Subscribe iTunes

Stories from the Field

Women in Chemistry: Stories from the Field

Stories from the Field preserves and celebrates the contributions of women working in chemistry and related sciences. The project captures scientific adventures and career insights in short, conversational audio interviews.

Each week we feature one new story here on CHF's website and through iTunes. 

Why are these stories important?

While the number of women in scientific careers has increased steadily over the last few decades, true gender equity in science, technology, engineering, and math professions has yet to be achieved. It’s widely acknowledged that role models are essential in encouraging young women to pursue scientific professions, and Stories from the Field will offer an online bank of reflections from successful working female scientists to serve as a starting point for career exploration.

We at CHF thank all our Stories from the Field participants for sharing their experiences with us—and with generations of scientists to come.

“I was a rare species, but I was still undaunted by the odds.”

Sharon Haynie, principal investigator at DuPont, shares the advice that helped her get savvy and make the most of her experience at MIT.

Read More ›

“I really learned to love chemistry once I was teaching it.”

Ruth Woodall, director of Tennessee Scholars at the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nashville, Tennessee, talks about the rewards of teaching in the 21st century and the importance of encouraging the next generation of chemists.

Read More ›

“Nothing is better than a good day in the lab.”

Sarah Mullins, a researcher in the chemistry of inorganic materials for 3M Company in St. Paul, Minnesota, talks about her love for science and how she plans to use it to create more opportunities for women in STEM fields.

Read More ›

“If I really think about what is the proudest thing of my life, it’s my daughter.”

Maureen Rouhi, editor in chief of Chemical & Engineering News, shares the worldview that guided her journey toward a career in chemistry as well as her very proudest moment, which involved a much different kind of science.

Read More ›

“For me it was always about going to work most days and feeling happy with the things I was doing.”

Patti Parziale, manager of the Fungicide Discovery chemistry group at DuPont, shares her secret to building a strong reputation and successful career. Hint: It’s not the 5-year plan.

Read More ›

“Be flexible. You never know where life’s going to take you.”

Lisa Houston, director of applications engineering at PAC, LP, started her career when she least expected to. Here she shares her journey to remind young chemists that taking the road less traveled can often lead to the most rewarding places.

Read More ›

“We should tell women that they’re people—that they can do the same thing everybody else in the world can.”

Maria Maccecchini, president and founder of QR Pharma, shares her thoughts about her mentors and the encouragement that helped her go a long way.

Read More ›

“Scientists have the responsibility to devote their time to use their science for peace.”

Zafra Lerman is the president and founder of Methods Integrating Music, Science, Art and Dance. Here she shares some thoughts about her collaborative efforts with scientists around the globe to keep the world clean and efficient.

Read More ›

“I think we’ve come a really long way.”

Sarah Widder, a research engineer at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), shares her experience as a young woman in the modern workplace.

Read More ›

“I was very blessed to have people who cared about me and about my career.”

Marye Anne Fox, recipient of the 2010 National Medal of Science, had her first child while working toward her Ph.D. Here, she shares thoughts about motherhood, science, and the affirming moment that brought the two together.

Read More ›

Catalyst Series: Women in Chemistry

Women in Chemistry

CHF’s new video project features eight remarkable women and their contributions to science.