Hardy Spotlight: Celebrating Women in Science at Hardy Diagnostics
In honor of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, we're thrilled to shine a spotlight on the exceptional women who contribute to the dynamic and innovative environment at Hardy Diagnostics. Join us as we celebrate the diverse talents, expertise, and passion of the women in our lab, driving advancements in science and inspiring future generations. Let's acknowledge and appreciate the remarkable women who play a pivotal role in making a difference in the field of microbiology.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that inspired or motivated you to pursue a path in science, and how did it shape your journey in the field?
What truly inspired me to pursue a career in STEM was my AP Biology teacher in 11th grade. He went above and beyond, and made the class engaging. I looked forward to his class every day, and the more I learned, the more I wanted to know.
Margaux H., Technical Support Specialist
I had a great high school Chemistry teacher, who challenged me and believed I had the potential to pursue a science degree.
Elide H., Technical Services Microbiologist
I had always been drawn to science and math since I was a child but I started to really consider a career in science after taking Chemistry in high school. I had a really good chemistry teacher who challenged her students and believed we all could succeed in whatever career we pursued. She made me love all my chemistry classes in college which I later realized was rare!
Alani V., R&D Manager
I knew I wanted to pursue a career in STEM but I didn’t feel that full time lab work was the right fit for me. At Hardy Diagnostics, I am able to combine my love for science with my passion for helping others and provide technical expertise to a variety of scientific industries.
Allie M., Lead Technical Support Specialist
I first remember becoming curious about biology and nature growing up and going on hikes with my grandparents and family. Both my parents are scientists and as a result, I had a lot of exposure to science growing up. I looked up to my mother and realized that through her scientific research, she was able to travel the world and share her knowledge and learn from others at conferences. I had the opportunity to begin to take science classes in elementary school, and the topics were very interesting to me. I immediately started to make connections from what I learned in science class to everyday life and began to appreciate how interconnected everything was in relation to the STEM sciences
Anna K., Senior R&D and Performance Studies Manager
In your role, how do you contribute to advancing your field, and what do you find most rewarding about the work you do in science?
As a microbiologist, I contribute to the greater medical and food safety field by working to ensure that methods are available for existing and emerging microbial threats to health and safety and ensuring that those methods are safe and effective. The most rewarding part of my work is hearing how the products we produce help to play a role in saving the lives of so many people.
Lauren H., Lead Performance Studies Microbiologist
I advance my field by helping bring clinical diagnostic devices to the market. It’s very rewarding to know I’m making a contribution to improve patience care at a society level and that many people get to benefit from it.
Elide H., Technical Services Microbiologist
In my role, I work on bringing new in vitro diagnostic devices to market by completing performance evaluations on new assays. It is incredibly rewarding knowing the impact that these tests/diagnostics can have on patients and patient care, and it is always a collaborative team effort to bring products to market.
Anna K., Senior R&D and Performance Studies Manager
In my role, I work closely with many scientific industries: clinical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, veterinary, and cannabis. It is rewarding to know that the guidance and assistance I provide has a lasting impact on customers in so many different fields. Whether it is providing technical support, educating customers about our products, or troubleshooting and solving issues, I find pride and enjoyment in supporting our customers.
Margaux H., Technical Support Specialist
What advice would you give to young girls interested in pursuing a career in STEM, and how can we collectively encourage more diversity and inclusion in the scientific community?
Explore all the opportunities STEM has to offer, there is a place for everyone’s interests and talents!
Allie M., Lead Technical Support Specialist
The STEM field needs more of us because diversity and inclusion is what brings the brightest ideas and the best results. Find a great mentor that provides you with guidance, advice, and support.
Elide H., Technical Services Microbiologist
My advice is to find out what excites you, and follow your interests. Take a visit to the local library and see what books or sections of the library draw your attention the most. I think we can encourage more diversity and inclusion by ensuring science books and educational resources are available for children. If you are near a laboratory or STEM based company, see if you can gain exposure to laboratory science in some way through school, an internship, or volunteering.
Anna K., Senior R&D and Performance Studies Manager
What achievements or contributions are you most proud of in advancing science or your specific area of expertise?
I am very proud I get to help bring clinical diagnostic devices to the market. This helps improve patient care and many people benefit from it.
Elide H., Technical Services Microbiologist
I am most proud of bringing new in vitro diagnostic products to market to help detect and diagnose disease and navigating the required clinical and analytical studies required to bring these tests to market. I am most proud of working on the products that we have brought to market for detection of various pathogens and antimicrobial resistance.
Anna K., Senior R&D and Performance Studies Manager
How do you envision the future of women in science, and what steps can be taken to encourage more girls to pursue careers in STEM fields?
I envision that women will continue to establish themselves in the field and increase in number of upper management positions held within organizations. My first science teacher in elementary school made sure that the first lesson she taught my class was that anyone can be a scientist. I think continuing to teach girls this and telling young girls the stories of women in STEM is one of the best ways to continue to encourage the next generation of women scientists to pursue STEM careers. I hope that by sharing my own story, this will help other young women stay motivated to follow their dreams and pursue a career in STEM.
Anna K., Senior R&D and Performance Studies Manager
Women have make huge contributions to science every day and I believe the future of women in science is bright. Encouraging young women in STEM requires early exposure, great role models, and supportive environments at home, in schools, in the workplace, and more. Mentorship, hands-on learning, bias awareness, and confidence building are key. Supportive policies, collaboration, representation and celebrating achievements help empower girls in STEM.
Lauren H., Lead Performance Studies Microbiologist
To young girls interested in STEM, I would say be curious and let that curiosity lead you places! Ask questions, don't be discouraged by failure, and be persistent, because that is what science and research is all about. It would be great to see more programs in elementary schools where kids can foster their interest in science since the elementary school years can be very formative for young children and can help them start to think about their future careers.
Alani V., R&D Manager
Meet the author
DIGITAL MARKETING LEAD at HARDY DIAGNOSTICS
Cierra Benavidez
Cierra is the creative force behind Hardy Diagnostics' digital presence. As the Digital Marketing Lead, she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in digital strategy to enhance brand awareness and engagement. With a keen eye for detail, Cierra crafts compelling content that resonates with both industry professionals and the general public. Outside of work, she enjoys photographic wildlife, reading in her garden, and drinking chai lattes.
