Right Turn: A sisterhood of scientists

“Science is for everyone – especially you. It doesn’t matter where you start in life, what your circumstances are, science needs you. Go forth, make magic happen, follow your dreams, and let science lead you there.” – Dr. Mayim Bialik

“By all means, if you have passion and you have interest, pursue that interest. Don’t be dissuaded by any negative thoughts that someone might put in your way.” – Dr. Mojgan Hodaie

“You have to throw away your preconceived notions about who is or isn’t a scientist.” – Dr. Valerie Wallace

“[Science is] all about thinking and coming up with ideas and then playing with those ideas. It’s a lot of play, it’s a lot of imagination, it’s a lot of creativity. (…) If you think you can’t do it, I’m here to tell you that you can. Anybody can become a scientist.” – Dr. Sowmya Viswanathan

These are just a few of the messages you’ll hear in the video below, a presentation hosted by the Krembil Research Institute in Toronto, Canada, in recognition of International Day of Women and Girls in Science that took place on February 11, 2021.

The hour-long presentation, moderated by Dr. Gelareh Zadeh, is half pre-recorded and half live, and features the enthusiastic and inspirational women quoted above, with special guest messages from real-life neuroscientist Mayim Bialik, who played a neurobiologist on the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory, and Dr. Eugenia Addy, CEO of Visions of Science, a group that CCRM is pleased to support.

Hear about their careers, strong family role models and learn about their important research in neuroscience, vision and arthritis. These remarkable leaders are smart and funny – as you’ll hear if you watch to the end when they answer questions submitted by elementary school students. Their messages are for girls and boys, as they are all passionate about science and simply want to encourage young people to follow in their footsteps.

What is Dr. Addy’s message? It’s simple: “Yes, you.” Watch the video for the context and see if you aren’t inspired too.

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Stacey Johnson

Stacey Johnson is the editor of Signals and a contributor. For 25 years, Stacey has been providing strategic communications counsel to government, corporate, technology and health organizations. She began her career at the CTV Television Network and then moved to Hill & Knowlton Canada where she advised clients in a variety of industries and sectors. Stacey is the Vice President, Communications and Marketing for CCRM, a leader in developing and commercializing regenerative medicine-based technologies and cell and gene therapies. She has a Master's degree in Public Relations. You can follow her on Twitter @msstaceyerin.

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