Since the early 1900s, the month of March has been dedicated to celebrating all that women have created and achieved, and taking a pulse on the continued fight for gender equality. While it’s a time for reveling in successes and assessing how the needle has been pushed forward, it’s also a useful time to outline a path for the future and clarify the visions we wish to bring to fruition.
To appropriately partake in these seasonal festivities, I sat down with Microbiologists Mikhaelah Tomesetti and Eriko Tamulac from Allure’s R&D department to get their perspectives on how it feels to be a woman working in science, lessons they’ve learned from their seasoned experience, the advice they would give to young women wanting to explore a career in science, and the future they have in mind for the following generations in their field.
Mikhaelah: Challenging but rewarding. It can be challenging when your voice isn’t being heard or taken seriously despite the attempt to change delivery. It is also rewarding because I get the opportunity to navigate these challenges along with others that arise.
Eriko: Being a woman in science at Allure Labs feels neutral. Each science department at Allure Labs has different kinds of women, so it’s good to see each woman playing a crucial role in their department.
Mikhaelah: I would tell her to never give up, especially when she encounters bumps in the road, whether that be with other people or research. It is always going to be challenging but that is how we become knowledgeable in our field. Also, there are many different fields within the science community so do not be afraid to look at the different paths you can take.
Eriko: I would tell that young woman to not be afraid of opportunities that may scare her – go for it!
Mikhaelah: Speak up and find a way for your voice to be heard. Science is a tough field to navigate in, but your opinions and ideas have the possibility to positively impact whatever science company you are working with. Also, we may make it a bit easier for the next generation of women in science when it comes to being heard and valued.
Eriko: Be proud of yourself and your accomplishments. Being in science is not for the faint of heart!
Mikhaelah: In the next 5-10 years. I see women in science playing bigger roles and having the open space to be heard and valued without question.
Eriko: In the next 5-10 years, I see women in science thriving in their fields, just like they are now, but with fewer obstacles.
To all the women who are a part of the Allure Labs family, I attribute this article to you as a token of gratitude for all that you do, both on and off the job.
Interested in joining our team? Visit our website to check out open career opportunities with Allure.
