LBIC Celebrates Women & Girls in Science: STEM Stories

11 Feb 2026

On International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2026, we celebrated the inspiring journeys of women in our community and their paths into STEM.

Rebecca’s Story: Curious by Nature

Starting Point
I was practical when choosing A-levels. I thought I could teach myself a language, or keep reading literature, but I’d never teach myself chemistry, cell biology or mechanics. Then in A-level chemistry I was told that everything I had learned so far was wrong… and I wanted to be in the exclusive group that knew the truth!

A Defining Moment
In the second year of my degree, we began to deep-dive into protein interactions and how a single phosphorylation event could affect a cell. I was captivated by how a small change in a single amino acid could impact an entire organism. That curiosity has continued to drive my interest.

Words to the Next Generation
You don’t need a huge driving passion. I was intimidated by lecturers who’d been passionate about plant biology since their teens. That isn’t me and it doesn’t need to be you. Be curious, work-hard, and let small questions lead to big and interesting answers.

Cali's Story: Finding the Right Path

Starting Point
My interest in science began in school chemistry classes, inspired by two amazing teachers.

A Defining Moment
I’ve had several defining moments throughout my career. The first was deciding not to stay in Cardiff for a PhD, but instead moving to London to specialise in peptide synthesis. Later, at the end of my first postdoctoral role, I realised that the uncertainty of academic life (short-term contracts and constant moving), wasn’t compatible with starting a young family. This led me to pursue a more technical career path with permanent opportunities. Another pivotal moment came when I was introduced to Nigel Stokes shortly after being told I was being made redundant. Ten months later, the Bio-Analysis Centre was established.

Words to the Next Generation
Don’t be afraid to take a chance. Do something you enjoy, have a can-do attitude, and build your network — you never know where opportunities might come from.

Claire's Story: Perseverance to PhD

Starting Point
When I was 13, I became aware of illness around me and decided I wanted to help find a cure for cancer. I loved biology and chemistry and understood how important they would be in that fight.

A Defining Moment
Apart from my brother, no one in my family had been to university. Encouraged by my all-girls’ school, I chose Biochemistry without fully knowing what other paths existed. I found university challenging at times, but when my dissertation supervisor suggested I apply for a PhD, I took the time to understand what it involved and whether it suited me. I applied — and I’ve been in academia ever since.

Words to the Next Generation
You won’t yet know all your options or your full potential, so keep an open mind and get as much experience as you can. Listen to those who encourage you — they may see strengths in you that you don’t yet recognise, and they might offer advice or connections.

Ayala's Story: Be the Role Model

Starting Point
I was motivated academically, as the first in my family to attend university and coming from a strict Orthodox background! I was lucky enough to gain early hands-on laboratory experience at the UCL Cancer Institute. Observing lab work showed me how science addresses real research questions, reinforcing my decision to pursue biochemistry and lab-based research.

A Defining Moment
Balancing my role as a laboratory technician at Intract, alongside university studies, internships and community leadership was a challenge. It strengthened my resilience, taught me to prioritise and perform under pressure, and deepened my commitment not only to science, but also to creating a wider impact.

Words to the Next Generation
If there is no existing role model in your chosen field, strive to become the role model that others can aspire to.

Amy's Story: Discovery Through Data

Starting Point
My passion for science was ignited during an infection lecture - I remember thinking how clever viruses were at “manipulating” cells despite being totally reliant on them. During my first lab placement, I got to work with cells and was fascinated by how they looked under the microscope. Since then, I’ve encountered millions of cells and viruses, and although they’re commonplace for me now, I’ll never not be amazed by the many ways we utilise them — from transfections to 3D-culture models.

A Defining Moment
I’ve worked in a range of research positions, each with its own challenges, including hard to grow viruses, working during a pandemic (on the virus causing that pandemic!), unexpected results, demanding environments, and tight deadlines.

Words to the Next Generation
I believe it’s key to trust your instincts, go where the data guides you and choose thoroughness over quick results — results that take time to achieve are often the most worthwhile.

Lucy's Story: Strength Through Setbacks 

Starting Point
When I was eight, I visited the science museum and learned about DNA, which sparked my interest in science. I volunteered on farms, shelters, and vet practices, and attended university summer schools to broaden my horizons.

A Defining Moment 
At 16, I became very ill, and it took four years to get proper answers. This affected my mental health and studies — I had to resit sixth form and delay starting university. When I finally begun university, I became ill again and had to take another year off for surgery. I considered giving up, but I’m glad and proud that I didn’t. I’m now thriving with good grades and amazing friends, and I believe it was the best decision I ever made. Despite being older than most of my peers, it hasn’t held me back.

Words to the Next Generation 
My message is that if you’re passionate about something, especially STEM, never give up — there’s always a way, even when it feels impossible.

Thalia's Story: So Why Not You?

Starting Point
My passion for veterinary medicine was inspired during my childhood in South Africa. Rangers taught me to track wildlife in the sand and explained how all life is connected, from the smallest insects to the great elephants.

A Defining Moment
My journey became challenging when I moved to France at 11, unfamiliar with the language and navigating high school with undiagnosed dyslexia. The greatest struggle came during COVID-19, when our family restaurant closed for two years. A scholarship could bridge my path into veterinary school, but it felt unattainable until my mother, asked me, “Why not you?”
Inspired by her, I changed my mindset and worked hard. In 2023, I was awarded the RVC International Scholarship, a life-altering opportunity. I am now in the clinical years of my studies, serving as Student Union Vice President, and actively conducting my own research contributing to early disease detection in the mountain gorilla population of Uganda.

Words to the Next Generation 
To all young girls who feel their goals are out of reach: the people you admire aren’t supernatural. They’re human too. Sometimes the first step is simply believing you can try. So, why not you?

Bethany's Story: Driven by Purpose

Starting Point
As a child, I incessantly asked why things were the way they were — and science actually provided answers. It helped me understand the world more clearly, even anticipating questions I hadn’t yet thought to ask.

A Defining Moment
When my mum was first diagnosed with cancer, it was a harrowing time and a heavy load. That weight was immensely lightened by meeting people driven by a desire to help, support, and find a cure.

Words to the Next Generation 
Look for role models you recognise yourself in, and don't be afraid to ask them for guidance. If you can't see your representation, be just that bit braver and become that representation yourself. If someone should do it, why shouldn't that be you?

Saima's Story: Redirection Not Rejection

Starting Point
I have always been naturally curious about science. At school, it was the subject I connected with most and consistently performed best in, which encouraged me to explore it further. Early on, I knew I wanted to combine my two passions of animals and science.

Defining Moment
Although I was encouraged to become a veterinarian, I was rejected from all veterinary programmes. Instead, I pursued Animal Biology, Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics at the RVC — a path I hadn’t initially considered but one I ended up absolutely loving.

Words to the Next Generation 
Don’t let setbacks discourage you and keep going. Science is an incredibly broad field with many entry routes and you might just discover something you love that you never expected, as I did.

Lucy's Story: The Scenic Route

Starting Point
I have been interested in Science and Technology since school, as my aspiration was to become a veterinarian.

Defining Moment
Unfortunately, I didn’t achieve the GCSE grades needed for Biology and Chemistry. I took other A-levels, including Applied Science, for which I earned a good grade. This enabled me to enter a Foundation course at ARU, where I completed my Biomedical Science degree, achieved A grades in every module, and received the Department Award for Most Meritorious Student!

Words To The Next Generation
I took the 'scenic route' into Veterinary Medicine, using my degree instead of A-levels, but I learnt so much along the way and wouldn't change a thing. Don't give up on your aspirations. If you persist, you'll get there in the end

Lara's Story: Believing in Big Dreams 

Starting Point
Growing up in the countryside, I was captivated by the biodiversity around me especially by the frogs and salamanders my village protected. That early fascination deepened through my school’s science club, where exploring biology ignited my lifelong passion for understanding life in all its forms.

Defining Moment
My journey hasn’t been easy — setbacks tested my determination, but each challenge built resilience and shaped who I am today. Re‑evaluating my goals helped me come back stronger and earn an academic scholarship for my degree.

Words to the Next Generation
Never let anyone limit your potential because of your background. Dream big, take chances, and step beyond your comfort zone — you never know what doors will open. Stay kind to yourself, stay resilient, and believe in yourself. I once doubted I could get this far — if I can, you can too.

Alexandra's Story: A Passion Project 

Starting Point
My love for science began when I visited California’s tide pools as an elementary school student. I remember being inundated with curiosity about why the sea creatures came in different shapes and colours.

Defining Moment
My defining moment of wanting to be a veterinarian came when I was 4, after milking a cow at a state fair. But my true life-purpose moment came later, when I visited a wildlife sanctuary in Costa Rica while attending UC Davis. I realised that conservation and rescue of wildlife was my calling, and I decided to use my veterinary degree to save and protect marine wildlife.

Words to the Next Generation
My advice is: don’t give up. Things may seem out of reach, the schooling will be tough, the hours long, and some people may try to bring you down. But the payoff of having your dreams come true is worth any amount of hardship you may face.