Women in Science Series #8: Rachel Koebler

Rachel Koebler, Manager, New Product Development, Home & Personal Care

Tell me more about your career in science and what you do at Spectrum Brands.

I have a Bachelors Degree in Industrial Engineering and an MBA, both from UW-Madison. Over my career I have worked in tool design for manufacturing and transitioned to consumer product design incorporating project management. At Spectrum, I am a New Product Development Manager in the Home and Personal Care division. I work in the Garment Care category designing Irons and Steamers from conception to production, acting as the “hub” of activity between Industrial Design, R&D, Quality, PEC, Marketing, Sourcing and our manufacturing vendors. 

What attracted to you to a career in science? What do you love most about working in science?

I had an early interest and excelled in math and science classes in school, and was lucky enough to have a support system, namely several influential teachers over the years as well as my mother, that encouraged me to pursue those interests, sending me to “engineering camp” and helping me understand the different career paths that were a match to these strengths.  I love the balance of the technical & creative aspects my current role, and many other science related jobs, provides.

How can we support women and girls (future women!) in science?

We can support women and girls in science by modeling equality for the next generation.  Make a conscious effort to not proliferate gender biases in our next generation by providing equal opportunities to our sons and daughters.  Let their interests be the guiding force behind what they pursue, but we have to do our part by making sure they are exposed to a wide variety of opportunities/experiences.  Make STEM related activities one of them!  If you are an adult in the science field, talk to young people about what you do, girls and boys.  Buy those nieces and sisters and daughters and granddaughters STEM related toys.  See what your local community has to offer kids (museums, camps, classes, etc). Shop in the “stem and learning” toy category on Amazon.  Try a science experiment at home with the young girls in your life. 

How has your science career grown at Spectrum Brands?

Spectrum Brands has great resources for testing and validating new products in our R&D labs, so it has been a joy to be able to work with such “cool toys.”

What is your best piece of advice for women who want to break into a science field?

My best piece of advice for women who want to break into a science field is to take action & go for it! You’ll never know if it is “for you” unless you try.

Kwikset Gives Back…and Helps One of Spectrum Brands’ Own

Former Master Sergeant Joseph Deslauriers inspects the construction of his new, mortgage-free home which will feature Kwikset smart locks and door hardware.

What does the worst day of your life look like? For Spectrum Brands employee, Tracy Goldsmith, it was the day she found out her brother-in-law Joe had been injured in Afghanistan. Tracy, an Ecommerce national account manager for HPC, was recently reminded of that day, and the hope and joy that followed.

Tracy was reading a recent article on Spectrum Brands’ intranet about how Kwikset supports the Building Homes for Heroes program, and one of the photos stood out. It happened to be a picture of her sister Lisa and brother-in-law Joe touring their new home that was under construction. She quickly took a picture of the photo on her screen and sent it to her family. She then reflected on what it meant to work for a company that supported not only an organization like Building Homes for Heroes, but one that supported her family.

Master Sergeant Joseph Deslauriers had spoken to his pregnant wife Lisa two days earlier, so she was very surprised when the principal of her elementary school walked into her classroom and asked her to come with him. When she arrived in the office, she found military officers and assumed the worst. She quickly found out Joe was alive, but badly injured. A flurry of activity followed. Joe was transferred from Afghanistan to Germany, then to Walter Reed. His rehabilitation would take more than two years. And during that time, Joe and Lisa decided to sell their home in Destin, Florida knowing it wouldn’t be accessible for Joe and his wheelchair. Lisa left her teaching job to care for Joe and their infant son. But hope was around the corner.

They found out about Building Homes for Heroes (BHH), and applied to have a mortgage-free, and accessible home built for their family. When word arrived that they had been chosen by BHH, they were elated! This would be a new lease on life for Joe and his family.

Kwikset provides electronic locks and door hardware for the homes built by BHH, free of charge. To date, all homes constructed or modified since the relationship began are completely outfitted with Kwikset locks and hardware. The vast majority of the locks are electronic connected locks.  

Tracy said that Joe and Lisa’s new home has made a world of difference for them. The Kwikset locks and door hardware make it easy for Joe to access all parts of the house, including the office where he works after starting his own business. As mentioned in the previous article, locks and door handles have an outsized impact on the quality of life of these deserving homeowners.

Spectrum Brands employee, Tracy Goldsmith; her brother-in-law Former Master Sergeant Joseph Deslauriers; and their extended family.

Today, Joe and Lisa are still involved with BHH, talking with, and helping families who are facing the same challenges they did. Joe has a successful business, Lisa volunteers at the local elementary school, and they spend most of their time keeping up with their two kids. And they couldn’t be happier. And today, Joe calls the day he was injured nine years ago his “Alive Day.” The day his life started again. And Tracy couldn’t be more grateful to Kwikset and Spectrum Brands.

Tracy feels like she was meant to be at Spectrum Brands. She, like so many employees, started with Spectrum Brands working from home. But it hasn’t slowed her down. “Everyone has been so friendly, welcoming, and helpful, and they make me better. It’s the best culture I’ve ever experienced. I was proud before to work for this company but today I’m even more proud and grateful.”

The locks and hardware donated to BHH are tailored to the needs of veterans. For example, some veterans have difficulty with fine motor skills due to injuries sustained in war. The solution is to provide Kwikset locks with larger or digital buttons, voice assistance or lever door handles versus round ones. Master Sergeant Joseph Deslauriers, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialist injured in Afghanistan explained, “As a triple amputee, I am in my wheelchair the majority of the time,” Think about how difficult it is for the average person who’s carrying a briefcase, maybe a cup of coffee, a laptop, and trying to get to your key. It would be even more difficult for me, since I’ve only got one hand, and I use it to drive my chair. With the Kwikset lock’s keyless entry, I don’t have to worry about dropping anything.”

These products, also available to the general public, have made all the difference for many disabled veterans by discovering and addressing unmet consumer needs through unique product innovation. To date, Kwikset has outfitted more than 60 homes for veterans through hardware donations.

“Kwikset is proud to support the outstanding work that BHH does every day” said Erik Glassen, Senior Brand Manager, Kwikset. “Our door hardware provides practical solutions for our veterans and we are honored to be able to help those who have sacrificed so much.”

Women in Science Series #7: Firdaus Nandoliya

Firdaus Nandoliya, R&D Engineer, Home & Personal Care

Tell me more about your career in science and what you do at Spectrum Brands.
 My career started with a Bachelor of Science in Physics back home in India. Nothing fascinated me more than Physics. I enjoyed doing that during college, but when I moved to the U.S. I transitioned to Mechanical Engineering because it offered a more hands-on experience. I completed my double bachelor’s in engineering from UW Madison soon after. I have been at Spectrum Brands since 2013 and have worked on a variety of Home & Personal Care appliances including coffeemakers, coating etc. Currently, my focus is on grills.

What attracted to you to a career in science? What do you love most about working in science?
Growing up, nothing fascinated me more than Physics. It’s the science of how things work and that intrigued me more than the biological aspects of science. My father wanted me to be a doctor, so I had to break it to him that I was not interested, and he couldn’t convince me otherwise. Once I have my heart set on something, I am going to do it.

How can we support women and girls in science?
 Every woman has innate problem-solving skills! We are natural problem solvers. Don’t let your notions about science or engineering turn you off. It’s not only about building or memorizing terms. If you’re interested in figuring out how things work and the science behind it, then maybe science or engineering career is for you. You won’t know unless you try. Go for it and don’t let anyone stop you.

How has your science career grown at Spectrum Brands?
During my time at Spectrum Brands I have taken on several different development projects. Every new project has been a new challenge. Every product has its own problem and you’re able to solve a new issue every time. The challenges this work brings keep things interesting.

What is your best piece of advice for women who want to break into a science field?
 Once you decide that science is something you are interested in, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. Find your niche and strive for it! Everyone has their own experience and journey, don’t compare your own story to anyone else’s. Make your own mark, at your own time.

Women in Science Series #6: Cassandra Maktabi

Cassandra Maktabi
Senior Manager, New Product Development, Home & Personal Care shares her experience as a mechanical engineer and how science shapes the way she views the world.

Tell me more about your career in science and what you do at Spectrum Brands.
I have a master’s in Mechanical Engineering from UW-Madison and I work on the fuzzy front end of product development at Spectrum Brands. My official role is Advanced New Product Development and I work with the NPD and Marketing teams to bring consumer insights into approachable innovation for all categories within HPC.  

What attracted to you to a career in science? What do you love most about working in science?
I remember in high school being told you are good in math and science…so go be an engineer. It was not super flashy, but with some school programs and internships, I learned the field would enable me to tackle big problems and make an impact on the world. Through science, I continued to learn the process of solving tough problems. How to make a hypothesis, then test it out and allow yourself to fail and learn. I can use those skills in any problem, whether its engineering, business or personal. I never feel stuck as long as I continue to tackle problems this way.

How can we support women and girls in science?
I remember the days of being in classes and I was the only female. At one time I even sported a look with glasses and dark hair to feel smart enough to fit in. For me it was a necessity to find others to push through the invisible fence of self-doubt. I guess for any future women in science finding others that help you and encourage you through school groups, mentors or community is really important.

How has your science career grown at Spectrum Brands?
I am less technical now than before, and I have not referenced my thermal dynamics books in some time, but I continue to use my problem-solving skills. Any new challenge that comes my way is a great way to fail fast and fail often to keep learning. 

What is your best piece of advice for women who want to break into a science field?
The science field can be exciting and even flashy. Science is not just a subject to be learned but a way to approach the world. What you learn in your career and studies creates a foundation for solving problems. So good luck, the work is worth the reward.

Women in Science Series #5: Dr. Gladys Mbofung-Curtis

We had the pleasure of checking in with Gladys Mbofung-Curtis, PhD, Plant Scientist, Home & Garden, to speak about her career as a scientist at Spectrum Brands.

Tell me more about your career in science and what you do at Spectrum Brands.
My career has evolved from being a bench scientist to field scientist and morphed to both bench and field currently. Over the years I have worked on providing innovative management options that have contributed to the development of integrated plant health management strategies benefiting both organic and conventional agriculture. These strategies have included research on the biology of plant pathogens of economic importance, the development of diagnostic tools, use of genomics to define each pathosystem.

In my current role as Plant Scientist at SPB, I design, initiate and conduct efficacy tests with control products in greenhouse, laboratory, growth chamber and field, and provide technical expertise on all things plants to stake holders.

What attracted to you to a career in science? What do you love most about working in science?
I am, by nature, reserved but with a very inquisitive mind. I have always wanted to understand “the why and how” of things. The abundance of microorganisms that do not cause any harm on crops was an enigma to me. The idea that new diseases emerged from existing microbes that may have been harmless in the environment under certain conditions was interesting enough to garner my interest in science. I love how the scientific method could stimulate a mind to discover hidden gems in nature – more like a private investigator – only one ends up with a product that helps the society and not conviction.

How can we support women and girls (future women!) in science?
It is imperative to encourage women and girls to adopt a growth mindset, and to base feelings of belonging on effort and engagement wherever they are, whether in a classroom or work setting. When I joined the University for my PhD program, I was unprepared to face the multiplicity of issues that surfaced daily. I was fortunate some of the professors came to my rescue and their efforts had a profound effect on me. Today, I realize their encouragement helped me to identify the problems I encountered as difficulties and not limitations. The art of mentoring should be encouraged and not removed from our society. We have come along way and I salute the pioneers in this field, but societal priorities are fast changing, and women are no more the focal point, but we still have to continue the fight for women who want to excel in science.

How has your science career grown at Spectrum Brands?
I am amazed at the opportunities SPB offers for improving oneself. Here, the sky and you are your limits at growth both in one’s field and cross-functionally. Unlike in other companies, at SPB I feel integrated and supported by all colleagues. The human mind is sharpened by innovation and continuous learning. It is hard work, but I am provided with everything I need to succeed.

What is your best piece of advice for women who want to break into a science field?
From the get-go, define your interests, find out how and what you need to achieve those interests and go for it. You will excel in whatever is of interest to you. On your journey, do not hesitate to ask for help when you have exhausted all your leads (asking for help when you have done the necessary research is scientific). Thus, taking a more active role in furthering and encouraging women in science will entail collaborating with already established programs to build core supervisory competencies.

Women in Science Series #4: Dr. Sabrina Schwarzbich

Dr. Sabrina Schwarzbich, Trainee R&D, Global Pet Care, Tetra

Tell me more about your career in science and what you do at Spectrum Brands:

I completed my doctorate in chemistry in 2020 and started working at Tetra as a trainee at the same time. In the trainee program, I work mainly in chemical research and development, but also have the opportunity to get to know other areas.

What attracted to you to a career in science? What do you love most about working in science?

I have always been curious and wanted to understand connections. That’s why I decided to study natural sciences. I find it nice to work in a varied professional field where practical work and theoretical considerations go hand in hand.

How has your science career grown at Spectrum Brands?

My career is still in its infancy after four months at Spectrum Brands, but I’m looking forward to more exciting projects in the Tetra universe.

What is your best piece of advice for women who want to break into a science field?

Support each other. “Lone warriors”/ “Lonesome riders” have a much harder time in science than team players.

Women in Science Series #3: Dr. Diane Kleinschmidt

Dr. Diane Kleinschmidt, Manager R&D Global Aquatics & Companion Animal Europe, based in Melle, Germany.

Tell me more about your career in science and what you do at Spectrum Brands. 

I studied veterinary medicine in Hannover, Germany, until 2004 and started working in a vet clinic while finishing my doctorate in 2007. I continued working in various vet clinics until 2015 and then joined the Pet team at Spectrum Brands in Melle as Veterinary Technical Manager. My focus was on developing the breeder und influencer business as well as providing advice and education to both internal and external audiences in the DACH region. In 2019, I transitioned into the R&D team for Dog and Cat Food (DCF). Since April 2020, I’ve been the Manager of R&D Global Aquatics & Companion Animal Europe. This includes the R&D team for Tetra nutrition and care products and the Biological Quality Assurance in Melle as well as R&D for DCF. 

What attracted you to a career in science? What do you love most about working in science?

I grew up in the countryside with lots of pets, so due to my family background, I wanted to become a vet. A key driver for my career choice was trying to find solutions for medical issues of pets. That’s also the reason why I transitioned into the pet industry – I wanted to investigate nutritional needs and help pet parents find solutions to their daily questions such as “how do I feed my dog correctly to help him lead a long and healthy life” or “how can the correct nutrition benefit the pet and ensure its well-being?”

What do you love most about working in science?

Trying to find solutions and help improve the lives of pets and pet owners.

How can we support women and girls in science?

From my perspective, this is providing access to very versatile and broad opportunities of education. Women and girls should have the chance to explore new fields by attending courses or doing internships in areas that maybe are not very high up on their radar or completely in line with their career plans. By trying out new things you can discover unknown talents and interests which – without this experience – you might never have been aware of.

How has your science career grown at Spectrum Brands?

When starting at Spectrum Brands, I was closer to the Sales & Marketing teams which was a really interesting experience as it helped me understand the consumers’ and customers’ needs and the market dynamics. However, after a few years I wanted to go “back to my roots”, meaning I wanted to do more research and development of products than explain or train on them. However, having this Sales & Marketing background really helps with the R&D work. Of course we want to fit the pets’ needs as much as possible and provide the most benefit with our formulas. At the same time, we have to consider questions such as “is there a market for this product that’s large enough for our customers to list it?”, “does the margin fit our company’s expectations?” or “do consumers understand the product and its benefits?” So in my team, we try to challenge ourselves by combining the pets’ needs and nutritional elements as much as possible with the demands in the (international) markets – one of the most interesting aspects of my role and our teams’ tasks. 

What is your best piece of advice for women who want to break into a science field?

Try to broaden your horizon as much as possible. Try out new areas and projects, tap into fields you are not familiar with, sometimes they turn out to be more interesting that you would have thought. Also, get as much practical/ hands-on experience as possible.

Women in Science Series #2: Cindy Zha

We loved speaking with Cindy Zhang (Engineering Manager – Plumbing, R&D Xiamen, HHI department) about her experiences working as a women in engineering.

Tell me more about your career in science and what you do at Spectrum Brands. 

I am mechanical engineering manager, working for the Pfister faucet engineering team in Xiamen, China, HHI department. Our team’s key responsibility is to develop new products and support existing products (such as value engineering, exiting product design improvement, customer complaint trouble shooting etc.). We work closely with the Pfister US engineering team, cross functional teams, such as marketing, sourcing and quality as well as  local suppliers to support the new product from design, tooling, first article, qualification, PQP to production. Our Pfister major products include: kitchen faucets, lavatory faucets, tubs & showers, Roman tubs, showerheads, handheld showers, bath accessories, etc. As an engineering manager, I manage and provide engineering resources to NPI and sustaining projects, lead and inspire the team to deliver quality engineering works and work collaboratively with team to resolve design and quality issues.

What attracted you to a career in science? What do you love most about working in science?

Engineering is a very creative career. It can create new products and make people’s lives better and easier. As a Pfister engineer, the proudest thing for us is to see the product we designed go to a consumer’s family and support their daily needs. Such as our recently launched kitchen faucet, Seahaven, with magnet docking, top mount, and new waterblade flow pattern. It can fulfill consumer needs with easy installation, easy docking, and more options for the flow pattern – aerator, spray and water blade flow.

What I love most about working in engineering is to see the product in our mind or in the computer become the real product with functions; you can touch it and use it.

How can we support women and girls in science? 

We can encourage women and girls to get familiar with engineering and see if they have an interest in this area. There is a stereotype that men are more suitable than women to work in engineering. Many of high school girls, when they choose their major in university, they don’t think about engineering. In fact, in my career, I met, and am working with, many fantastic women engineers. They are doing great.

How has your science career grown at Spectrum Brands?

I am very lucky to work here and appreciate HHI, Spectrum Brands. The company built an open, equal and friendly working environment for women engineers. I started my engineer career as a design engineer in HHI 12 years ago, working with the lockset design team at the very beginning. I’ve been promoted to senior design engineer, lead engineer, supervisor on the lockset team, then transferred to the Pfister team as engineering manager. I didn’t encounter any gender discrimination in my career in HHI, but rather met many great leaders, mentors and colleagues and they helped me through many challenges and continue to help me grow.

What is your best piece of advice for women who want to break into a science field?

Trust yourself and don’t set your own limit, just keep going and do your best, you will be the person you want to be.

Women in Science Series #1: Dr. Birgit Burg

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr Birgit Burg, Manager Global R&D Center Aquatics Care, to talk about her career journey, how we can support women and girls in this industry, and advice for women pursuing a path in science.

Tell me more about your career in science and what you do at Spectrum Brands.

I studied Chemistry and earned my doctorate (1988) at the Gerhard Mercator University in Duisburg, Germany. Following my studies, I held various positions as a chemist in product and process development at Henkel, a global consumer goods manufacturer. Since 2009, I have been working at Tetra as Head of Global R&D Aquatics Care with the main focus on the development of water care products for aquariums and garden ponds.

What attracted to you to a career in science?

There are a number of reasons, including curiosity and joy in experimenting while seeking and finding answers to (scientific) questions. Especially here I find it very interesting to develop models for prediction and calculation. I also enjoy working in a predominantly independent and creative way.

What do you love most about working in science?

The opportunity to investigate what was previously unknown and then finding solutions. The other key aspect is to formulate hypotheses and provide the corresponding evidence for them.

How can we support women and girls in science?

Of course there are many ways, but to me, the focus should be in creating new role models and mentoring programs for girls/women by women. It would also help to get more technical/scientific women into upper management and executive positions. Starting early would also contribute to this, so creating interests and encouraging girls at an early age/ at school would be key.

How has your science career grown at Spectrum Brands?

Coming from another consumer goods company, I joined Tetra as a department manager in 2009. One motivation for me was the opportunity to combine my professional background with personal interests: When developing water care products for aquariums and ponds, water chemistry plays a major role and this field was not only an important subject during my studies and in my former job but has always been interesting for me personally as I have had tropical aquariums for many years before. At the same time, I have been able to lead a small team of colleagues who have degrees in Biology/Chemistry. Together, we develop new and update existing products. And it’s always great to see a product you have helped create finally be launched, such as an improved, best known Tetra AquaSafe or Tetra FilterActive 2in1 – an innovative bacteria product which helps improve filter capacity and water parameters.

What is your best piece of advice for women who want to break into a science field?

From an educational perspective, a technical science degree forms the basis for a career in science. From a personal and personality perspective, you absolutely need to enjoy and be enthusiastic about this type of work and activity.

Celebrating Our Female Scientists and Engineers

Thursday, February 11 is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. To mark the day, we asked female Spectrum Brands scientists and engineers from around the world to reflect on their experiences and offer their advice.

What attracted you to a career in science? What do you love most about your work?

Engineering is a very creative career. It can create new products and make people’s lives better and easier. As a Pfister engineer, the proudest thing for us is to see the product we designed go to a consumer’s family and support their daily needs. What I love most about working in engineering is to see the product in our mind or in the computer become the real product with functions; you can touch it and use it. – Cindy Zhang Engineering Manager – Plumbing, R&D Xiamen, HHI

I have always been curious and wanted to understand connections. That’s why I decided to study natural sciences. I find it nice to work in a varied professional field where practical work and theoretical considerations go hand in hand. – Sabrina Schwarzbich, Trainee R&D, Global Pet Care

I decided to go into Chemistry after I took a college chemistry class and did well, I enjoy the laboratory atmosphere and appreciate the logic of science.  I was fortunate to spend most of my career among many other female chemists. – Lisa Goforth, Senior Analytical Chemist, Home & Garden

I had an early interest and excelled in math and science classes in school, and was lucky enough to have a support system, namely several influential teachers over the years as well as my mother, that encouraged me to pursue those interests, sending me to “engineering camp” and helping me understand the different career paths that were a match to these strengths.  I love the balance of the technical & creative aspects my current role, and many other science related jobs, provides. – Rachel Koebler, Manager, New Product Development, Home & Personal Care

How can we support women and girls in science?

Of course, there are many ways, but to me, the focus should be in creating new role models and mentoring programs for girls/women by women. Starting early would also contribute to this, so creating interests and encouraging girls at an early age/ at school would be key. –  Dr. Birgit Burg, Manager, Global R&D Center Aquatics Care, Global Pet Care

From my perspective, this is providing access to very versatile and broad opportunities of education. Women and girls should have the chance to explore new fields by attending courses or doing internships in areas that maybe are not very high up on their radar or completely in line with their career plans. By trying out new things you can discover unknown talents and interests which – without this experience – you might never have been aware of.  – Dr. Diane Kleinschmidt, Manager R&D Global Aquatics & Companion Animal Europe

It is imperative to encourage women and girls to adopt a growth mindset, and to base feelings of belonging on effort and engagement wherever they are, whether in a classroom or work setting. When I joined the University for my PhD program, I was unprepared to face the multiplicity of issues that surfaced daily. I was fortunate some of the professors came to my rescue and their efforts had a profound effect on me. Today, I realize their encouragement helped me to identify the problems I encountered as difficulties and not limitations. The art of mentoring should be encouraged and not removed from our society. We have come a long way and I salute the pioneers in this field, but societal priorities are fast changing, and women are no more the focal point, but we still have to continue the fight for women who want to excel in science. – Gladys Mbofung-Curtis, PhD, Plant Scientist, Home & Garden

I remember the days of being in classes and I was the only female. At one time I even sported a look with glasses and dark hair to feel smart enough to fit in. For me it was a necessity to find others to push through the invisible fence of self-doubt. I guess for any future women in science finding others that help you and encourage you through school groups, mentors or community is really important. – Cassy Maktabi, Senior Manager, New Product Development, Home & Personal Care

Every woman has innate problem-solving skills! We are natural problem solvers. Don’t let your notions about science or engineering turn you off. It’s not only about building or memorizing terms. If you’re interested in figuring out how things work and the science behind it, then maybe science or engineering career is for you. You won’t know unless you try. Go for it and don’t let anyone stop you.  – Firdaus Nandoliya, R&D Engineer, Home & Personal Care

We can support women and girls in science by modeling equality for the next generation.  Make a conscious effort to not proliferate gender biases in our next generation by providing equal opportunities to our sons and daughters.  Let their interests be the guiding force behind what they pursue, but we have to do our part by making sure they are exposed to a wide variety of opportunities/experiences.  Make STEM related activities one of them!  If you are an adult in the science field, talk to young people about what you do, girls and boys.  Buy those nieces and sisters and daughters and granddaughters STEM related toys.  See what your local community has to offer kids (museums, camps, classes, etc). Shop in the “stem and learning” toy category on Amazon.  Try a science experiment at home with the young girls in your life. – Rachel Koebler

What is your best piece of advice for women who want to break into a science field?

From the get-go, define your interests, find out how and what you need to achieve those interests and go for it. You will excel in whatever is of interest to you. On your journey, do not hesitate to ask for help when you have exhausted all your leads (asking for help when you have done the necessary research is scientific). Thus, taking a more active role in furthering and encouraging women in science will entail collaborating with already established programs to build core supervisory competencies. – Gladys Mbofung-Curtis, PhD

Try to broaden your horizon as much as possible. Try out new areas and projects, tap into fields you are not familiar with, sometimes they turn out to be more interesting that you would have thought. Also, get as much practical/ hands-on experience as possible.  – Diane Kleinschmidt

The science field can be exciting and even flashy. Science is not just a subject to be learned but a way to approach the world. What you learn in your career and studies creates a foundation for solving problems. So good luck, the work is worth the reward. – Cassy Maktabi