Mortiboys updates

My favorite female scientist is Kalpana Chawla, the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. Growing up in India, I remember the immense excitement and pride surrounding her first spaceflight on the Columbia space shuttle. She became an instant role model, inspiring a generation, and demonstrating that with dedication and hard work, many doors would open that seemed locked. Though her life was tragically cut short, her legacy continues to inspire me. To me, Kalpana Chawla represents ambitious exploration, the pursuit of knowledge, and the power of breaking barriers. 

My inspirational female scientist is Prof. Sue Deuchars, Professor Emeritus of Neurophysiology at the University of Leeds. Sue personally inspired me through my journey as an undergraduate at Leeds and beyond. Sue always provided me with guidance, knowledge, and support when I was navigating the beginning of a research career path. She always greeted any concern or worry I had with a proactive solution and supportive approach as my personal tutor. She acted as a positive role model for me and was one of my biggest inspirations to undertake a research career path as I could see her tangible success in academia. We are still in touch to this date and when I updated her with my recent news, Sue advised me that she "loves hearing that her brilliant female scientists are carrying the flag for the future"! 

Dr. Amy Vincent, Newcastle University Academic Track Fellow, was my co-supervisor during my PhD. It was during this time that I became aware of, and was inspired by, her great talent and potential as a scientist. Amy is incredibly driven as reflected by her rapid attainment of key career milestones: within three years of completing her PhD, Amy was successfully awarded her first Fellowship (Sir Henry Sir Henry Wellcome Fellowship, 2019) and had set up her own lab. Amy was also awarded the Biochemical Society Early Career Researcher award (2023) and elected to the UK Young Academy executive group (2024). Not only have I learned so much from Amy about the practical undertakings of science but also about how through perseverance and harnessing our passions we can shape our field and the world. Amy has impacted science, not just through her impressive publication record, but also her desire to improve inclusivity within research. Her commitment to STEM and EDI is hugely impressive and provides an inspiring example to colleagues and students to be compassionate people as well as passionate scientists. In a field dominated by men, the path to success for women in science is a challenging one. Amy is someone who has not just achieved success herself but has paved the way for countless others too. 

Barbara McClintock is one of the most original and resilient scientists in genetics. She discovered "jumping genes" (transposons) —a groundbreaking idea that genes can move within a genome—at a time when the scientific community largely dismissed her work. Facing skepticism and isolation, she continued her research independently, trusting in her data rather than seeking validation. Decades later, her discoveries revolutionized genetics, earning her the 1983 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the only woman to win it solo. Her story is a testament to intellectual courage, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to science. 

One of the women who inspired me the most to pursue a career in science is Toby Hendy (on YouTube @Tibees), who is a dedicated science communicator.  Toby’s unique online content was introduced into my life during Sixth Form, a pivotal time for (career) decision making.  She focuses on making science accessible and engaging by making intimidating and complex concepts more approachable.  While up until then, I did not have many inspiring teachers, I felt like Toby’s enthusiasm for STEM inspired a deeper appreciation for it in my own trajectory.  She demonstrated that this traditionally male-dominated field can also be a successful path for someone like me, and that there are many creative approaches to this field.  As far as I can remember, she was the first ‘teacher’ who emphasized the importance of scientific curiosity and love for learning, rather than memorizing equations. 

However, I also wanted to take this opportunity to recognize all the women who contributed to science, whose names we do not know and cannot cherish.  They are wives, colleagues and relatives of those who got credit for their work, and without whom we would not have been able to progress scientifically in the same way we have.  As they were overlooked and unappreciated through marginalization, I think it is important to honor the legacy of those hidden figures in STEM.