This week, I had the privilege of engaging in a fascinating conversation with Dr. Meg Lowman. Known as “Canopy Meg,” she is a globally-renowned forest canopy scientist. The Wall Street Journal dubbed her the “Einstein of the treetops”. Meg has dedicated her life to the conservation of trees and forests worldwide.
A pioneer in forest canopy ecology, Meg has conducted extensive research in forests spanning 46 countries across all seven continents.. Her work has earned her the title of one of the world’s foremost “arbornauts” — individuals who study the intricate ecosystems of forest canopies. Meg refers to them as the Earth’s “eighth continent.”
Dr. Brooke Grindlinger, Chief Scientific Officer of the NY Academy of Sciences didn’t take the conventional female scientist’s route. Instead of the traditional, academic path, Brooke pursued her passion of science communications. Brooke is breaking barriers faced by women in STEM and works with young female scientists pursuing their own ‘unconventional’ paths. By leveraging her voice and platform, Brooke engages and educates audiences, emphasizing the importance of science in shaping the future.
Dr. Alisa Stephens-Shields is an Assistant Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also a mom of an infant and a 5-year-old. The field of science has always been a struggle for female scientists to break into. On top f that, add being a mom to the mix and that struggle becomes a whole lot more challenging. A female scientist, mom and a woman of color and you’re looking at a very rocky path. And that was before the pandemic.
Alisa’s job is demanding. It is technical and detail oriented. It involves long uninterrupted hours of thought. How was she able to do her job and take care of her family during this unprecedented pandemic?
