Above: Just some of the female science teachers who are inspiring the next generation at Dame Allan's Schools, (L-R), Miss Kelly, Mrs Burns, Mrs Dudley, Miss Lambourne, and Miss Vangelatos.
February 11 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. We’re proud to have some fantastic female science role models at Dame Allan’s Senior School, so we asked them to share their advice for girls who might be interested in a science career. Read on below for inspiration!
Mrs Burns, Teacher of Biology
I always loved biology at school, it was before teachers used projectors in lessons and my biology teacher had a way of still making concepts interesting, getting us to use our imagination and she taught with such passion it was contagious.
As much as I disagree with the concept of Sea World now, it was a visit to Sea World when I was younger that made me want to explore Marine and Freshwater biology as a pathway in biology. Someone once told me that we know more about the surface Mars compared to our deepest oceans, I really wanted to be a part of that research.
It wasn't until the last year of my degree, where I ended up doing a project in a school that I thought about teaching. I had to make biological concepts exciting to students to help them remember for exams. I fell in love with helping other people see how interesting biology can be and then opted to do a PGCE after my undergrad.
What would you say to young girls who are looking to pursue a future in the sciences?
To anyone wanting to study the sciences or explore careers in the sciences, do it! If you are interested in any aspect of science there will be a pathway to study it, research it and make it happen.
Miss Lambourne, Head of Biology
At University I became deeply fascinated with what is occurring inside cells on a molecular level. I love the story that our genetics can tell us about our past and how tiny changes in DNA can have an enormous impact on health, behaviour and the evolution of species.
What would you say to young girls who are looking to pursue a future in the sciences?
Women and girls bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to the scientific community which is so valuable. Research has sometimes been biased due to a lack of diversity among researchers. Having more female scientists helps to address gender bias and paves the way for more creative and innovative solutions to challenges we face. The scientific community needs you!
Mrs McDougall, Head of Chemistry
I have always loved studying science, but it was really my O Level chemistry teacher, Brother Bernard Conroy (or BBC as he was affectionately known), who made me decide that chemistry was the one for me. He was so enthusiastic and passionate about his subject, he made everything interesting, even the boring stuff! It was BBC who made me realise that I wanted to be a teacher, I felt then, and still do, that I wanted to be able to pass on my love for my subject.
Although I knew I wanted to be a teacher, it was his advice that led me to do a degree in chemistry rather than teaching and that led me to my first career in the pharmaceutical industry, where I stayed for 12 years before retraining. Working in industry gave me a much broader understanding of the applications of chemistry and allows me to give some useful context to some of the topics we cover in school.
What would you say to young girls who are looking to pursue a future in the sciences?
Go for it! Sciences are for everyone and there are such a wide range of opportunities open to you that you are sure to find something that appeals to you.
Sandra Willis, Teacher of Physics
From a young age I was interested in physics and chemistry as well as earth sciences, so it was a natural progression to study these subjects at a higher level. I completed a degree in Geology and then worked offshore for a time as a geophysicist and then did a second degree in physics, followed by a physics PGCE. The attraction with physics was that I was always fascinated with why things worked.
I enjoy the challenges that teaching physics brings, especially encouraging girls to get involved in the subject and by hopefully being a role model for those contemplating physics at a higher level.
What would you say to young girls who are looking to pursue a future in the sciences?
Grasp every opportunity to attend Women in STEM events. Also, when the time comes, research universities and colleges to ensure you find the course that's the right fit for you and enquire as to what female science graduates then go on and do after finishing university.
"Having more female scientists helps to address gender bias and paves the way for more creative and innovative solutions to challenges we face. The scientific community needs you!" - Miss Lambourne, Head of Biology, Dame Allan's Senior School