"Thoroughly learn your fundamentals in the various areas of Science, Math and Computers. Science is very interdisciplinary and you need to be well rounded to succeed. Learn to question and ask why. That is the best way to learn. Do not accept, always challenge and you will understand better. Do not fear hard-work and read constantly to expand you mind."

Dr. Lakshmi Kamath
Senior Research Scientist

"Stick to your guns--the rewards are great in the end!"

Stacey A. Hartley
Senior Research Scientist

"You need to really understand and love science yourself. If you are not curious and enthusiastic, your students won't be either. It is very easy for young women to become science teachers (if they have the correct qualification) and they must realize that as teachers of science they are role models for the girls in their class. It could be the exciting things that are done in science classrooms that encourage girls to go into science in the future."

Dr. Anita Greenwood
Associate Professor of Science Education

"Take as many math and sciences courses as you can in high school to get yourself ready for the courses you will need in college.  Careers in science are the future of the 21st century and we need everyone who has the interest. Science is NEVER boring, always changing and challenging, and most of all, FUN!"

Dr. Kay Doyle
Professor and Program Director, Clinical Laboratory
Sciences/Medical Technology

"Stay focussed, and ask a lot of questions.  I think anyone who is just starting out in their studies should be open to many paths, while pursuing the main one."

Dr. Nancy De Luca
Associate Professor of Chemistry

"In science, your greatest limitations are your imagination, creativity and ability to apply scientific principles to specific biological questions. The way to learn how to address biological questions experimentally is to work in a lab to gain a feel for the scientific method and develop a scientific mind. I think anyone who wants to work in the biotechnology field should gain as much laboratory experience as early in their education, as possible."

Dr. Maureen Caligiuri
Principal Scientist

"If you decide that you want to do this, get the best grades you can and work hard.  Stay focused and don't get discouraged.  There will be ups and downs, but it will always take you to an interesting place.  You won't be bored!"

Dr. Susan Braunhut
Professor of Biological Sciences

"When I just started out in the work environment after college, I never passed up an opportunity. I looked for areas that needed improvement and did what I could to make them better. If I saw something that I really liked to do, I asked to take a training course in it or asked questions to learn more about it. Always be curious and if you are looking for a career in a more general operations role, learn about many different things and work for a small company."

Wendy Bonner
Senior Director, Employee Operations
FDA Consulting Firm

"Get involved in science early! There are plenty of resources out there such as museums, videos, and summer courses. Read all you can........I'm sure you will find it incredibly interesting!"

Susan Allan
Senior Research Associate

"If math and science are fun to you and you love to get involved and work with your hands, then this is a great field to pursue."

Stephanie Laurin
Senior Research Scientist

"Try out as many different aspects of the field you think you like. Internships, volunteer, etc. The more areas you explore, the more you will get the feel for what you like and do not like."

Brandy Moran
Aquaculture Specialist and K-12 Educations Coordinator

"Pick a college that you like - one where you will feel comfortable with the students, the faculty, and the environment in general. Don't be intimidated by engineering schools - there are lots more women enrolled now than there were when I was a student. But once you get in don't be a slacker! Engineering school isn't easy, and graduating with a high GPA opens up even more possibilities - both for employment and for continuing your education. I have friends who obtained a B.S. in engineering and then went on to law school (patent and intellectual property law) and medical school. As well as friends who are now Professors, Vice Presidents in their companies, and Directors of laboratories. They don't make television shows about engineers, but it can be an exciting career!"

Dr. Marina Pascucci
President, Ceramics Materials R & D Company

"Take science courses in both chemistry and biochemistry so that you can see where each field has its core competencies. I strongly advise you to take as many math courses as you can both in high school and in college. Go to an engineering school and take applied math courses, even if you do not plan on becoming an engineer. Once you understand the basics of applied math you can further progress to theoretical modeling if you are interested, or you can progress to basic research or to applied research."

Dr.Barbara Marshik
Director of Analytical Technology Development

"Women who would want to work in the field of patent law need to obtain an education in science or technolgy as well as a law degree. If they think they would enjoy working with a combination of science/technical expertise and the law then they would enjoy patent law."

Ellen Kapinos
Patent Attorney, Biotechnology

"The best writers are those who write about something they know.  If you love biology, medicine, or math, work in those fields for a few years first. When you become familiar with your field, and if you become passionate about your work, it will become easy to write about it.  Good writing comes when you know about something and care about it.  It can't be faked.

I hope this helps ladies.  All of us working women are out there trying to pave the way for you, and believe me, a lot has been done!  You have endless opportunities!"

Linda F. Wood
President, MedWrite, Inc

"I am a strong advocate of a basic math and science background.  Even if you have an idea of what you'd like to do, take a course in chemistry, biology, physics, algebra, and calculus.  You'll learn problem solving skills and have the background to understand virtually any technology.  Also try to get an internship or part-time job in an area you're interested in.  It will help you decide if that's what you want to do, and also help you learn some hands-on skills you won't be able to learn as easily in class.  Most of all, don't be afraid to ask questions!!  Don't just wonder about something, learn about it. "

 Susan Woodmansee
Project Specialist Biopharmaceutical Company

"It is more fun and interesting than you would think! And the salary is reliable for a stable life style"

Jan Vanselow
Principal Research Scientist

"Find mentors, speak to women in academic careers and biotechnology/pharmaceutical careers."

Dr. Natalie Roy
Scientist II, Molecular and Cellular Oncology
Millennium Pharmaceuticals

"Take lots of math and science.  Try some programming classes in high school and see if you like the logical thinking involved.  We are fortunate to live in an area with many jobs involving software.  If you think you are interested in software try to get a summer job or internship at a local company and see if you really like engineering."

Mary Cacciatore
Principal Software Engineer

"Keep up the good grades!  Going to college and continuing to get good grades in college is really important.  Companies hiring newly graduated engineers look at grades as well as summer job experience.  Summer internships look really good on a resume as well as help you decide if an engineering career is right for you.  For younger girls, you could go to a "Take Your Child to Work Day" that many companies hold. "

Sharon Fincher
Consulting Engineer

"The most important element is that you must believe in yourself. If you couple this with a good education you will be successful. Do not obsess over grades. While good grades are important; self esteem, a willingness to work hard and setting your goals high will play a greater role in your success as well as your own personal happiness. I was a straight A student in high school, but an average student in college. My determination to succeed overcame any obstacles created by my grade point average."

Jackie Foster
Manager- Field Applications Engineering NEUS/Canada

"Expect that you will succeed. You can do anything and everything you want to do if you are willing to do the work. Seek mentors. It is always good to work with people who know more than you. They can provide you with information and, more importantly, teach you how to think. In turn, if you have an opportunity to teach or mentor others, take it."

Barbara Fox
Principal software Engineer

"Don't let anyone tell you that software engineering is just for "geeks". Study hard and you can do anything that you set your mind to."

Pamela Fredrickson
Principal Software Engineer

"When in college, I would definitely recommend trying to "co-op" in a field you think you're interested in. I would recommend looking for colleges that support a co-op program. This is a program that allows students to spend a semester working for companies in their fields of interest. Gaining real-life experience at a company gives you several benefits: You get to see if you really like what you think you like, you get real working experience which gives you an edge over other college graduates and companies have already invested in you and are more likely to make you a job offer once you graduate. Even trying to find a summer intern position in an area of interest during high school and college can help you determine what you like and don't like doing. I definitely recommend paying very close attention in high school and college to the classes you most enjoy. Then if you can find a career in those areas, you have the best probability of enjoying your work."

 Rona Gugliemino
Software Quality Assurance Engineer

"Go for it!  If programming/software development is something that you enjoy, it is a great career path - you work with energized, smart people, thinking up ways to change the world, then get to actually implement those ideas. "

Jenifer Kidder
Software Development Manager

"Mathematics is still the best preparation for a career in computer science. If your school offers a programming course, you should try one and see if you like it."

Gail Lyons
Design Engineer

"Don't be afraid. Women are every bit as good at this kind of stuff as men are, even though there are more men than women in this field. Don't worry yourselves sick about getting into prestigious universities. Your college reputation only matters in getting your first job, and even then only a little. After that, your career is all about you and how you personally approach your jobs. Some of the smartest and most capable people I have encountered in my life graduated from small, relatively unknown schools."

Chris Penina
Principal software Engineer

" If you enjoy solving problems, or doing puzzles, then a career in engineering may be for you.  Math, science, and computer courses are very important for engineering courses, but in the industry, the ability to write and communicate well are invaluable. Also, participating in projects, like Thinkquest, is a great way to give yourself a step up in the world.  These are fun learning experiences and you should take advantage of any opportunity like this in the future."

Judy Prescott
Principal FPGA Hardware Design Engineer

"If you like technology, pursue it as far as you can, but always develop and keep people skills and business skills updated."

Mindy Rutfield
Applications Engineer Leader

"Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something because you are a women. Stand up for yourself and your ideas. Follow our intuition and your heart. Do what you really like doing."

Carol Hackett Sheridan
Senior Software Engineer

"Take apart things.  It seems that many kids understand computers. They can play games or program the computer but I think actually seeing what's inside the computer is helpful.  Being on a computer is virtual. Opening up a car, cell phone, DVD player, or the little doodads that come in happy meals that light up and squeak is an excellent way to start to understand how things work.  Hardware engineers like to touch things and make them better.  You have to understand how they work before you can make them better."

Vicky Triolo
Principal Hardware Engineer