacles students from underrepresented groups face in the sciences. I help through teaching and mentoring, which I enjoy. Mentors make all the difference in DEIB. I aim to serve as a role model and mentor to students from diverse backgrounds in their pursuit of higher education.
Dr. Sanjana Curtis: Website: sanjana-curtis.com, TikTok: @sanjanacurtis
Dr. Mélissa Léger-Abraham: Lab website: https://leger-abraham-laboratory.com (Note: The views expressed by Dr. Léger-Abraham do not represent the views of her group or the institutions she is professionally affiliated with.)
Dr. Victoria Prince: If you are a developmental biologist please join SDB (https://www.sdbonline.org/). The society is there for you, but needs your engagement and support to be as effective as possible for the community as a whole.
Dr. Crystal Rogers: Lab website: https://www.crystalrogersphd.com/, Twitter/X: @RogersLabUCD, Bluesky: @rogerslabucd.bsky.social
Dr. Marina Venero Galanternik: https://bioscience.utah.edu/faculty/venero-galanternik/index.php
What’s Next For Looking Forward?
In the future, you can expect to see a variety of content that highlights women in all areas of STEM. We plan on writing issues-focused articles, batch interviews (such as this one) and individual profiles, spotlights highlighting women who have accomplished an array of achievements, and more! Know someone who you would like to see acknowledged for their accomplishments? Nominate them for coverage using the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/Coif7GeRhxC2dPQP6.
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