MIRC Celebrates International Women and Girls in Science Day – Faculty Highlights
On February 11th, MIRC celebrated International Women and Girls in Science Day! We are so proud of all the inspiring women who are leading ground-breaking research discoveries and mentoring the next generation of women researchers here at MIRC.
We asked MIRC Principal Investigators, who are role models to women and girls in Science all year round, to share their advice to women and girls interested in science and to tell us what it means to them to be a woman in STEM.
Dawn Bowdish, PhD
What advice do you have for women and girls interested in science?
Science is a fulfilling career and a lot of fun and scientists are a lot of fun. Welcome to our community!
What does it mean to you to be a woman in STEM?
I love being a woman in STEM. I love the camaraderie, the mutual support and our collective dedication to making science accessible to all. Many people, including myself, had their eyes open to equity issues in science, by seeing how few women rise to the upper echelons. Since women make up half the population it is easy to see when they don’t make up half of any group but once you start seeing that inequity though you start wondering ‘who else isn’t at the table?’ Caregivers? Racialized people? Non-cis identifying? Indigenous? Without these perspectives, the very composition of what we study and who our science benefits is skewed. Most transformational discoveries have been made by people who were outsiders to the establishment because those fresh perspectives allowed them to see differently. As a women in science I’m committed to helping bring people of diverse identities and their fresh perspectives to science as I believe that will lead to exciting new discoveries to benefit us all.
Charu Kaushic, PhD
What advice do you have for women and girls interested in science?
Even though there is a lot of attention and talk about encouraging women/girl’s participation in STEM, there is not enough action to make rapid changes which make STEM fields welcoming and comfortable for women and girls. Until that happens, the onus is still on women and girls to find the motivation and determination to make their careers in these areas. One thing that can make the path to success easier is to find mentors and environments that are supportive and can help navigate the systemic barriers. There are more female scientists who are supportive of other women/girls than ever before.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in STEM?
I am very proud that as a first-generation immigrant and a racialized woman, I was able to carve my own path to success in an area of health science research that I am passionate about. In my journey to get to this position, I had the help of not a single mentor, but many helpful colleagues who lent me a hand at the right times. Now in my position as a successful female leader in health research with responsibilities and influence at national and international level, it is my turn to pay it forward. I am using my time to provide mentorship and act as a role model to as many young women in science careers as I can. I am also creating programs and pathways for success for women and others who are under-represented in health research in Canada, so that the next generation of health research leaders reflects the gender and racial diversity seen in Canadian population.
Manali Mukherjee, PhD
What advice do you have for women and girls interested in science?
The preparation for having a career in science? First, one must dream. Then towards that dream stay dedicated until you find your purpose. If your heart is in research, get connected to a research lab early on even if it means filling the tip boxes! If you want to be in industry, then look for internships early on, and so on. Look and seize opportunities every day to gain experience, stay curious and imbibe knowledge with gratitude. The trick is to keep learning, implementing, and moving forward even if it means to get out of the comfort zone. Indeed, ‘footprints on the sands of time are not made by sitting down’…. I was quite young when I came across this particular line, in a Hallmark card store, back home in Kolkata (India). Two and half decades since then, I cannot deny the impact these words had on me. The talisman that I carried forward thereafter was very simple – “do”. With years, I added the next three words. Do it with passion, perseverance, and patience. The 3Ps of success. That is all I would advise.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in STEM?
One’s gender should not determine their career path nor success. And yes, historically the field of science has been dominated by men. That said, women have made progress in pursuing occupations in previously male-dominated industries. Today, more and more women are seeking careers in math, science, and technology (STEM). Approx. only 22% of science-based careers are now occupied by women, and the disparity is even more obvious at higher positions. These issues are now well recognised in Canada and indeed there has been much emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion. My academic training has been diverse and has taken me across the globe. I have had the opportunity of gaining experience at different university campuses, and witnessed first-hand issues with equity and inclusivity. One thing I have seen in common is the need for female role models in STEM – someone to mentor the next generation of women in STEM. It is a privilege to be a woman in STEM, be surrounded by talented young women. It’s exciting and humbling that I in my own little way can contribute to their scientific growth/careers/progression and most importantly make them EDI champions of tomorrow, dedicated to this cause. So, in short, I find it a huge responsibility to be woman in STEM and I strive to sincerely lead by example.
Karen Mossman, PhD
What advice do you have for women and girls interested in science?
Follow your passion! If you are interested in science, take science or science-related classes in school. Find extra-curricular activities that are science-related. Volunteer in a lab or at a library or with a program that does science-related activities. Being able to “do” science or participate in science-related activities is the best way to fully develop your passion for it.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in STEM?
I love being a woman in STEM. Science plays such an important role in so many facets of our world and day-to-day life. There are so many different areas of science that impact where we live and how we live. Science helps us to understand the world we live in and to make it better. It helps connect us with each other, live longer and more productive lives and ensure sustainability of resources. Being in STEM, and working with colleagues in all disciplines, allows me to make an impact.
Amy Gillgrass, PhD
What advice do you have for women and girls interested in science?
My advice to women and girls interested in science is to pursue what you are passionate about and the believe in yourself, even when faced with adversity. It is a fantastic field full of rich and fulfilling job opportunities.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in STEM?
I have always been an advocate and supporter of woman in STEM. I think one of my most important roles as a woman in STEM is to promote, mentor, support and encourage women at all levels of education to pursue STEM subjects if that is where your interests lie. I have had a non-traditional career path and life challenges during my career. These give me a unique perspective and I can demonstrate how there are many roads to success in STEM fields. I enjoy sharing my experiences with other women and hope I can support them to achieve their goals.
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