The female Scientist

Most recent portraits

Meet Marie Launay: A passionate marine biologist unraveling the genomics of Arctic cod!

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 conservation.

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Meet Nafisa M. Jadavji, passionate about scientific research and mentoring!

Dr. Nafisa M. Jadavji is a Neuroscientist. She is an Assistant Professor at Midwestern University, Research Professor at the University of Arizona, and Carleton University. In 2012, she completed her doctoral training at McGill University in Montréal, Canada.  Currently, her laboratory investigates how the brain responds to different biological processes throughout the lifespan. More specifically, her lab studies how the brain responds to changes in one-carbon metabolism, with a specific focus on maternal nutrition contributions to offspring neurodevelopment, neurological diseases (e.g. ischemic stroke and vascular dementia), and aging.

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Meet Luba Orlovsky, Analytical Research Lead, exploring how AI and Machine Learning can help businesses and customers alike!

Luba Orlovsky is the Analytical Research Lead at Earnix, a global provider of intelligent, composable, SaaS solutions for insurers and banks. At age 19, she moved to Israel to pursue her academic aspirations. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering and a Master of Science in operations research from the Israel Institute of Technology. During her career she’s held different analytics related roles in several companies, from algorithm developer and market analyst to head of analytics in the customer experience department and analytical research lead today in Earnix. 

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Most recent research

A Lack of Interest Isn’t the Problem!

We’ve all seen the studies and accusatory messaging – if only more women studied STEM subjects in college, then maybe there would be equity in academia and the workforce. But a new Cornell study has shown that most of the disparities are caused by the labor market rather than degree. Who would have thought?

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STEM on the screen. Who is being seen?

Vast amounts of media are consumed through YouTube and television and these platforms are opportunities for positive representation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Does YouTube provide a more inclusive space for women’s voices and what can be done to combat stereotypes associated with female STEM communicators?

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Challenging the status quo in academia through focusing on training and skill-building!

Academia is a place where knowledge can be gained and shared. However, the system could be improved by focusing more on training “the whole scientist.” This post describes recommendations to improve science training, including a framework for science communication to enable the next generation workforce to positively impact society.

 

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Most recent guides

Rep by Rep: How Lessons from My Personal Trainer Strengthened My Approach to Academia!

My coach taught me that true growth comes from prioritizing self-care and focusing on my own journey. In academia, I had been sacrificing meals and sleep for productivity, but he showed me that this was unsustainable. Envy and comparison, I learned, don’t fuel progress—personal growth does. These lessons reshaped my approach to both life and research, helping me realize that balance, not burnout, is the key to long-term success. By applying these lessons from the gym to my academic life, I’ve embraced a balanced approach, prioritizing well-being over burnout and finding strength in my own path. Growth isn’t about competing; it’s about building resilience, inside and out.

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Young researchers: finding passion for science and enjoy the twists and turns of the journey!

Masuma Afrin Taniya is a senior year undergraduate research student studying Microbiology at Independent University, Bangladesh. During her time in the program, she has participated in several public speaking and essay writing competitions notably Famelab international, Hult-prize competition, Nature’s essay writing competition, and Sanger prize competition. From these competitions, She has acquired public speaking skills, good writing skills, confidence to distill complex ideas and communicate effectively to a non-specialist audience. In this article, she shares many vital tips for young readers who aspire to become a researcher.

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Sustainability and laboratories, are they compatible?

Have you ever thought about how much plastic do you use everyday in the lab? Do you consider yourself as an eco-friendly scientist? Well, I wondered these questions some time ago. There is much more that we can do to without a big effort to be sustainable while progressing efficiently in our research. Go green!

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Most recent articles

Overcoming Deficiencies: Balancing Health and Academia with the Right Coach!

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.

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Rethinking Evolution: The Invisible Women in Science!

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.

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Field and Menstruation: Breaking the silence on a hidden challenge!

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.

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