Women at the forefront of computational chemistry

Louisa, Head of Sales Development, UK

Who or what inspired you to follow a career in science?

“When I was about 10 years old. My primary school teacher taught me Archimedes principle with a bucket of water and a rock, and I was sold!”

What advice do you have for girls and women early on in their career?

“Find a great female role model in your institution or workplace who you can learn from about navigating the world of science. I would have benefited from having this in my early career.”

Lahari, Support Scientist, India

Who or what inspired you to follow a career in science?

“I have always wanted to have a career in science as far as I could remember - and frankly, I did not think about anything else as an option! My parents, both science graduates, served as my first/major inspiration. I have to specifically credit my father for motivating me to pursue research. But my decision to pick up pharmacy was very much influenced by Dame Agatha Christie's whodunit novels! I got my first knowledge of toxins and doses from those books and was quite enthralled by how just a drop of a simple chemical could affect us so much.”

What advice do you have for girls and women early on in their career?

“Learn as much as possible when you can and explore different opportunities. There is always more than one way to do something, so be flexible in your outlook. Identify what makes you happy and work on it - and you'll never have work blues ever!”

Giorgia, Discovery Scientist, Italy

Who or what inspired you to follow a career in science?

“In high school I always liked math and science, and I always had a very logical mindset. Growing up I wanted to become many things, but most importantly I always believed that science could always help others in some ways. I wanted to become a doctor, then I decided that chemistry was also attractive and the medicines/drugs always intrigued me. So I decided to study Pharmacy, with the idea of applying my studies in the best possible way I could to help others. That is when I realized that studying Medicinal Chemistry was the best way of doing so.“

What advice do you have for girls and women early on in their career?

“Be aware that, as a woman, although there will be challenges in life, fortunately we live in a world that today has given all women the possibilities to study and work. However, in some cultures or countries, the same world alongside the opportunities still lacks in providing the support that would be required when you have a family. So be aware, and be smart, and plan in advance how to balance things in life and what choices (sometimes sacrifices) are needed to make this work.”

Jessica, Application Scientist, USA

Who or what inspired you to follow a career in science?

“I knew I wanted to be a scientist since I was a kid. I loved the show ‘The Magic School Bus’. Throughout grade school, my favorite subjects were chemistry and biology, so I knew I wanted to do something in those fields.”

What advice do you have for girls and women early on in their career?

“I would tell them that when choosing a place of employment, it is equally as important to consider the management team as it is the job description. It is also okay to leave if you feel underappreciated or discriminated against. It is difficult to thrive if you feel unappreciated or that your contributions are not significant.”

Sofia, Postdoctoral Scientist, UK

Who or what inspired you to follow a career in science?

“I decided that a career in science was the correct choice for me during the last year of high school. My biology teacher encouraged me – she was an inspiring, young woman, full of passion for her work.”

What advice do you have for girls and women early on in their career?

“A career in science is fun and rewarding. Don't underestimate yourself or think that it is too difficult for you.”

Mari, Application Scientist, UK

Who or what inspired you to follow a career in science?

“I was inspired by watching a TV programme called Jurassica on the Discovery Channel at about 14 years old, I decided I wanted to be a palaeontologist which led me to Chemistry A Level.”

What advice do you have for girls and women early on in their career?

“Don't be afraid to take credit where you deserve it. Many women tend to downplay their own achievements, which can be self-defeating. Getting into the habit of accepting praise or highlighting achievements will help with confidence and therefore career progression.”

Mary-Ann, Head of Strategic Marketing, USA

Who or what inspired you to follow a career in science?

“Science was always my favorite subject in school. In high school I became particularly fascinated by human biology and was inspired by my biology teacher to focus on a career in the sciences. I was also inspired and encouraged by my parents (both scientists). Unlike some of my contemporaries, I never felt like I was held back from pursuing my dreams by stereotypes or my gender.”

What advice do you have for girls and women early on in their career?

“I can do no better than to repeat the words of my high school biology teacher who inspired me to pursue a career in science: if you want to make money, study finance or law. If you want to have a meaningful career in a fascinating, ever-developing field and improve human health and the environment - study science!”

Selma, Discovery Scientist, UK

Who or what inspired you to follow a career in science?

“Very early on, in secondary school. Wanted to help find cures for cancer and dementia which affected my relatives. My biology and physics teachers in secondary then chemistry teacher at uni which led me to study organic chemistry and Marie Curie of course.”

What advice do you have for girls and women early on in their career?

“Great choice, find a good role model and mentor, keep working hard and speak up.”

Jennifer, Application Scientist, UK

Who or what inspired you to follow a career in science?

“I was first inspired by a couple of good science teachers in secondary school. My GSCE biology teacher and A-level Physics teacher both stand out, because they were very good. They were enthusiastic and supportive. Also, my parents were both engineers so moving into theoretical physics was initially a (small) rebellion.”

What advice do you have for girls and women early on in their career?

“My advice if you want to pursue a career in science is not to listen to the negativity and the sometimes active discouragement that girls and women often face. This is, of course, hard, so if you do listen, carry on anyway! The rewards are there in the execution of the science, the rest is noise. Also surround yourself with the good people wherever you can, ask for mentors and be a mentor in turn.”

Awantika, Academic Liaison, India

Who or what inspired you to follow a career in science?

“I wanted to start a career in science from childhood. My grandfather who was pharmacist inspired me a lot.“

What advice do you have for girls and women early on in their career?

“Take pride in advancing your career.”

Susan, Head of Support, UK

Who or what inspired you to follow a career in science?

“I'm not sure I ever decided I wanted a career in science, however I found science interesting as soon as I started secondary school, particularly when we were allowed to do experiments (starting with flame tests and testing the effects of different gases on flaming splints!). My chemistry and physics teachers were particularly engaging and enthusiastic. Because I enjoyed science so much, particularly chemistry, I followed the science route when choosing subjects for Standard Grade, Higher and then Sixth Year Study qualifications. This naturally led me to choosing chemistry as a subject at university and by the time I did my final year undergraduate degree project, science was definitely the route I wanted to take. When I was a teenager and picking university choices, my older sister was studying microbiology at university, so actually, in retrospect, she was a bit of a role model though I may not have realized it at the time!”

What advice do you have for girls and women early on in their career?

“Female scientists haven't always had it easy. We need to recognize that but we shouldn't be limited by what's gone before: blaze your own trail!”

Lucia, Sales Development Representative, UK

Who or what inspired you to follow a career in science?

“I’ve loved science since very young age, math always used to make sense as it had its own language and I found it fascinating. When I’ve was introduced to chemistry I found it so easy and simple. In primary school I started attending math and chemistry Olympiad, and I continued with Chemistry Olympiad till I finished high school.”

What advice do you have for girls and women early on in their career?

“Follow your own dreams and don't let anyone else tell you what route to follow. Believe in yourself and if people tell you that you're good in something, trust them.”

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