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Meet Alex Richardson, a research associate in environmental science at Imperial College London. Her journey from Sydney to London is filled with stories of resilience, discovery, and advocacy for diversity in STEM. As a woman in a male-dominated field, Alex shares her thoughts and personal experiences with humor and honesty.
Alex, tell us how you got hooked on science.
"I guess it just made sense for me to go into science because it was something I was good at and something I enjoyed. Being good at something is a huge motivator for me; otherwise, I tend to get frustrated and lose interest. In school, science clicked for me, thanks to a phenomenal biology teacher in my final years. That's why I chose to pursue a Bachelor of Science at the University of Sydney, focusing on ecology and biology. I've always been fascinated by the natural world—there was even a time I toyed with becoming a zookeeper!”
What led you to switch your focus to forensic science?
"After my honors year, I felt uncertain about continuing in ecology and wasn't sure about pursuing a PhD in Australia due to the stringent requirements for government funding, which usually necessitates first-class honors. During this period of uncertainty, someone suggested forensic science. This idea stuck with me, and eventually, I applied to King's College London for a master's in forensic science. It was a big move, literally moving countries, but it laid the foundation for my journey to getting my PhD and beyond."
How did you transition from being a PhD student to becoming a research associate?
"After completing my PhD, which was a journey filled with rewarding and challenging experiences, I faced the daunting task of determining my next steps. I learned of a research associate position at Imperial College. The application process was intense and time-sensitive, coming right after my thesis submission, which didn't leave much room for hesitation. Fortunately, securing this position allowed me to continue my research without the typical post-PhD job search anxiety. This role has enabled me to further explore environmental science, deepening my commitment to making a meaningful impact through science."
What challenges do women face in progressing through scientific careers?
"In our lab, we often joke that we're 'lab monkeys'—us PhD students, lab assistants, and techs, mostly women. But look up the ladder and it changes; of five team leaders in our Environmental Research Group, only one is a woman, and the rest are white men. There’s definitely a gap there. What needs to change? We need more encouragement for women to stay in science, and real support for them to advance, because the traditional academic pathways don’t always align with the personal timelines women might have. If they follow the typical PhD route, which is you finish your bachelor’s, maybe do a master’s, then you come out of a PhD, you're typically in your late 20s, start 30s, which is when many women want to start a family. Working a one- or two-year post-doc, on a contract basis, doesn't necessarily provide you with that stability to have a kid."
Can you share a personal story that highlights these challenges?
"Sure, one of our project managers was pregnant and up until two months before her maternity leave, she didn't have clear confirmation on her maternity benefits or job security post-leave. It was unsettling. Then, there's another colleague who insisted on a full-time position to make the move to Imperial with our group, because she wanted stability to start a family."
How can these systemic issues be addressed to support women better?
"Universities and research institutions need to lead by example, offering more than just token gestures towards gender balance. For instance, when assembling my thesis committee, which was all-male, my supervisor and I made a conscious decision to have female examiners for my viva to maintain some gender balance. We're also trying to ensure diversity among the reviewers for our research papers. These steps are small but it’s a start. We need to see major structural changes that support women throughout their careers, not just when it’s time to review their contributions or at pivotal moments like maternity. It’s about creating a supportive environment that doesn't force women to choose between a career in science and personal life decisions."
Can you share an example of how women support each other in your workplace?
"Yes, the camaraderie among the women is palpable. For example, the two colleagues that I mentioned earlier who were pregnant at the same time became close allies, supporting each other through their pregnancies and maintaining that bond even after they had children. It's these relationships that create a wholesome and supportive work environment, making it easier to handle the daily stresses of research."
Do women bring different perspectives to scientific research in your experience?
"Absolutely, they do. Women often bring a different set of perspectives and approaches to scientific research that can be incredibly beneficial. For example, I've noticed that women in our lab tend to approach problems with a lot of patience and a collaborative mindset. This isn't just about being 'nice'; it's a practical approach that often leads to more thorough and careful experimentation, which is crucial in science.
Take, for instance, the way we manage our resources and schedules in the lab. Women often prioritize communication and planning, ensuring that everyone's needs and time are considered. This approach can lead to a more efficient use of our lab equipment and resources, as everyone is aware of the schedule and can plan their experiments accordingly.
Women's perspectives can often lead to fostering a more inclusive environment that values diverse viewpoints and solutions. This isn't to say that one gender has all the answers, but rather that the blending of different approaches and styles—often influenced by our varied experiences—leads to a more dynamic and innovative scientific inquiry.
However, it's also essential to recognize the value that male colleagues bring to the table. Their approaches can sometimes be more assertive, and this can be quite beneficial in driving projects forward quickly or when decisive action is needed. In some situations, this directness can help cut through indecision to maintain momentum in fast-paced projects.
The ideal scenario is to have a balance of male and female approaches in the lab. This balance ensures that we can leverage the strengths of both to create a more dynamic, innovative, and productive scientific community. It's not about one being better than the other; it's about using all available strengths to push the boundaries of what we can achieve in science. The real power lies in integrating these diverse approaches to nurture a richer, more comprehensive understanding of complex scientific problems."
What role does environment play in fostering success in STEM for women?
"I was fortunate to grow up in a supportive environment that encouraged exploration and didn't constrain me to gender stereotypes. This isn't everyone's experience, and those of us in science must create supportive spaces for all aspiring scientists. Initiatives like Soapbox Science are great because they promote visibility and engagement, showing that science is for everyone. These platforms are not just about showcasing science but also breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes that can discourage girls from entering these fields."
What advice would you give to girls wanting to pursue a
research career?
"Just go for it! Really, that's the first thing that comes to mind. Everyone deals with imposter syndrome—I've battled it myself, especially during tough times like the end of my PhD. It's crucial to remember that you can only control your actions and reactions, not what happens around you. If you're passionate about research and it brings you joy and satisfaction, don't hesitate. Dive in and see where it takes you. Sometimes, it’s about pushing through the tough times with the understanding that 'this too shall pass.'"
How important is it to maintain perseverance and confidence?
"Don't let anyone, including yourself, deter you from your goals. You're the one who will live with the consequences of either seizing opportunities or letting them pass by. There might be failures along the way—expect them. But each failure is a learning opportunity, not just a setback. I believe it’s vital to approach life and career choices with the attitude of 'mess around and find out.' It’s better to try and learn than to never try at all."
How can educational and professional institutions better support the transition from student to professional in science, especially for women? What are your experiences? Let us know in the comments!
Resources
For those inspired by stories like Alex's and looking to delve deeper into the world of women in STEM, the following resources can offer information, support, and inspiration. Each resource is tailored to different aspects of engaging, supporting, and educating women and girls interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields:
Association for Women in Science (AWIS)
AWIS is a global network that advocates for the interests of women in STEM across all disciplines and employment sectors. By providing leadership and career development, AWIS works to advance the participation of women in STEM.
Million Women Mentors (MWM)
Million Women Mentors supports the engagement of one million STEM mentors to mentor girls and women from school age to work age continuum, helping to ensure they persist and succeed in STEM programs and careers.
WISE (Women into Science and Engineering)
WISE promotes female talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from classroom to boardroom in the UK. They work with businesses and organizations to improve the gender balance in STEM, by enabling and energizing people in business, education, and academia to increase the participation, contribution, and success of women in STEM.
Soapbox Science
Soapbox Science is a novel public outreach platform for promoting women scientists and the science they do. It brings scientists to the streets to talk to the general public about their work, aiming to help eliminate gender inequality in science by raising the profile of women scientists.
National Girls Collaborative Project
National Girls Collaborative Project brings together organizations throughout the US that are committed to informing and encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM.
Ada Lovelace Day
Ada Lovelace Day is an international celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and maths. It aims to increase the profile of women in STEM and, in doing so, create new role models who will encourage more girls into STEM careers and support women already working in STEM.
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