If you are a woman or girl in the STEM field...

Hello there! Happy Friday, or maybe not...maybe you had a great week! Or...maybe not...anyways, back to me:

We just posted an episode celebrating women and girls in science and let me just say, as a woman/girl/wirl in science, I'm glad such a day existed (on February 11th!).

Growing up in an Asian society where women are not often encouraged to pursue careers, much less a career in science, I am proud to be where I am at: a PhD student in the field of biomedical sciences. It sucks. It's exhausting. It's depressing. But still, proud.

I can't say how many more years I have before I can proudly introduce myself as Janelle Chuah, PhD (because I do not see the light at the end of the tunnel yet), but I do embrace the journey it has been so far. It is so uplifting to see the many, and I mean MANY, women in STEM! Female professors mentoring younger aspiring scientists like myself to break through glass ceilings and pursue STEM careers, simply because it is our passion!

It is even a greater inspiration to see female scientists make impactful discoveries (take that, males!) that completely revolutionize everything we know.

If you are a women or girl in STEM reading this, I want to personally cheer you on! Yes, maybe the thing

s you do from a day to day basis won't be recognized in years to come, or perhaps even within your lifetime, but I genuinely believe our efforts, collectively, will make a difference in the future. If you have been undermined, discriminated, or discouraged simply because of your gender, know that people like me want you to succeed. The best way to show those fools (idiots, really) is to succeed!

During these challenging times, it has been reported that women in STEM are being affected more than ever and seeing reports as such really breaks my heart. Women and girls, let's be collaborative and supportive! Let's have each other's backs and be a lending hand whenever possible. (That was one too many anatomical metaphors!)

If you have a story of a time when you were marginalized for being you, share it with us. We at Redhead & Asian want you to feel heard and supported.

As always, don't forget to stay cheeky,

Janelle

Check out the episode mentioned in this post on your source of podcasts (ie. Spotify or Apple Podcasts) or the "Listen" page!