Marie’s Legacy: The Future, Women And Science (NAPSA)—Women scientists are coming to the profession in a myriad of ways, but the reasons for their love of science are essentially no different than those of their most well-known predecessor: Marie Curie. A passion for discovery—the eyebrow-raising moments that thrill and amaze, itale=a , Science P 5 ~ fog, a i a love of research, the challenge of creating solutions out of difficult and complex puzzles—is the key factor that determined their destinies. It wasalso pivotal that early curiosities and interests were encouraged and supported by a steady stream of mentors, usually beginning at home. For example, Lisa Hines was devastated when her mother died of breast cancer. But the loss was also the key factor in her decision to pursue a career in the health- related sciences. “At the time my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer there were so many unanswered questions as to how a seemingly healthy individual can become so ill,” she says. “My goal wasto find out why this occurred and how it could be prevented.” Today, Hines is a researcher on the Breast Cancer 1000 Project at Harvard Medical School, working to identify and clone 1000 genes associated with breast cancer development into a universal cloning system. The system will hopefully lead to a better understanding of the cellular pathways involved in the development of breast cancer and develop therapeutic strategies. Dr. Hines, a recipient of a twoyear LOREAL USA Fellowship, echoes other womenscientists who have forged ahead, makingstrides in a profession that has not traditionally embraced women. “There still needs to be more women science faculty members, more role models,” explains Dr. Joan Steitz, a research scientist and professor at Yale University, and a 2001 LOREAL-UNESCO For Women In Science (FWIS) laureate. She believes it’s impera- Wo My Dr. Lisa Hines tive that female high school and college students begin to see more womenscientists in academia. Dr. Johanna Levelt Sengers, a Scientist Emeritus at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland and the recipient of the 2003 LYOREAL-UNESCO For Womenin Science Award believes that, if science is to continue to make significant breakthroughs “no country—moreover not 50 percent of humanity can beleft behind because they happen to be female.” To start, expectations, precon- ceptions and outlooks must change. Girls need to feel welcomed in math andscience classes, stimulated and encouraged by knowledgeable and enthusiastic teachers. Meanwhile, teachers should respect the sometimes dissimilar approaches boys andgirls take to learning these subjects. Dr. Hines hopes that as more women scientists receive media exposure, highlighting their accomplishments, girls might find the profession more appealing. One thing is apparent: these women, from their 30s to their 70s, are all committed to nurtur- ing, molding and supporting women who enter the sciences. Theyareall at the forefront of the role model movement. To learn more about the role of women in science, as well as the FWIS awards, visit the Web site at www.forwomeninscience.com.
