Dean's Message - March 15, 2021

Dear GSBS Community:

This is Women’s History Month and it is a good time to take stock of progress for women scientists and assess how much further we need to go. Many of you viewed the film “Picture a Scientist” that described the challenges to achieve gender equity. Professor Nancy Hopkins (MIT) became a pioneer in working toward pay equity and her journey is especially noted in this film. We had Nancy speak at a Women in Science Symposium in 2018 that we co-hosted with Claire Moore, the Natalie V. Zucker Chair. I marvel at Nancy’s courage and her ability to stand up for what is right. She inspires us all to do the same. 

In my own undergraduate training, my first two research labs were, other than me, all-women labs. This was in the mid 1970s, and women faculty were rare. I saw first-hand the hardship my lab heads experienced as they confronted sexism daily in the male-dominated faculty of that time. I also thank these mentors and the women in their labs for training me to be a scientist by showing kindness and patience for this woefully inexperienced but eager student. These two women scientists went on to have stellar careers and I am thankfully in close contact with one, whom I still consider a mentor to this day. 

During this month, I hope you can think about women scientists and leaders in your lives, the additional challenges that they face just to do their jobs and how our field is better for their courage. Please stay tuned in the Goods for events to highlight women scientists by GSBS and across the University.  

Dan Jay