NSF Postdoctoral Fellow in Biology Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blasksburg, Virginia
How do we hold space in STEM for ourselves? Does science hold space for us? Do we hold space for ourselves? In my science career, discovering a passion for insect flight and how insect wings work has led to self-discoveries about my own identity. It can be hard to recognize identity, and as a queer, white and Latinx person, I find myself constantly asking, “Am I enough? Do I belong” As someone who studies the fluid dynamics inside of insect wings, my scientific questions are about what’s inside that counts. I will share my own journey in entomology and insect biomechanics, how I came “out” somewhat late in life, and how I aim to “hold space” for myself, my students, and my insects. As a scientist, I do not “give everything” I am to my science, rather, my science benefits from who I am, and the rest goes to my own well being. Thus I will also discuss work-life-balance, mentorship strategies, creating safe spaces with your science examples, and the importance of language in our day-to-day science.
