The future of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is bright, thanks to trailblazing young women who are breaking barriers and making groundbreaking discoveries. These five women are making waves in fields ranging from marine biology to artificial intelligence. Their passion, innovation, and determination are rewriting the rules and inspiring the next generation.
Annie Ford – Marine Defender and Sound Blasting Campaigner
Annie Ford is a marine biologist on a mission to protect our oceans. After working aboard seismic blasting vessels, Annie saw firsthand the damage sound blasting inflicts on marine ecosystems. Now, she’s using her voice and expertise to advocate for change as the National Campaign Manager for the Surfrider Foundation in Australia. She’s been rallying communities, politicians, and organizations to stop seismic testing, which harms sea life like whales and dolphins.
I admire her courage—not only for leaving this high-demand job in the seismic industry but for becoming a whistleblower. Seismic blasting, used for offshore oil and gas exploration, is incredibly damaging. It kills zooplankton more than a kilometer away and can deafen whales, disrupting their ability to communicate. Having recently had the privilege to swim with humpback whales, I feel outraged that we continue to cause such harm. Annie’s transition from scientist to activist is a testament to the power of taking a stand.
Dr. Miranda Wang – The Plastic Recycler
Plastic pollution is a global crisis, and Dr. Miranda Wang is stepping up with innovative solutions. As the co-founder of Novoloop, Miranda has developed groundbreaking technology that turns unrecyclable plastics—like shopping bags and flexible packaging—into valuable chemical building blocks, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Her process not only makes use of waste but is also cheaper and reduces the carbon footprint of these materials by up to 41%.
I’ve traveled to remote islands, swimming over coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, only to find plastic waste littering the shores. It was a stark reminder of how much damage we cause. Recycling alone won’t solve this crisis, but Miranda’s work is a step toward making waste more valuable, shifting our perception of plastic from trash to resource. I’m in awe of young environmental activists who demand action for their future. They remind us that global citizenship extends beyond borders.
Dr. Joy Buolamwini – The AI Justice Advocate
Artificial intelligence has become an unavoidable part of daily life, shaping everything from hiring decisions to law enforcement tools. But how can we ensure AI serves everyone equitably?
Dr. Joy Buolamwini confronted this issue when she discovered that facial recognition software struggled to identify darker-skinned faces. She didn’t just take note—she took action. As the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, Joy has been leading global conversations about ethics in AI, pushing corporations and governments to implement regulations that reduce AI bias and harm.
When I first started using AI tools, I was more curious than skeptical. But Joy’s research helped me understand why regulation is crucial. AI must be developed responsibly, and diversity in STEM ensures that critical issues like algorithmic bias don’t go unnoticed. The rise of diverse women in STEM makes me hopeful that the next generation will approach technology with fairness and accountability at its core.
Dr. Kristina Olson – Understanding Kids, One Study at a Time
Children’s emotional and psychological development plays a crucial role in shaping society. Dr. Kristina Olson, a developmental psychologist, studies how kids form their identities and navigate social environments. Her research on transgender and gender-diverse children has shed light on the importance of early support, helping families and communities create more inclusive environments.
A few years ago, I volunteered at a local primary school, spending afternoons with children to help build their confidence and communication skills. The training I received from a behavioral psychologist working at the school was eye-opening. It made me realize how much societal attitudes toward neurodiversity and inclusivity have evolved. Thanks to researchers like Kristina, more people now understand the importance of recognizing conditions like dyslexia, ADHD, and dyspraxia early, ensuring children receive the support they need from a young age.
Melissa Cristina Márquez – The Fearless Marine Biologist
Melissa Cristina Márquez is a Puerto Rican marine biologist and science communicator specializing in sharks and other chondrichthyan species. She is pursuing a PhD at Curtin University, researching how environmental factors influence shark distribution. Beyond research, she founded The Fins United Initiative, which provides free, bilingual shark education, and hosts the ConCiencia Azul podcast, highlighting Hispanic researchers. She has also authored the Wild Survival! children’s book series and Mother of Sharks.
I first discovered Melissa through her TED Talks—she’s a fantastic communicator, blending humor with powerful messages. While she’s gained fame for surviving a crocodile attack during a Shark Week filming expedition, it’s her resilience and dedication that truly inspire me. She remained calm during the attack, an extraordinary display of composure. As someone passionate about diving, I admire her courage. While I’ll do my best to avoid crocodiles in the water, I’ll certainly keep her bravery in mind should I ever face an unexpected encounter!
The Bigger Picture
These five women represent just a fraction of the talent shaping the future of STEM. A special mention goes to Dr. Marie Saitou, a principal investigator in Norway whose work in computational biology and genomics is uncovering the secrets of human evolution and genetic diversity.
They’re breaking barriers, challenging norms, and proving that science and innovation are for everyone. From marine conservation to AI ethics, their work is shaping a better future for all of us. The future of STEM is in good hands.
About the Author
Maïa Sautelet is the publisher of Reef Protect, an online magazine dedicated to reef and shark conservation. Since 2017, she has been traveling the world by sailboat, gaining firsthand knowledge of marine ecosystems through sailing and diving. Leading a team of writers with marine science expertise, she shapes the vision of The Reef and Shark Collective, advocating for ocean conservation.