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Celebrating Women in Science

By Nicky Miller 

Collage of photos of different women against a black background

February 11 commemorates International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day that is pivotal in raising awareness about gender equality and empowerment of women and girls in the field of science. Although many efforts have been made to support women in STEM careers, according to the United Nations, “long-standing biases and gender stereotypes are steering girls and women away from science-related fields.” Statistics for women show that just 30 percent are researchers, and only 35 percent are students enrolled in STEM-related fields of study.

At Kessler Foundation, 70% of our staff are women making contributions to the advances achieved in rehabilitation research that changes the lives of people with disabilities. Kessler recognizes the tireless efforts made by its women researchers in the field of science and support their initiatives to continue making immense efforts for people with disabilities, by finding new ways to treat disabilities caused by neurological illnesses and injuries.

Women assume leadership roles at several of our Centers including:

• Gail Forrest, PhD, director, Tim and Caroline Reynolds Center for Spinal Stimulation

• Nancy Chiaravalloti, PhD, director, Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research and Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research

Helen Genova, PhD, assistant director, Center for Neuropsychology and Neuroscience Research

• Jean Lengenfelder, PhD, assistant director, Center for Traumatic Brain Injury Research

• Karen Nolan, PhD, assistant director, Center for Mobility and Rehabilitation Engineering Research

• Amanda Botticello, PhD, assistant director, Center for Spinal Cord Injury Research and Center for Outcomes and Assessment Research

“Women researchers play a major role in the success of Kessler Foundation,” says Rodger DeRose, President and CEO of Kessler Foundation. “They motivate young people to combine their interest in science with a desire to help others and consider careers in rehabilitation research.”

 

 

 

Below is our Fast Takes – #WomenInScience podcasts series. Listen-in to hear our researchers discuss their latest research, career choices, experiences while working in science, and much more.

Click on each podcast to view the transcripts on our SoundCloud channel and download this episode and others for free on Apple PodcastsSoundCloudPodbeanSpotify or where ever you get your podcasts.