Avila-Bront, a young scientist who was introduced to the wonders of the natural world by her scientist father, has been passionate about science since she learned about Marie Curie on her fifth birthday at a museum. Despite facing questions and doubts from others, she remained determined to pursue her interest in chemistry and empower other female scientists to embrace their own strengths and weaknesses. She believes that confidence in oneself is essential for making significant contributions in any field.
Looking back on her journey, Avila-Bront recognizes the positive changes that have taken place in the STEM landscape over the past decade. While she acknowledges that there is still work to be done in promoting gender diversity in leadership positions and at top research universities, she remains optimistic about the trajectory of female representation in the field. As more women pursue careers in science, she believes that efforts being made now will lead to a more balanced and inclusive scientific community in the years to come.
Avila-Bront also acknowledges the progress that has been made towards inclusivity in the scientific community and is hopeful for the future. She observes greater cooperation between genders and a more welcoming environment for women in science. Although women are increasingly entering STEM fields, it’s important to note that men still dominate these areas with a significant gender gap, especially when it comes to specific disciplines like biology, chemistry, and physics. Nevertheless, Avila-Bront believes that this gap will eventually be bridged as more women continue to break barriers and make their mark on science.