WATCH PARTY – Women Leaders in Biology

Panel: Pathbreaking Female Conservation Biologists at the National Zoo (NZP) and Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI)

This panel explores the professional stories of four women scientists—Drs. Katherine Ralls, Janine Brown, Devra Kleiman, and JoGayle Howard—who helped develop the emerging field of conservation biology at NZP/SCBI between the 1970s to present, furthering the conservation and recovery of endangered wildlife species. In this conversation with colleagues Drs. Rob Fleischer and Kate Christen, Ralls and Brown discuss shared themes of 2 challenges and successes in their own careers and in those of their fellow
pathbreakers, Kleiman and Howard, now deceased.

Panel: Overcoming Gender-based Obstacles to Conservation Biology and Social Science

For decades, women and individuals with other marginalized gender identities have fought to overcome challenges related to inequity and, despite these adverse circumstances, have made major contributions in conservation. Top researchers at various career stages will discuss challenges and successes related to gender and ethnicity in conservation, natural, and social sciences. Panelists also reflect on how they are creating change and promoting equality in their professional worlds.

Lightning Talks: Women Scientists of the Future: Smithsonian Interns and Their Paths Through a Changing Scientific World

Interns’ participation in scientific research and the Smithsonian community is one of the most effective ways that the Smithsonian engages women from diverse
backgrounds, promoting equity and inclusivity. The next generation of scientific leaders has unique ideas of what the future will hold. During individual lightning
talks, current and former interns will describe the research they conducted and the role the Smithsonian internship played in their scientific career development.

Panel: Mujeres de STRI: From Exclusion to Influence, Women’s Role in the Making of a Scientific Community at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Female mentorship has been a key strategy to advancing women in science. Yet a group of mainly Panamanian women, who contributed significantly to the
creation of a premier U.S. tropical biology research institute, remains unrecognized. Participants including retired administrators, emeritus staff scientists, and key community organizers will share their voices and stories. Women’s contributions kept the research community agile and afloat through difficult times. Speakers will consider what elements of the community traditionally provided by women should be preserved or modified as STRI builds a more egalitarian future.

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