Mar 198 min read

Intersectionality in STEM

"Navigating the Confluence of Identities"

In the ever-evolving landscape of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the conversation around diversity and inclusion has taken center stage. However, it is the nuanced exploration of intersectionality that illuminates the multifaceted experiences of those who navigate these fields. This article, drawing from interviews with four remarkable women at the University of Kent, delves into the intersection of gender within STEM, offering a mosaic of challenges, triumphs, and insights.

Dr. Alison Edwards:

The Chemistry of Balance

For Dr. Alison Edwards, the journey in STEM is one of passion intertwined with the practicalities of life and motherhood. Her story underscores the importance of visibility and support for women, particularly those balancing career and family. Edwards' role as a Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and her advocacy for equality and inclusivity reflect her commitment to creating a supportive environment for the next generation.

Dr. Alison Edwards, currently a Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, shares her journey through the world of STEM, beginning with her Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Chemistry from the University of Dundee in 1999, followed by a DPhil from the University of Oxford in 2003. Her postdoctoral work at Imperial College London led her to a lecturing position at the Medway School of Pharmacy in 2006. Transitioning to part-time work upon the birth of her first child, she was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 2011. Her passion for chemistry was ignited in her secondary school years, initially leading her towards teaching. However, her exposure to research, particularly in carbohydrate chemistry for medicinal applications, set her on her current path, incorporating teaching and groundbreaking research in circular dichroism.

The search for female role models and balancing motherhood with academia were significant challenges for Dr. Edwards. Networks such as the Royal Society of Chemistry and support from mentors and her husband were instrumental in her success.

Dr. Edwards acknowledges the prevalence of both overt and covert discrimination within academia, advocating for openness, support, and direct action against inappropriate behavior.

Her efforts include visible support for equality and inclusivity through roles such as the Director of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity at her school. She observes that despite a higher number of female undergraduates in chemistry, senior roles still show a gender imbalance. She highlights the need for better support for women facing unique challenges, including maternity leave and menopause.

Dr. Edwards finds the most fulfillment in making a difference through her teaching and mentoring, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collective success within the STEM community.

Speaking candidly about the juggling act required to balance professional and personal responsibilities, stressing the importance of seeking help and support when needed.

Being approachable and serving as a positive role model, Dr. Edwards underlines the significance of mentorship and strategic networking for advancing women's careers in STEM. Highlighting the diverse strengths women bring to STEM and the importance of equal opportunities and support to harness these strengths fully. encouraging young women to believe in themselves, seek out supportive mentors, and never shy away from pursuing their passions.

Looking forward, Dr. Edwards hopes for increased recognition of the challenges women face in STEM and advocates for policies and practices that support gender diversity and equity, emphasizing the power of networking to combat isolation and imposter syndrome.

Makurata Zaninka:

Bridging Continents and Cultures

Makurata Zaninka's path from Africa to the UK embodies the intersection of geographic and cultural identities in STEM. Her experience highlights the significance of supportive academic environments and the absence of major gender-based obstacles, pointing towards a positive shift in the academic landscape. Yet, Zaninka also touches upon the need for more representation, suggesting that childcare and family responsibilities continue to impact women's participation in STEM.

Makurata Zaninka, a dedicated STEM PhD student, details her path from a childhood in Africa, where scientific research was scarce yet the disease burden was high, to her current research endeavors at the University of Kent. Inspired to make a difference in the realm of pharmacological interventions, her academic journey took her from a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacology at London Metropolitan University to a Master's in Biomedicine at the University of Kent. The advent of COVID-19 momentarily halted her plans, but she resumed her studies, leading to her current PhD research on the coexistence of hypertension and osteoarthritis, aiming to uncover new drug targets to alleviate polypharmacy issues.

Makurata has fortunately not faced significant obstacles as a woman in STEM, crediting the supportive academic, financial, and social infrastructure of the institutions she attended for her smooth academic journey and acknowledges the gender equality benefits within her educational environment, by having the presence of both female and male lecturers, bolstering her confidence and aspirations in academia or research. But points to the underrepresentation of women in STEM in general , attributing it partly to the demands of childbirth and childcare, which inherently affect women's careers, suggesting that universities could further support women by providing enhanced childcare services.

Talking about her memorable experiences, a research internship at the University of Oxford's Draper lab stands out in her career. Here, she delved into the immunogenicity of a malaria vaccine, which honed her skills in detail-oriented work, time management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The experience is evident now as she manages her professional and personal life by meticulous planning, reserving weekends for personal time, which helps her fulfill her weekly tasks efficiently.

Stressing the importance of women supporting each other in STEM, Makurata advocates for mentorship and networking as crucial elements for advancement, highlighting the efficiency and success stemming from women's collaborative efforts. She believes women bring invaluable emotional engagement to their research, which can drive groundbreaking discoveries due to their passionate dedication.

Makurata encourages young women interested in STEM to pursue their passions fearlessly and seek guidance from female mentors in the field.

Looking forward, she hopes for an increase in female professorship and an inclusive work environment, recognizing the challenges of balancing natural responsibilities with career advancement and calling for improved support services and workplace adjustments post-maternity.

Dr. Fani Papagiannouli:

A Microscopic View of Macro Challenges

Dr. Fani Papagiannouli's international career offers a glimpse into the role of gender and cultural identity in STEM. From Greece to Germany and the United States, Papagiannouli's experiences with subconscious bias and the challenges of being a foreigner in the field reveal the complexity of navigating STEM spaces. Her story is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and the support of mentors across borders.

Dr. Fani Papagiannouli, a dedicated geneticist and stem cell biologist, shares her compelling journey within the STEM field, beginning with her studies in Biology at the University of Patras in Greece. This academic pursuit led her to the University of Heidelberg and the German Cancer Research Center in Germany.

Where she explored spermatogenesis and stem cell roles in Drosophila fruit flies.

Her postdoctoral work continued in Heidelberg, furthering her research in this niche area. A pivotal moment in her career was her move to Stanford University in 2016 on a German Research Foundation fellowship, deepening her expertise in spermatogenesis. She eventually returned to Germany, joining the Institute of Genetics at the University of Cologne, before her current role at the Medway School of Pharmacy, specializing in Genetics, Stem Cell, and Developmental Biology. Driven by an innate curiosity, she aims to unravel the complex functions within the cellular microcosmos, frequently employing microscopy in her work.

Dr. Papagiannouli highlights the challenges faced as a woman in STEM, notably crediting the mentorship from her supervisors at Stanford and Cologne for her achievements. These mentors, esteemed scientists themselves, played a critical role in nurturing her career, emphasizing the importance of supporting the next generation of academics.

Throughout her career, Dr. Papagiannouli has encountered gender bias, often manifesting as subconscious biases rooted in societal norms or stemming from her status as a foreigner. She calls attention to the need for greater diversity and inclusion within STEM fields, suggesting that proactive measures are necessary to address the underrepresentation of women.

A particularly defining moment in Dr. Papagiannouli's career was the challenging journey to secure competitive funding for her work at Stanford, a testament to her grit, resilience, and persistence—qualities she deems essential for success in science.

Balancing her intensive professional commitments with personal life, Dr. Papagiannouli admits to dedicating a significant portion of her time to her research. She finds solace and rejuvenation in spending quality time with family in Greece, swimming, visiting museums, and attending scientific conferences that offer insights into diverse cultures and countries.

Regarding mentorship and networking, Dr. Papagiannouli does not adhere to a one-size-fits-all strategy but rather tailors her support and advice to meet the unique needs of each individual. She observes that women in STEM are often more proactive in seeking out help and advice, facilitating more open and productive discussions. This approach underscores the critical role of mentorship and networking in advancing women's careers in STEM fields.

Dr. Sadaf Ashraf: The Strength in Diversity

Dr. Sadaf Ashraf brings to light the intersection of gender, ethnicity, and professional identity in STEM. Her journey is marked by the challenges of intersectionality, where her diverse background serves both as a hurdle and a source of strength. Ashraf's narrative emphasizes the importance of hard work, resilience, and the role of mentors and role models in overcoming barriers and inspiring others.

Dr. Sadaf Ashraf, a respected Lecturer in Biological Sciences, shares her enriching journey through the STEM field. Her path began with earning a PhD in Academic Rheumatology at the University of Nottingham, followed by diverse postdoctoral roles at various UK universities, leading up to her current position at the Medway School of Pharmacy.

Dr. Ashraf credits her resilience and the strong foundation of mentorship and role models for her success, emphasizing that her diverse background and intersectionality have served both as challenges and strengths. They've equipped her with the ability to motivate the forthcoming generation of scientists.

Acknowledging the reality of gender bias and discrimination within academia, Dr. Ashraf relies on her robust work ethic and the quality of her research and teaching to advocate for her expertise and contributions.

She notes an increase in women entering STEM but points out the persistent gap in leadership representation. Dr. Ashraf calls for initiatives to enhance diversity and inclusion, particularly in higher echelons of academia and industry.

Reflecting on her PhD journey, Dr. Ashraf highlights the invaluable guidance from her mentors and the significant accomplishment of publishing her thesis chapters, a practice she continues with her own PhD students, fostering confidence and perseverance.

Dr. Ashraf admits the ongoing struggle to find balance between professional commitments and personal life, offering an honest perspective on the complexities of managing dual roles.

She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and networking for women in STEM, focusing on providing support, encouragement, and essential skills to empower women to excel in their respective fields.

Dr. Ashraf believes that women bring indispensable diversity in thought and approach to STEM, which is critical for innovative solutions. She urges organizations to leverage these strengths for broader, positive change.

Urging young women and girls to persist in their STEM ambitions, Dr. Ashraf advises resilience, hard work, and perseverance as keys to overcoming challenges.

Looking forward, Dr. Ashraf envisions a more inclusive future with increased representation of women, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds, in leadership roles. She remains optimistic about overcoming unconscious bias as the workforce becomes more diverse, paving the way for enhanced gender diversity and equity in STEM.

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I would like to thank all of the Women of STEMS at 'The University of Kent' (Medway Campus) for taking time out to speak to me for International Women's Month 2024: