Category: Stereotypes

Fishing for Change: How Fish Tanks and Textbooks Taught Me to Fall in Love with Science (and Discover its Flaws)

Jeromy DiGiacomo: "I hope my story can highlight that in all its objectivity, the STEM community is not immune to prejudice or discrimination and that we have a lot of room to grow."

/ December 22, 2020

Ice, heat, science, and acting

Morgan Dundon: "I think we should be more accepting of our many dimensions, both academics and actors alike. In my world of materials science, there are solid materials that can exist in more than one form or structure."

/ July 1, 2020

The Spirit of the Inca

Aiza Kabeer: "When we are not aware of the achievements of civilizations such as the Inca, we are unable to see the breadth of cultures that made outstanding scientific progress."

/ May 25, 2020

From Poverty to Science: Becoming a Scientist Amidst Financial Adversity

Gabriel Reyes: "Part of me wants to be angry and frustrated that no matter how hard I work or how enthusiastic I am, the socioeconomic class I was born into will be a hidden barrier."

/ October 15, 2019

Protected: How Imprisonment Inspired My Freedom

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

/ July 19, 2019

Science – A Poem

Jim is the CEO of NeuroLex which is focused on making voice computing accessible to everyone. Below is a poem he wrote for Stories in Science.

/ April 20, 2019

On Being Queer in STEM

Ive Velikova hosts Science With Ive, an educational YouTube channel that tackles quirky science questions. Her curiosity and evidence-based research lets you laugh and learn alongside her with each video. The story below was originally published on Sister, a new media platform aimed...

/ November 1, 2018

Using the ‘fear of missing out’ to my advantage in science

Priscila is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Molecular Genetics at The Ohio State University (OSU). She was born and raised in a rural town in Puerto Rico. She is interested in science communication, biomedical and plant research. She...

/ October 30, 2018

PhD or Family? Does it have to be one or the other?

Aditi Deshpande is a scientist at Allena Pharmaceuticals in Newton, MA. She is a biochemist and a chemical engineer by training. Dr. Deshpande is motivated to transform emerging science into products suitable for commercial development and also bring first-in class...

/ August 24, 2018

From Juvenile Detention to Neuroscience

Raul Ramos shared his inspiring personal journey into science with high school students from Waltham High School as part of the series, The Brandeis MRSEC and WHS present: Science Pizza Talks. AAAS provided additional support for this event.

/ August 22, 2018

Loss, Love, and Science

Dr. Asuri is a Health Policy Analyst and Health Researcher at BC Public Service in Canada. She is a bio-medical scientist by training. She has experienced the thrill of directly watching human cells divide and has observed changes in patient...

/ August 3, 2018

You’re the Surgeon?

Dr. Qaali Hussein: "Despite my academic standing and extracurricular activities, my pursuit of surgery has always been received as an improbable endeavor. A hijab wearing Muslim girl was nobody’s idea of what a surgeon should be. And when I did...

/ June 8, 2018

Debugging The Girl Code: My Journey in Computer Science and Confidence

Anagha Krishnan: Days later, my mind was reeling. How could she say something like that? My mother, who couldn’t attend the conference with me, was very angry when she heard the story. “That’ is absolutely ridiculous,” she said, “You can...

/ June 2, 2018

A PhD in a Pageant Gown: On Fear, Growth & Defining Success

Dr. Vania Cao is the Commercial Programs Lead at Inscopix Inc. She is a neuroscientist, writer, business consultant and Founder of Free the PhD, a career transition platform supporting fellow PhDs to land a job and life they'll love outside...

/ March 31, 2018

The Day I Met Her

I carefully approached her with the intention to learn more. I took the first step to introduce myself with a “hi, my name is Ivan." It didn’t quite work as she seemed hesitant to respond. Nevertheless, I had to strike...

/ December 4, 2017

When your greatest weakness becomes your greatest strength

I have a language disability and a fine motor skill deficit. As a child, I would try not to speak up in class or speak too loudly because I was afraid I would misspeak. I knew what I wanted to...

/ November 26, 2017

Perseverance to Passion

In my life, perseverance is growing up in the inner city of Flint, Michigan. Gangs, violence, and drugs were part of everyday life. I’ve seen someone being run down by a car, shot in the head, and been shot at...

/ November 25, 2017

Hispaniola Born Earthbound Explorer

I thought my biggest role in life was to become a wife and mother. As such, I ended up in a very toxic marriage right out of high school. I left the marriage and I ultimately became homeless. I actually...

/ November 9, 2017

Finding My Path in STEM

Ever noticed yourself living your dreams, or so you thought, only to realize it was a farce all along?  That is the summary of my life. Well, until three months ago.

/ November 6, 2017

Activating My Tech Genes

Growing up without an interest in science, it was a bit strange that I always ended up doing science- related things. I was the average student that managed to make an impression on the people I came across. I got...

/ November 3, 2017

Breaking Through My Glass Ceiling…Twice

I was not born a scientist nor was I born with the knowledge that I would one day be a L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate in France. However, I attained these achievements through maintaining curiosity, making difficult choices, sustaining...

/ October 22, 2017

How Can We Help? Creating the Superwomen in Science Podcast

 – Cordon Purcell & Nicole George – In the fall of 2016, we were both in our first year of grad school and living together in Montreal (Cordon was sleeping on a crappy air mattress in Nicole’s living room). As...

/ August 8, 2017