What is your earliest memory of being intrigued by STEM?
My dad is a toxicologist as well, so I remember being intrigued by how much he knew about every medicine I had to take, or which plants not to put in my mouth from the garden, when I was young. He is seriously a walking dictionary for all things toxicology. I grew up on a property with a forest, so I grew up in there and was very inquisitive. I think spending so much time outdoors is what sparked my passion for the environment.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about women in STEM?
In my experience, the biggest misconception about women in STEM is that that we all look or act as we are represented in media. The media has portrayed women in STEM who think that caring about your appearance is shallow, or makes you less smart/credible, or not the most qualified to do the job. The truth is that we come in all shapes, sizes, colours etc., and we all deserve to be in STEM. We all need to support each other as people facing the same prejudices.
Why do you think that it is important to encourage young women to explore an education or career in STEM?
I think it is important to encourage women to pursue STEM because representation matters, and the more of us are working in these roles, the more stereotypes will dissolve. I also think that, in my own experience, pursuing a career in STEM, has added a level of confidence in how I perceive myself, and how I present to the outside world, and I hope as many people can have that as possible.