International Day of Women and Girls in Science

February 11^th marks the tenth anniversary of the world celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science— a day to honor the many amazing women shaping the future of STEM. At BETA, we’re lucky to have several talented women on our team, including environmental scientists Elyse and Anna, who are making a real impact in the communities where we live and work. To mark the occasion, we asked them to share their thoughts on this milestone and what it’s like to be a woman in science today.

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in Science! This year’s theme is “The Best is Yet to Come.” How do you interpret this? Where do you see the future of STEM, and women in it, heading?

Elyse: To me, this year’s theme is about growth. There is still so much in the world that we don’t understand, and I think women in STEM bring a new perspective. Specific to environmental science, there are a lot of unknowns in the future. The more people committed to understanding and learning about our environment through as many different lenses as possible, the better.

Anna: The theme “The Best is Yet to Come” highlights the idea that the future holds endless possibilities for women in STEM. As women continue to break barriers and rise into leadership positions within STEM fields, we will be better equipped to address problems that uniquely impact women, ensuring that these issues receive the attention and solutions they deserve.

What inspired you to pursue a career in science? How did you choose the specific field of environmental science?

Elyse: I never thought of myself as someone who would work in the field I do now. I had a limited understanding of what “science” was through most of my youth. I always thought that science was exclusive to white coats, laboratories, and lots of math. While this is true in some cases, it wasn’t until college that I really understood that science was a broad term inclusive of things like botany, soil analysis, and hydrology. Ultimately, my career found me. I pursued my interest in and joy of the outdoors and that gave me a sense of purpose. I found that I fit in well with the environmental science community.

Anna: As a kid, I spent a lot of my free time outdoors. My parents were both passionate about gardening and ran a small agricultural operation at our house, growing produce and raising pigs. When it came time to get my first job, I ended up working at a day lily hybridizing farm. I always imagined I’d end up working in agriculture in some way, so when I enrolled in college, I decided to pursue environmental science.

Can you describe your role at BETA and share an example of a project you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of?

Elyse: I am currently a Project Scientist. My role is hybrid, with time spent in the office and the field. Most of my office work is related to permitting at the municipal, state, and federal levels. There is a lot of adventure associated with my time in the field as I find myself in many different situations. A day in the field could mean walking through a stream in waders, trekking through dense woods and wetlands, investigating dunes and coastal beaches, or inspecting and monitoring active construction sites. I am most proud of the role that I played in the construction of wetland replication areas as part of the MBTA facility in Rochester, MA. The entire experience was surreal, from working closely with the construction crews and machine operators to excavate and establish appropriate subgrades to seeing the area fully constructed and vegetated with wetland species over a year later.

Anna: I am a Staff Scientist, and within my position I help ensure that our projects comply with environmental regulations. I was also proud to be involved in the Rochester MBTA project, where I conducted SWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan) inspections. A key part of these inspections involved monitoring a wetland restoration area. Over the past two years, I’ve watched this site transform into a thriving ecological resource, particularly for pollinator species. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the positive environmental impact firsthand and to know that the work we’re doing is helping to support local biodiversity.

As a woman in science, have you faced any unique challenges or opportunities? How have those experiences shaped your approach to your work?

Elyse: There are some lingering assumptions about the abilities of women working in science, regardless of the specific discipline. I am lucky that this has not been a problem with the people I work closely with on my team, but it has certainly come up throughout different projects during the span of my career. I have learned that assumptions made by others about my work based solely on my age or gender are not a reflection of my own abilities, but rather of their character.

Anna: When I first began working in this field, I was the only woman in my department. At times it was isolating, but as I began to grow more comfortable and gain experience, I felt that it gave me a unique outlook. Being a woman in science has also created opportunities to connect with other women who share similar experiences. I’ve been fortunate to work with several amazing mentors and peers who have supported and empowered me.

What advice would you give to young girls who are interested in pursuing a career in STEM?

Elyse: My advice is pretty universal, but it is never too late to change your mind. There is a lot of pressure when you are young to know what you want to do, and for those of us who didn’t know it can feel all-consuming. At the end of the day, if you like what you do and it gives you a sense of purpose, then stick with it.

Anna: Follow your curiosity and never doubt that you belong. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, explore different areas, and try out things that excite you. It’s also important to find a community. Seek out mentors, whether they’re teachers, family members, or other women in STEM, who can offer guidance and support.