Science Day for Women: "Changes are Happening"

Women in Science: Inspiring Stories and Advice

In the realm of science, a diverse array of women are making significant strides, from cancer research to data science, and academia to policy-making. Here are some inspiring stories of women who are breaking barriers and offering valuable advice for the next generation.

Elizabeth Pritchett, Ph.D. is a staff scientist at the Genomics Research Center, where she supports various types of cancer research and works with spatial transcriptomics technology. Pritchett's fascination with the most basic aspects of DNA, RNA, and cell function sparked her interest in science. Her high school science teacher played a pivotal role in encouraging her to pursue a career in this field. During her graduate work, Pritchett started a family, which wasn't easy but she persevered, demonstrating that it is possible. To young women interested in science, Pritchett advises attending seminars and workshops and networking in the scientific community.

Nicole O'Dell, Ph.D. is a senior instructor at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, where she develops new cancer-focused education and training opportunities and tracks their success metrics. O'Dell's interest in science was ignited by her desire to help the next generation of cancer scientists find their niche. Her toughest time came during her PhD while working full-time, but she overcame this challenge with determination. O'Dell's advice for young women interested in science is that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to.

Aslihan Ambeskovic, Ph.D. is a bioinformatician and research program manager at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, investigating how cancer genes cooperate and evolve. Ambeskovic's interest in science was sparked by her desire to understand biological questions computationally. She overcame a difficult time in her career by trusting herself and having the support of her mentor, colleagues, and family. Ambeskovic pursued a career in data science after recognizing her enjoyment in finding patterns in data.

Po-Ju Lin, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.D. is a research assistant professor in supportive care in cancer at the Department of Surgery, conducting studies on exercise, yoga, nutrition, and health education for cancer survivors. Lin's passion for helping cancer survivors manage their symptoms and side effects sparked her interest in science. She overcame challenges during her doctoral degree by believing in herself, accepting the challenges, and having support from family, friends, and colleagues.

Isabelle Schömann serves as the deputy general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, fighting for workers' democracy, labor rights, women's equality, equal pay, and gender-sensitive digitalization at the EU level. Katherina Reiche and Bettina Orlopp work towards increasing women's representation in DAX 40 and MDAX company boards, while Karin Prien leads a commission focused on implementing pay transparency to promote gender equality in workplaces. Another woman in academia faces structural challenges balancing career and motherhood in science, exemplifying the "leaky pipeline" problem where women leave academic careers disproportionately.

Lin offers advice for young women interested in science, encouraging them not to fear trying and not to be afraid of failure. Lin overcame challenges during her doctoral degree by believing in herself, accepting the challenges, and having support from family, friends, and colleagues.

These inspiring women's stories serve as a testament to the power of determination, support, and the pursuit of knowledge. Their advice offers valuable insights for the next generation of women in science.