YWIB-Greater Boston: Planting the Seeds of Science Lab Tour

On November 14, Young Women In Bio Greater Boston held Planting the Seeds of Science at the Bayer Co.Lab in Cambridge to engage young women in the community with local women in STEM. The event was developed for WIB members and their daughters, ages 9–18, but open to any local community members to learn about careers and see a STEM lab space.

WIB-Greater Boston YWIB Committee Chair Laura Aguilar moderated a career panel that included voices from local women with diverse experiences in STEM. In addition to Laura, a Pediatric Oncologist and Founder of Candel Therapeutics, the panel speakers included Emma McGuirk, a PhD Candidate in neuroscience from Brandeis University; Samantha Atkins, a Scientist in Investigative Pathology working with organ-on-a-chip at Moderna; Rose Leopold, a Director of Business Resilience at Moderna; and Rosemary Chude-Sokei a Physician overseeing Healthcare Quality in the surgery department of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Each panelist shared the journeys that brought them through the STEM field and into their current roles, their daily life in STEM, and their challenges. Rose Leopold highlighted the significance of engaging professors in her decision to shift from biology to political science, illustrating how she utilized her science background to bridge the realms of biology and policy-making. Rosemary Chude-Sokei shared a personal story about a hospital hostage situation in Nigeria, prompting her to relocate to the US and pursue a career in data science. 

During the Q&A, many girls had questions about college, science, co-ops, and internships and were highly engaged with the speakers. One high schooler said the event "gave me the opportunity to connect with some really important people and will shape the way I think of what to do in the future." A middle school student said they wanted to earn a PhD so they would always have a job. A key takeaway from the event emphasized the importance of embracing change, as none of the speakers had a linear journey through STEM, each facing twists and turns on their path to current roles.

The event also included tables where the young women could have more personal one-on-one discussions about their interests and was rounded out by a tour of the new Bayer Co. Labs space.

Submitted by Samantha Atkins