The future of STEM is in the hands of trailblazing women who are breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. From Annie Ford, a marine biologist fighting against seismic blasting, to Dr. Joy Buolamwini, an AI researcher exposing algorithmic bias, these five women are reshaping science and technology. Dr. Miranda Wang is tackling plastic waste with groundbreaking recycling technology, while Dr. Kristina Olson is transforming our understanding of child development and inclusivity. Meanwhile, Melissa Cristina Márquez, a fearless marine biologist, is advocating for shark conservation while i ..read more

Marie Saitou is a tenure-track principal investigator at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). Originally from Japan, she pursued postdoctoral research in the United States before establishing her laboratory in Norway. Her research focuses on evolutionary and functional genomics across various species. As a scientist with ASD and cPTSD, Marie strives to promote inclusivity and understanding within academia. Drawing from her own experiences, she aims to create a supportive and diverse environment in her research team. The post Resilience and Growth: Navigating Science and Life! appe ..read more

Marie Launay completed her B.Sc. in Biology at Sorbonne University, France, followed by an M.Sc. in Systematics at the French National Museum of Natural History. She then pursued a second M.Sc. in Marine Biology at Pascal Paoli University, France. Passionate about scuba diving, marine ecosystems, and wildlife, Marie is now a PhD student at McGill University. Her research focuses on Arctic cod, a central species in the Arctic marine ecosystem. Using advanced genomic tools, she investigates the population structure of this keystone species, contributing valuable insights into its ecology and con ..read more

My coach imparted a profound lesson, “your health is your most valuable asset. If you can dedicate even 45 minutes a day to yourself, you’re investing in a lifetime of well-being. No matter how busy life gets, fitness isn’t an option—it’s a necessity.” It’s a lesson I hope more women in research embrace, for our health and well-being are just as critical as our academic achievements. The post Overcoming Deficiencies: Balancing Health and Academia with the Right Coach! appeared first on The female Scientist ..read more

We frequently hear about the "fathers" of various scientific disciplines, such as the father of microbiology or the father of genetics, but rarely do we hear about the "mothers" of these fields. This linguistic bias further entrenches the notion that significant scientific contributions are predominantly male, ignoring the substantial impact made by women. Through the representation of women and people of color as essential components of the narrative of human evolution and scientific discovery, we can encourage a wider range of youth to pursue their career in science. The post Rethinking Evol ..read more

The stigma and silence surrounding menstruation in fieldwork contribute to a lack of support and consideration. Women often feel compelled to push through discomfort and health risks to avoid falling behind in their work. This can lead to burnout, health issues, and a sense of isolation. Addressing the challenges of menstruation in fieldwork is not just a matter of convenience. It’s a matter of equity and inclusion. By acknowledging and accommodating these needs, we can create a more supportive and productive environment for all researchers and professionals. The post Field and Menstruation: B ..read more

The conference dilemma: To bring or not to bring your kid(s) Choosing whether or not to bring your child(ren) to a conference is a classic loose-loose situation. You leave them, and guilt and yearning become your most annoying travelling buddies. While your body is attending talk sessions, poster presentations, and discussion panels, your mind is preparing lunches, organizing pickups, planning playdates, and thinking of ways to make your little one(s) giggle. You bring them, and you will feel like a double agent in a family drama. Torn between participating in conference activities and attendi ..read more

I always liked science in high school but wasn’t sure what I wanted to major in when I was applying to university. Things changed when I took Biology, I fell in love with the brain when I learned about the neuromuscular junction. I started my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge where I fell in love with research. I got to work with leaders in the field, Drs. Ian Whishaw and Bryan Kolb – I really enjoyed my time there. I wasn’t a good writer, I remember when I was working on writing a review manuscript with Dr. Whishaw, he ended up cutting my paper and rearrangi ..read more

What is your scientific background? I graduated from the Israel Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and a master’s degree in operations research, summa cum laude. My graduate thesis was a study of expected call center waiting times of impatient customers. This work was conducted under the supervision of Professor A. Mandelbaum. My first position out of school was as an algorithm developer at Earnix. I remember my first project, very well. It was the implementation of generalized additive model (GAM) regressions. It was during those first months there I le ..read more

What is your scientific background? I did a conjoint degree during my undergraduate study at the University of Auckland.  I have a Bachelor of Science majoring in Biological Sciences- specifically animal behaviour, ecology, and human evolution. I also have a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology specializing in archaeology. While this is under the “Arts” Anthropological Sciences are also offered through the Science pathway both at the University of Auckland where I studied and in many other universities! All my projects in postgraduate study have incorporated methods of science whilst being ar ..read more