Challenging the status quo.
Following the Courage of Women Scientists like Dr. Reem Swidah.
Every week I ask my Brave New Girls podcast guest how they define courage. This week my guest is Dr Reem Swidah who is investigating how to turn yeast into renewable biofuel and has won the L’Oreal UNESCO award for Women in Science for doing so.
"We try to do the best science we can to achieve good results. Any results, positive or negative, count. If you have negative results, you try another approach to reach the target. This is the fun in science."
Her definition underscores the importance of resilience and a willingness to face uncertainty. For many women in STEM, courage also means challenging stereotypes, advocating for equal opportunities, and finding ways to balance professional ambitions with personal commitments.
In the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), women often face unique challenges as they pursue their careers. Dr. Reem Swidah, a post-doctoral researcher at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology and a 2024 L'Oreal UNESCO For Women In Science award winner, has needed courage and resilience to overcome these obstacles. Her work on developing biofuels from synthetic yeast is not only groundbreaking but also a testament to the determination required to thrive in a male-dominated field.
The Journey of Dr. Reem Swidah
Dr. Reem's journey began in Saudi Arabia, where she was raised in a well-educated family that valued and supported women's education. Despite coming from a conservative society, her parents encouraged her ambitions, allowing her to pursue higher education in Syria and later, a Ph.D. in the UK. Her story is one of perseverance, as she balanced the demands of her research with the responsibilities of motherhood, all while navigating a new country and culture.
During her Ph.D., Dr. Reem faced the dual challenge of rigorous academic work and caring for her newborn daughter. "If you believe you could, and you have a supportive family, you could do it," she reflects. However, she acknowledges that support for female scientists, especially those with families, is often inadequate. The flexibility and financial support provided by the L'Oreal UNESCO award have been crucial in allowing her to balance her career and family life effectively.
Dare to do things differently, for the greater good.
Coaching tips
For women aspiring to develop their careers, even in difficult environments, Dr. Reem's journey offers several valuable lessons:
Seek Support Systems: Surround yourself with supportive family, friends, and mentors who believe in your potential.
Embrace Flexibility: Look for funding and opportunities that offer flexibility, particularly if you have caregiving responsibilities.
Believe in Your Abilities: Trust in your skills and knowledge. Apply for positions and grants even if you don't meet every criterion.
Network Actively: Build connections with peers, mentors, and industry professionals to create a supportive professional network.
Prioritize Self-Care: Balance is key. Take time to care for your mental and physical well-being to maintain long-term productivity.
Advocate for Change: Speak up about the challenges faced by women in STEM and other male-dominated work-places, and work towards creating more inclusive environments.
Stay Persistent: Research often involves setbacks. View these as learning opportunities and stay committed to your goals.
Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem.
Seek Out Role Models: Look for and connect with women who have successfully navigated similar challenges. Their experiences can provide valuable insights.
Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay updated with advancements in your field and seek opportunities for further education and skill development.
When you believe in what you do, do what you can to follow your dreams.
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