Talking about one of my biggest inspiration for international women's day: Marie Curie
Inspired by woman like Marie Curie, I realized it was possible to pursue a wonderful science career regardless of the hardships. While it is better today, we still face the exact same dilemmas. I hope that by the time my 3 year old daughter grows to be an adult, it will be even easier.
Here is a bit of Marie Curie's story:
Marie Curie was a Polish-born physicist and chemist who made groundbreaking contributions to science, including the discovery of radium and polonium. Despite facing numerous obstacles as a woman in a male-dominated field, she persevered and became the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize and the first person to win two Nobel Prizes in different fields.
Marie Curie's life was marked by continuous hardship and tragedy. She lost her mother and sister at a young age, and her father struggled to support the family. Despite these challenges, she excelled in her studies and worked extra to save and get away of USSR/Germany occupied Poland. She saved every penny she could so she could move to Paris to attend Sorbonne University, the most prestigious French university at the time. While working there as a research assistant, she met and married Pierre Curie, with whom she collaborated on research under awful conditions yet would still ultimately lead to the discovery of radium and polonium.
Marie Curie faced significant barriers due to her gender. She was often overlooked for opportunities and funding, and was even barred from attending some scientific conferences. She also faced backlash and criticism from some of her male colleagues, who resented her success.
Despite these challenges, Marie Curie persevered and continued to push the boundaries of science. (She even brought X-rays to battlefields!). Her groundbreaking work in radioactivity not only earned her international recognition, but also paved the way for future generations of scientists. Her legacy continues to inspire and motivate scientists around the world to this day.
#STEM #women #internationalwomensday #science #chemistry