According to the United Nations less than 30% of researchers around the world are women, despite women making up about half of the global population. In order to combat negative stereotypes and biases that prevent women from entering science fields, the United Nations has declared February 11th the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Here at the SW CASC, we value our women scientists and have invited them to say a few words about some of their experiences related to being a woman in science.

We live in a time of global change in which environmental issues are becoming
increasingly evident. These issues are a culmination of complex and evolving interactions
between organisms and their environment including human dimensions such as political,
economic, and social realities/perceptions. Likewise, solutions to these environmental issues
are complex, evolving, and multidisciplinary. This is important for all fields of study including my
own dissertation research at the University of Arizona. I study stream ecology, specifically
aquatic invertebrates in desert rivers that are fed by treated wastewater. The long-range goal
of my research is to assess the potential of treated wastewater to support aquatic ecosystems
to help buffer the impacts of climate change and population growth on these aridland systems,
while also understanding the limitations of this artificial flow.