Today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science and Abbott is celebrating by highlighting its “STEM Sisters” – women the healthcare technology company believes are changing the world.
Abbott started featuring these scientists and engineers because it’s inspirational for girls to see women in STEM jobs. In fact, the company’s research shows 93% of women in STEM fields who have a female boss say they plan to remain in STEM.
Here’s a look at some of Abbott’s STEM Sisters:
Dr. Mary Rodgers – Mary was part of a team of Abbott scientists that discovered a new strain of HIV Group M. For her, STEM work means commitment: “To be a scientist, you’re never not working. You’re always thinking about your project and what you need to do next. You’re always mulling it over in the back of your mind. It’s your whole life. It’s every minute of your day. It’s not just your job.”
Rebecca Wilkins – Rebecca is director of research and development for chronic pain therapy at Abbott. She hopes more women will explore STEM careers and says “It’s critically important not just in high school, but in early elementary school, that we help all children understand the importance of STEM, how fun it can be, and how it’s really creating something new and solving a new problem every day
Dr. Upendo George – Upendo is one of the leading ER physicians in East Africa and head of pediatric emergency medicine at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania. Her work is making an impact and she says, “We’re changing Tanzania, one life at a time and there are many more behind me.”
Rosie Carrion – Rosie is an Abbott mechanical engineer and former Abbott high school intern. To Rosie, “An engineer can be anything. As long as there is a problem, an engineer will be there using math, science and technology to solve it.”
Jomi Babatunde-Omoya – Jomi is a high school student in Minnesota and an Abbott intern. She wants to study STEM subjects so she can make the world a better place. She says, “I definitely want to have a career where I can go around the world and help people in other countries and places not as fortunate as where I live.”
Find out more about Abbott’s STEM efforts, including the “Shaping the Future of STEM” blueprint for creating a high school internship, at www.stem.abbott.