Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Every year on February 11, the United Nations marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science — a day to spotlight the challenges women and girls face in STEM fields and celebrate their resilience, innovation, and success.
We asked some of our incredible scientists what inspires their research and which resources they recommend for supporting women in science. Here’s what they had to say:
Karla Borella-Leon
Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program (KCGIP) master's student
What fuels your passion for research?
I love being able to use my passion for science to create technology for the greater good of society.
Do you have a favorite organization or resource that supports women in STEM? What do you appreciate about it?
My favorite organization is the American Association of University Women (AAUW). I appreciated feeling empowered and recognized by them at a young age. It was the first time I felt a sense of community with other women in science. Their continuous efforts towards gender equity are truly remarkable.
Kaiti Yarrington
Bioengineering Postdoctoral Scholar - Benoit and Guillemin labs
What fuels your passion for research?
My passion for investigating the role of bacteria in cancer is fueled by my curiosity for how such tiny creatures have big impacts on our health and a desire to improve health by uncovering ways to leverage bacterial interactions with the host.
Do you have a favorite organization or resource that supports women in STEM? What do you appreciate about it?
During grad school, my department held regular coffee hours directed at fostering community and support for women across the department. I valued having a casual space to network with folks who were also passionate about supporting women in STEM.
Terra Hiebert
Pape Family Innovation Center Lab Manager
What fuels your passion for research?
I’ve always loved working with tiny things. My current research explores small-scale interactions in the ocean that can have big implications. My goal is to help others recognize the significant impact of these seemingly tiny dynamics. I’m passionate about this work because the organisms I study are mostly unknown to people simply because they’re hard to see – I want to share how amazing they are.
Do you have a favorite organization or resource that supports women in STEM? What do you appreciate about it?
I like the 500 Women Scientists for their mission to make science accessible and inclusive while advocating for equity, diversity, and social justice. The Eugene Pod has provided me with fun opportunities to share my research while connecting with my local community.
Cora Ferguson
Bioengineering PhD student, Willett and Lindberg labs.
What fuels your passion for research?
As a former college athlete, I witnessed the unique challenges women face in sports—barriers that extend into science and medicine. My research focuses on developing female-specific preclinical models to identify new therapeutic targets for musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis. By integrating sex-specific factors at the in vitro level, we can accelerate the development of more effective, cost-efficient treatments while addressing long-standing gaps in women's health research.
Do you have a favorite organization or resource that supports women in STEM? What do you appreciate about it?
The National Science Foundation (NSF) sponsors summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs that provide valuable research opportunities for women and other marginalized groups in STEM. Coming from a liberal arts school without extensive research infrastructure, these programs allowed me to gain hands-on experience, develop technical skills, and connect with other women in STEM who shared similar challenges and aspirations. Beyond the research itself, I appreciated the mentorship and sense of community these programs fostered, which played a crucial role in shaping my path toward graduate school and a career in science.
Haley-Mae Lohf
Knight Campus Undergraduate Scholar, Deku lab.
What fuels your passion for research?
My personal passion is fueled by the desire to deepen our understanding and ultimately improve global health, from a niche multidisciplinary approach. I hold a deep fascination for neurology, and a deep love for the world around us. I believe that in order to truly understand the conditions of functional and dysfunctional nervous systems, that we need to look at the greater environment that it resides in. Research is like a puzzle piece, and its effectiveness is limited by the pieces missing. Humans affect the environment, and the environment affects humans. For example, our nervous systems are constantly taking in and responding to information from the external environment. I ultimately believe that we cannot wholly address one issue without the other, and so I aspire to bridge the gap between neurologic health and bio-conservative efforts, as well as their corresponding advocacy.
Do you have a favorite organization or resource that supports women in STEM? What do you appreciate about it?
My favorite go-to resource that supports women in STEM, is SACNAS. While not specifically aimed at supporting women, they are aimed at supporting overall diversity in STEM, including women, of which I think is necessary to truly reach diverse goals. As a mixed-race woman in STEM, I have only experienced full support from the community, and I truly appreciate the acknowledgement and encouragement of various diverse identities across the board.
Lindsey Rubottom
Brewing Innovation Instructor and Lab Manager
What fuels your passion for research?
Brewing is a dynamic and exciting space where science comes to life. It blends science, engineering, innovation, history, and community—all in one glass. I’m driven by the endless opportunities to learn and grow. The brewing industry is both adaptable and innovative, yet it stays deeply connected to its roots.
Do you have a favorite organization or resource that supports women in STEM? What do you appreciate about it?
It’s no secret that the brewing industry has historically been male-dominated, but I’ve witnessed a shift in recent years. As an active member of two brewing organizations—the Master Brewers Association of the Americas and the American Society of Brewing Chemists—I’ve connected with other women in the industry and helped foster an inclusive, supportive environment.
Hope Healey
Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program (KCGIP) Bioinformatics Lecturer
What fuels your passion for research?
My passion for biology comes from a profound love for the world around us. Out of admiration for extraordinary creatures, my research sought to understand the secrets to their marvelous traits.
As a graduate student taking classes with the Bioinformatics and Genomics track, I quickly transformed from being terrified of the terminal to being empowered to use the command line to solve Bioinformatics challenges. I am passionate about teaching Bioinformatics because I love helping students feel inspired and confident completing Bioinformatics research.
Do you have a favorite organization or resource that supports women in STEM? What do you appreciate about it?
My favorite organization is Women in Graduate Sciences at University of Oregon. From elementary school to graduate school, they foster a love for science, support one another, and provide career development opportunities.