Women’s History Month: FASEB Celebrates Our Unsung Heroes

By: Debra L. Bouyer
Thursday, March 11, 2021

This year marks the 33rd anniversary of Women’s History Month as a national celebration. Prior to 1986, this observance was limited to only one week. However, after being partitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress passed a resolution designating March 1987 as Women’s History Month. Since then, March has been used as a platform to continuously highlight the myriad of accomplishments made by women, who may have been previously overlooked.

Throughout our nation’s history, renowned scientists such as Gerty Cori (1896-1957), Barbara McClintock (1902-1992) and Gertrude Elion (1918-1999) have been recognized for their significant contributions to science. Despite those noble accomplishments, there are still countless examples of women scientists who continue to carry the torch and blaze the trail for others. The following scientists are amplifying their voices through their research:

• Marissa Giroux, PhD, an ORISE Postdoctoral Research Participant at the Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, received her PhD in Environmental Toxicology from the University of California, Riverside. Dr. Giroux’s main research interests focus on using molecular approaches to understand how pesticides and contaminants of emerging concern affect marine ecosystems.
• Nicole R. Sparks, PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of California, Riverside, is making her mark in science with her research efforts focusing on the changes of stem cell fate due to toxicant exposure that associates with skeletal defects. Dr. Sparks’s goals are to contribute to expanding the field of stem cell toxicology.
• Ashley Swanson, PhD, a longtime scientist and researcher at the National Institutes of Health, is fulfilling her passion working as a Medical Science Liaison at Bristol Myers. In her current role, Dr. Swanson works closely with scientists in the Hematology/Myeloid division to help them effectively communicate the value and importance of their research to others.

FASEB recognizes there are many unsung women scientists who made (and continue to make) tremendous contributions to science. In our continued effort to drive diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion in the biomedical research community, FASEB is highlighting extraordinary scientists using the power of storytelling throughout the year. To learn more about Dr. Giroux, Dr. Sparks, and Dr. Swanson, follow us on Twitter and Instagram throughout Women’s History Month.