International Day of Women and Girls in Science recognizes the extraordinary contributions that women and girls around the globe make while applying their creativity and skill set in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, it’s also a day to acknowledge the underrepresentation of women and girls in STEM and highlight the need for equal access to opportunities that will position women to become leaders.
The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre is home to many notable women scientists who have made, and continue to make, tremendous progress in furthering our understanding of cancer, evolving treatments, and advancing patient care.
We spoke with Drs. Kristin Hope, Kerstin Kaufmann, and Natasha Leighl about what inspired them to pursue a career in science, the importance of more women and girls in STEM, and the challenges they’ve faced.
The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre is home to many notable women scientists who have made, and continue to make, tremendous progress in furthering our understanding of cancer, evolving treatments, and advancing patient care.
We spoke with Drs. Kristin Hope, Kerstin Kaufmann, and Natasha Leighl about what inspired them to pursue a career in science, the importance of more women and girls in STEM, and the challenges they’ve faced.
Meet Dr. Natasha Leighl
Lung Medical Oncology Lead, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Area of Focus: Novel lung cancer treatments
What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
My mom! She studied science in university and went on to become a science teacher here in Toronto. She always wanted me to become a doctor, and my father (who loved history and music) supported us 100%. I was very fortunate to have wonderful teachers and a supportive environment. When I became a cancer specialist, my first mentor was Dr. Frances Shepherd. She pioneered many advances in lung cancer and inspired me and several generations of women and men with her passion for overcoming this disease.
Why is it important for more women and girls to enter the field?
It’s so important for women and girls, as well as men and boys, of all backgrounds to enter the field of science. Having diversity in science means more unique perspectives, more great ideas, and discoveries, which all translate into more progress for humankind. Women and girls are an invaluable source of intelligence, curiosity, energy, dedication, and innovation. We must make sure that science benefits from everything that women and girls, as well as men and boys, have to offer.
What challenges did you face? What is your advice for women and girls interested in pursuing a career in science?
I have been very lucky – I have an incredibly supportive family, went to great schools including the University of Toronto Schools and have had wonderful teachers. My first career mentor, Dr. Shepherd, is a female lung cancer physician and world-famous lung cancer researcher. Her support over the years started my career in lung cancer, along with help from many other mentors along the way (both women and men). My biggest challenge has been learning to balance work and life. It’s important for people to know that if you want a career in science and a family, you can have both. It will be challenging at times, but you don’t need to put off having a family while you pursue a career or vice versa. Don't let anyone discourage you from pursuing your dreams of a career in science. Getting up every day and going to work is still exciting because I know I will learn new things – science is always moving us forward. Seek out role models, mentors, supporters and make friends along your career journey – there are many women and men that want you to succeed – don’t be shy in asking for help along the way.
Meet Dr. Kristin Hope
Senior Scientist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Area of Focus: Novel leukemia therapies
What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
I have always been interested in how things work but have also really enjoyed creative pursuits like dance and art. When I discovered biology in high school and the idea that as a scientist, I could make it my life’s work to design new, creative approaches to dissect the inner workings of biological systems, I was hooked. Applying these principles to the study of cancer has been fulfilling in another sense in that our hard work in the lab is directed at solving puzzles and finding answers that could unlock therapies and make a real difference in the lives of cancer patients.
Why is it important for more women and girls to enter the field?
Beyond issues of fairness and ethics, we know that diversity supercharges our ability to solve problems. The more diverse perspectives applied to a challenge, the greater chance we have of finding solutions. When systemic barriers to women and girls entering the field of science are perpetuated, we lose all those critical voices and creative insights. The accumulated missed discoveries are an enormous net loss, not just to the field, but to society in general.
What challenges did you face? What is your advice for women and girls interested in pursuing a career in science?
Raising a family and building a lab at the same time has sometimes felt overwhelming. This was never more clear than during the COVID-19 pandemic when the burden placed on parents and caregivers laid bare the work we still have to do to ensure equitable access to affordable, high-quality care options and caregiver support for working/training scientists. The good news is the pendulum is swinging, and the scientific community is more aware of these deficiencies than ever before. The best way to really push this over the edge and ensure lasting changes are made is to encourage women interested in a career in science not just to enter the field but to be authentically themselves. Don’t sacrifice your life outside the lab, seek out mentors who will be your advocate, and be a positive voice for those around you facing their own challenges.
Meet Dr. Kerstin Kaufmann
Assistant Scientist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Area of Focus: Normal and malignant blood stem cells
What inspired you to pursue a career in science?
From early on, I always needed a logical explanation for everything. If nobody could provide me with one, I would get creative and come up with a likely explanation, basically what a scientist calls a hypothesis. And I enjoyed drawing hypotheses. Science offered me the opportunity to not only draw them but also to test them. Two other key motivators were to be part of a global team and use my skills to contribute something others can build on.
Why is it important for more women and girls to enter the field?
Academic science is currently globally forced to undergo a multilayered change to remain competitive for talent. The next decade is crucial in reshaping how academic science will look in the future. For that reshaping to occur, diverse input is needed and in particular input, support and driving force for change from women in science, offering the great opportunity to leave a lasting mark.
What challenges did you face? What is your advice for women and girls interested in pursuing a career in science?
Like other career paths, science can be very competitive. It is at its best when it is a team sport. In the right environment any challenge can be seen as an opportunity to grow. For everyone the perfect environment will differ, but my takeaway is to look for a diverse team and find a mentor who not only aligns with your scientific interests but also with your personal values.