Celebrating International Day of Women And Girls In Science
We recognize and are inspired by women in science whose dedication, resilience, and pioneering spirits help break down barriers and overcome obstacles in science.
While we’ve come a long way, today is also an important reminder of the work still to be done regarding gender equality in STEM fields, ensuring all aspiring scientists have equal opportunities to pursue their passion.
To celebrate, we’re highlighting some of our science ambassadors at CG Life who are helping pave the way for women and girls in science.
Juliet Preston
Group Director of Content
Why did you choose a career in science?
Growing up in a tiny town in rural New Zealand, I wasn’t exposed to science or scientists, so when I went to University, it wasn’t on my radar. I studied journalism. But the more I learned about the media landscape, the more I began to question whether my career would have a positive impact on the world. During this time, I was living with soon-to-be doctors and scientists and fell in love with what they were learning. I began to appreciate science and health on a whole other level. I realized a career in science communications would be the perfect mix, so I graduated and set out to make that a reality.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to younger women looking to pursue a career in science?
Grow a diverse skill set (writing, business, public speaking) and keep thinking outside of the box. There are so many different avenues to explore––not just bench science but industry, government, and then roles like mine where I don’t pick up a pipette. I learn and write about the latest technologies and services. It’s eternally fun, exciting, and meaningful because we’re helping tell the story of the latest and greatest scientific developments.
Jillian Weeks, PhD
Senior Scientific Content Strategist
Why did you choose a career in science?
I was a psychology major in college, but constantly found myself wanting deeper, more granular explanations of the why and how behind human behavior. That led me to pursue my Ph.D. in neuroscience.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to younger women looking to pursue a career in science?
You’re going to be wrong a lot. Don’t worry about it! Don’t let the fear of being wrong or having someone question your ideas keep you from speaking up, especially when academic settings feel like an old boys’ club. It can be really intimidating to talk about your research sometimes, but any invitation to interpret something differently or try another approach is a learning opportunity, not a blow to your capacity as a scientist.
Kate Proudfoot, PhD
Scientific Content Specialist
Why did you choose a career in science?
Growing up, my dad was a physicist who worked with and built particle accelerators, including the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Seeing him go through the scientific process of exploring, hypothesizing, testing, and discovering made me want to pursue a career where I could do that, too.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to younger women looking to pursue a career in science?
Think ahead to get ahead. What are your goals? What education and other experience do you need in order to achieve them? By planning ahead, you can take charge of your future.
Shannia Coley
Public Relations, Account Supervisor
Why did you choose a career in science?
From a young age, I was always interested in the complexities of our bodies. There’s a delicate ecosystem vulnerable to disruptions that can lead to various illnesses. I was fascinated by the potential of groundbreaking research to treat illnesses, so pursuing a career in science was inevitable to me.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to younger women looking to pursue a career in science?
Don’t box yourself in a corner! Your options are significantly wider than you think they are. A career in science can mean going into research, but it can also mean going into other areas like policy or communications.
Stephanie Konecki, PhD
Scientific Content Strategist
Why did you choose a career in science?
Because I’m annoyingly curious! I love to know how things work and marvel at the wonderful way the world works and fits together. It’s such a pleasure to discover something new, and we are discovering more and more every day.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to younger women looking to pursue a career in science?
Enjoy the ride! It’s easy to get bogged down by tests and educational hoops, but take time to smell the roses as well as memorize their anatomy.
Ashley Miller-Dykeman
Senior Content Editor
Why did you choose a career in science?
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to younger women looking to pursue a career in science?
A career in science doesn’t come with a set path you must follow – don’t be afraid of the unconventional. If a topic interests you, learn about it! If working in a lab doesn’t feel right, try something different!
Maggie Whitney
Public Relations, Senior Account Executive
Why did you choose a career in science?
When the opportunity presented itself to provide communications support and raise awareness for the COVID-19 vaccine in 2020, I couldn’t turn it down. It was an incredible experience that fueled my interest in life science communications. Now, the work I do every day is a tiny piece of the effort to bring life-changing treatments to the world.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to younger women looking to pursue a career in science?
A career in science can look however you want it to. Whether you are more left-brain dominant drawn to engineering and biochemistry, a right-brained creative drawn to the storytelling of science, or somewhere in between – there is definitely a career in pharma and biotech that will fuel your passions. Don’t be afraid to try fields outside of your comfort zone or perceived expertise!