Celebrating Women in Science with Dr. Holly Lucille, ND, RN

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrates the achievements of women who have defied expectations and pushed the boundaries of knowledge. In this article, we’ll highlight some of the incredible breakthroughs women in STEM have made in 2024. We’ll also share a special interview with our company ambassador, Dr. Holly Lucille, a well-known voice in integrative medicine.

This day is also a call to action, urging us to support the next generation of women and girls to pursue their passions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Because when women thrive in science, we all benefit.

Dr. Holly Lucile, ND, RN Journey in STEM

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re inspired by the career of our ambassador Dr. Holly Lucille, ND, RN. A leading voice in integrative medicine, she exemplifies how women in STEM are making a difference. 

Get an inside look at the remarkable career journey of Dr. Holly Lucille, ND, RN. Watch the video below!

This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, be inspired by Dr. Lucille’s journey and how she’s making a real difference in the world of health and wellness.

Women Breaking New Ground in STEM in 2024

This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we’re celebrating the amazing women who are changing how we think about health and wellness. These scientists are doing incredible work, from finding new ways to heal wounds to helping us understand how our brains work. They’re making a real difference in people’s lives.

Meet some of these inspiring women:

• Professor Meritxell Huch – This stem cell biologist won the Otto Bayer Award 2024 for her groundbreaking work growing miniature organs (“organoids”) in the lab, which is revolutionizing how we study diseases and test new drugs.
• Anne Ephrussi – This developmental and molecular biologist received the FEBS | EMBO Women in Science Award 2024 for her research on how cells transport and use genetic information to build essential proteins.
• Dr Margaret A. Pericak-Vance – This leading geneticist was honored with the ASHG Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 for her decades of work identifying genes linked to complex diseases like Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis.
• Dr Fiona M Watt – This renowned skin and stem cell biologist was awarded the ISSCR Achievement Award 2024 for her discoveries about how skin stem cells work and how they contribute to skin diseases and cancer.
• Professor Yan Ning (Nieng Yan) – This structural biologist received the 2024 L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science International Award for her incredible work visualizing the tiny protein structures that control the flow of substances in and out of our cells.
• Professor Nancy Kanwisher – This cognitive neuroscientist was one of the recipients of the 2024 Kavli Prize in Neuroscience for her groundbreaking research identifying the specialized brain regions responsible for recognizing faces.
• Dr Funmi Olopade – This hematology oncologist and breast cancer researcher was awarded the Ellis Medal of Honor 2024 for her impactful work on breast cancer, particularly in women of African descent.
• Professor Maria Grazia Spillantini – This molecular neurologist received the Mika Salpeter Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society for Neuroscience for her contributions to understanding neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and dementia.
• Cornelia I Bargmann – This neurobiologist was a joint winner of the 2024 Gruber Neuroscience Prize for her research on how our brains generate behaviors and for developing valuable tools for neuroscience research.
• Dr Claire Chewapreecha – This bacterial genomics expert and computational biologist won the 2024 Nature Awards for Inspiring Women in Science (Scientific Achievement) for her work using genomics to combat the deadly tropical disease melioidosis.

Why Women in Science Matters

Women in science have historically faced barriers to recognition, with many significant discoveries attributed to male colleagues instead. According to UNESCO, women make up only 33% of researchers globally, and gender bias continues to limit opportunities in STEM careers.

Representation is essential  because diversity sparks innovation. When women share their perspectives, they help tackle global challenges – whether by discovering new medical treatments, exploring cleaner energy solutions, or driving technological advances. Equally vital is the role female scientists play in inspiring others, dismantling stereotypes that suggest women do not belong in these fields.

Imagine a future where more women lead clinical trials, develop life-saving medications, and design sustainable technologies. Scientific discovery is brighter with women at the forefront – provided we persist in mentoring, encouraging, and uplifting the next generation of innovators.

A Future Fueled by Women

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science reminds us of the untapped potential that lies in empowering women to thrive in STEM fields. By addressing the challenges they face and creating opportunities for growth, we can inspire a new wave of innovation and progress.

From fostering curiosity in young girls to supporting initiatives that promote STEM education, every action matters. When we collectively invest in the next generation of women scientists, we’re not just shaping their futures – we’re paving the way for a more equitable and advanced world.

Let’s work together to break barriers, champion equality, and celebrate the remarkable contributions of women and girls in science. The future of discovery is brighter when everyone has the opportunity to shine.