In honor of International Women’s Day, we interviewed Karen, a passionate researcher from the DECODE project. She shares her experiences, challenges, and advice for young women in science. Read the full interview to learn more about her inspiring journey and contributions to gender equality in STEM!

“Can you share a bit about your academic journey and how you got involved in the DECODE project?

I studied Chemistry (BSc) and Nanomaterials Science (MSc) at the University of Utrecht. It was there that I developed my passion for electrochemistry. This led me to apply for a PhD position with Marc Koper, who is very well known in the electrochemistry world for his fundamental research. When we discussed projects together, I said I wanted a topic that was sustainability oriented and would allow me to do both experiments and modelling. So the DECODE project ticked all my boxes!

As a woman in science, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

I think it’s hard to say exactly what challenges I’ve experienced as a woman in science, because I don’t know what it’s like to be a man and these things can be subtle. In general, I’ve felt valued and respected by peers and supervisors, so quite a positive story from my side! Of course, this comes from an early-career perspective, I expect it to become harder at a later stage. The groups I’ve worked in both had a relatively large proportion of women, which I think really helps.
That being said, I struggle most with not really having natural authority. So, to get people to listen to me, I need to prepare well. Then I usually gain respect based on knowledge, which is something I generally value. However, there will always be situations for which you can’t be fully prepared, and I still need to learn how to deal with that.

Do you think initiatives like the DECODE project can help promote gender equality in STEM fields, and how?

I think gender equality in STEM can be approached from multiple angles. For example, by inspiring the next generation and providing good working conditions for women to stay in STEM. I think anyone can contribute to this, if effort is put into it. So, if people within the DECODE project dedicate their time to this, then it would be possible.
Personally, I’ve tried to do my part by writing a children’s book featuring women in STEM. With this book, we hope to combat science stereotypes from a young age, and show girls they can be whatever they want to be. You can read more about it here: Leiden PhD candidate writes children’s book to get girls excited about technology – Leiden University!

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the world of science and research?

Believe in yourself, and don’t be discouraged when you struggle to understand something or make mistakes. It’s all part of the process of science, which can be really fun with the right mindset!”