Wall of WISdom
Looking for inspiration on your STEM journey? Check out this helpful advice from AWIS members. If you have additional lessons learned or words of encouragement you’d like to share, complete the member spotlight questionnaire.
On Passion
Dr. Camila de Avila Dal Bo
Member Since 2020
Focus on what lights your soul on fire. It’s not about WHAT you are doing, it’s about the WHY!
On Leadership
Dr. Elise Lewis
Member Since 2017
Often we lose sight of others as we advance in our careers. Leadership success is about people, and we should not undervalue the importance of being a catalyst and championing others to their success.
On Failure
Dr. Eleni Bachlava
Member Since 2005
Most valuable learning experiences come from failure; therefore, it is critical to reflect and learn from projects or circumstances that don’t turn out as expected.
On Perfectionism
Dr. Carlotta Maria Arthur
Member Since 2012
“It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be done!” Like many women, I struggle with perfectionism which has resulted from having to “prove it again” or to be accepted in spite of my accomplishments. One of my dissertation committee members told me this, and I have never forgotten it.
On Saying No
Dr. Page S. Morahan
Member Since 1994
*Passion thermometer: say yes to opportunities in your passion area; say no to those not; say no to those in the middle so you will have time and energy when the high passion opportunities arise. And also learn how to say no gracefully.
On Asking for Help
Nicollette Laroco
Member Since 2021
Ask for help. There is the clique in American culture that you achieve your goals based on your own merit and work you put into it. That is not entirely true, we are as strong as the team we surround ourselves in. We work stronger in collaboration and as a unified system than that an individual unit.
On Asking Questions
Dr. Helga Van Miegroet
Member Since 2009
Define your values and what you believe in and then live by these principles. Even if others tell you that you are not good enough or should not try, never stop believing in yourself and what you can contribute. Never doubt what you are capable of.
On Burning Bridges
Dr. Kathryn Oliver
Member Since 2017
Never burn a bridge. Science is small, and you never know who you may need to collaborate with in the future. In the biomedical sciences, our end goal should be to improve the quality and quantity of life for people suffering from disease. Put aside any personal agenda(s) and work towards the common good for all.
On Not Quitting
Dr. Njwen Anyangwe
Member Since 2012
Don’t ever quit! When you fail, analyze the problem, take responsibility, make corrections, and remember that each failure is a learning experience that will bring you closer to success.
On Trying
Dr. Lydia Villa Komaroff
Member Since 1999
If you don’t ask or don’t try, you will never succeed.
On Patience
Kirsten E Overdahl
Member Since 2018
Be patient with yourself – you have a right to be here.
On Speaking Up
Dr. Monica Gonzalez Ramirez
Member Since 2021
Advocate for yourself.
On Obstacles
Line Stigen Raquet
Member Since 2021
Just keep going. Whatever obstacles are thrown your way, there is always a way forward and the most important thing is to have the courage to go on.
On Saying No
Joyner Eke
Member Since 2021
Never say NO to yourself, let other people say NO. Most times the only thing stopping you is your mind.
On Taking a Chance
Rebecca Learned
Member Since 2020
You can’t always wait until all your ducks are in a row; sometimes you have to take a chance and jump on an opportunity as it happens.
On Life
Gabi Steinbach
Member Since 2021
Life is not a competition for resources. Life is an experience to be had and shared with others. You are not here to be productive but to be you.
On Dreams
Dr. Sherrie Pietranico-Cole
Member Since 2014
Never give up on your dreams, and surround yourself with managers who envision that you can achieve those dreams.
On Asking Questions
Dr. Moriah Rene Beck
Member Since 2003
It doesn’t hurt to ask. You may be asking for permission to do something unexpected or outside the “rules” set forth. It might be a question no one else has thought to ask.
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© 2023 Association for Women in Science. All Rights Reserved.
© 2023 Association for Women in Science. All Rights Reserved.
