Pride in Science: Celebrating Diversity Together

Pride in Science: Celebrating Diversity Together “Keep striving for excellence and know that you have the potential to achieve great things in your STEMM career.” – Dr. Ashley Turner. “Greater representation at the higher levels of academia is not only good for diversity but it’s good for innovation and for science.” – Prof. Giles Oldroyd. “STEMM is not going to be a safe place in many institutions, and we need to work to create those safe places.” – Dr. Raquel Cuella Martin. Credit: iStock Ashley Turner, PhD 4 Avery Cunningham 8 David Bending, PhD 11 Professor Giles Oldroyd, PhD 13 Jay Mandula, PhD 15 Raquel Cuella Martin, PhD 18 Stephen Robinson, PhD 20 Contents 2 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM 3 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Foreword Pride in Science June has been recognized as Pride Month each year since the Stonewall Riots in 1969 and is dedicated to the celebration and commemoration of LGBTQIA+ people and culture. LGBTQIA+ professionals working in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) face many challenges in the workplace, such as inadequate career resources and opportunities, social marginalization, and difficulties with health and wellbeing. They also make incredible contributions to science. Here at Technology Networks, we want to use this opportunity to highlight the experiences and achievements of LGBTQIA+ individuals studying and working in STEMM, to encourage the idea that science is for everyone. This eBook contains a selection of interviews from LQBTQIA+ individuals at various stages of their careers, in which they share information on their research, experiences, opinions and ideas to inspire the next generation. 4 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Credit: iStock, Jo Turner Ashley Turner, PhD Dr. Ashley Turner is an assistant professor of biology at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama, and identifies as a queer, lesbian and cis-gender woman. Anna MacDonald Ashley completed a BS and MS in biology at the University of West Georgia and a PhD in genetics, genomics and bioinformatics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she studied neurofibromin function and human neurofibromatosis type 1 mutations. Following this, she worked as a postdoctoral fellow at UAB in the Department of Biology. During this time, the American Association of University Women awarded her the 2019–20 American Fellowship for her commitment to education and equity for women and girls in science. Since then, she has turned her research and career aspirations into reality, setting up and leading The Worm Hole, a research lab offering unique research and learning opportunities to students, while continuing to advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEMM. In this interview, Ashley tells us how her love of science has evolved, from her childhood pursuits to her research interests today, and shares some of her proudest professional and personal achievements so far. Turner also describes some of the challenges that LGBTQIA+ individuals face in STEMM and outlines the steps that can be taken to make STEMM environments more inclusive and supportive. Q: What motivated you to pursue a career in science and led to your interest in molecular genetics? A: My motivations for pursuing a career in science stem from a combination of personal interest and a passion for discovery. My passion for biology really started from childhood excursions to the swamp with my dad and brother, where we would explore the depths of the forest and a local creek and wetland in rural Georgia. In high school and college, I quickly discovered my science courses to be the most meaningful and challenging, with real-world applications that I could see beyond the textbook. I became fascinated by the complexities of life and how genes and the molecular world influence everything from health to behavior. I found science to be intellectually stimulating and constantly evolving, fitting perfectly into my mindset of lifelong learning. Like many scientists, I am driven by an insatiable curiosity about how the world works. I also have a deep passion for sharing science with others through teaching and mentoring. For me, a STEMM career holds endless opportunities for exploration in both teaching and research that allows me to continue learning and growing alongside others through scientific discovery. Q: Can you tell us more about your current research interests and The Worm Hole? A: I am currently an assistant professor of biology at Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama. My teaching endeavors include offering unique research and learning opportunities to students through coursebased undergraduate/graduate research experiences (CUREs and CGREs), mentored research experiences and other biology courses. Pride in Science 5 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Pride in Science My research interests focus on two main areas: biology education research (BER) and genetics research. My BER interests include investigating the structure and impact of CUREs and CGREs. I use this research to better understand how biology students think, engage, learn and benefit in CUREs/CGREs and how I and other instructors can develop more effective ways to teach in these unique learning environments. My genetics research interests have largely been fueled by a team of undergraduate and graduate student researchers in The Worm Hole, a research lab utilizing the microscopic roundworm C. elegans as a model system for exploring gene function and evolution and molecular mechanisms of disease. Our current research interests involve the interplay between genetics, metabolism, aging and neurodegeneration. Q: What do you enjoy most about working in STEMM? A: I love working in STEMM as it allows me to combine my two deepest passions of teaching and research into one career. Both areas are challenging yet incredibly rewarding components of STEMM that offer the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on society through two profound facets. The first is through novel discoveries and findings that help shed light on biological processes and the underpinnings of life. The second is by helping train the curious, competent and compassionate scientists and educators of tomorrow. As a first-generation college graduate, I am very fortunate for the training and experiences I was granted by my mentors to support the scientist and educator I am today. There were numerous supportive mentors who went beyond just providing guidance and advice to foster an empowering, mutual relationship that allowed me to grow both personally and professionally alongside them as colleagues and friends. I strive to be this mentor for my mentees and students, empowering them all to reach their full potential. I hope my passion and work spark and ignite their curiosity to want to know more to truly begin to unravel a question and understand its complexity and beauty. Q: What would you say are your proudest achievements? A: Reflecting on my journey, I take pride in the accomplishments that have shaped who I am today. One of my proudest achievements is undoubtedly learning to accept and embrace myself as a queer woman, a journey that has empowered me to live authentically and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights with passion and conviction. Among my proudest achievements are moments where I’ve made a positive impact on others, whether through lending a helping hand, inspiring change or fostering understanding. Additionally, I cherish personal milestones where I’ve overcome challenges, grown as an individual and pursued my passions with determination and resilience. Just to name a few, being a first-generation college graduate (bachelor, master and doctorate), being an advocate for my mom and family, being a supportive wife to the most amazing woman, being a dog mom to the best two Chiweenies. My wife and I have recently started our journey of becoming moms, one of the most exciting paths our lives have taken thus far. Navigating the path to parenthood as a queer couple has presented its own set of unique challenges, from overcoming societal barriers to facing the significant financial burden of reproductive services to accessing inclusive reproductive healthcare and legal recognition. However, facing these hurdles together has only strengthened our bond and determination to make our dream a reality, reinforcing the power of family and the boundless capacity for love and resilience. We started the Turner Tribe & IVF Journey crowdfunding campaign, which is ongoing and continues to rally the support of friends, family and allies who share in our vision of building a family. Each achievement, big or small, serves as a reminder of our capabilities and the potential to continue making a difference in the world around us. Q: What are the main barriers for LGBTQIA+ people entering and progressing in STEMM, and what could be done to support them? A: Entering and progressing in STEMM fields can be challenging for LGBTQIA+ individuals due to various barriers, including discrimination and bias, lack of representation, hostile work environments and societal stigma and stereotypes. LGBTQIA+ individuals face discrimination and bias in environments, ranging from subtle forms of prejudice to overt acts of discrimination. This manifests in hiring practices, workplace culture and interactions with peers and supervisors. At-will employment is an example of the imbalanced relationship between employer and employee that leaves LGBTQIA+ individuals vulnerable. A lack of visible LGBTQIA+ role models and mentors in STEMM fields makes it difficult for individuals to envision themselves succeeding in these careers. This lack of representation can contribute to feelings of isolation and imposter syndrome. 6 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Pride in Science Some workplaces have hostile or unwelcoming environments for LGBTQIA+ individuals, where they may feel pressured to conceal their identities or experiences to avoid discrimination or harassment. Societal stigma and stereotypes about LGBTQIA+ individuals create additional barriers to success in STEMM fields. These stereotypes may lead to assumptions about an individual’s competence or professionalism based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. The lack of inclusion ignores the importance of LGBTQIA+ identities, discriminations against the queer community and the intersectionality of diverse identities and experiences. To support queer people in STEMM, it is crucial to take proactive steps to create inclusive and supportive environments. First and foremost, be an ally and an advocate. Advocates play a vital role in creating a more inclusive and equitable world where queer individuals can live openly, authentically and without fear of discrimination or violence. There are numerous strategies that can help foster support, including diversity and inclusion initiatives, visibility and representation, safe spaces and support networks, training and education and policy advocacy. By addressing these barriers and implementing supportive measures, we can create more inclusive and welcoming environments for LGBTQIA+ individuals in STEMM, ultimately fostering greater diversity, innovation and excellence in STEMM fields. Q: Can you tell us about the diversity and inclusion work you are involved in? A: I am deeply engaged in diversity and inclusion efforts and work, which is incredibly important to me. I actively participate in several initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive environment, both within my workplace and in the broader community. During my doctoral and postdoctoral studies at University of Alabama at Birmingham, I co-founded GRADient at UAB, a LGBTQIA+ organization for graduate students, professional students, postdocs and allies. We carried out several projects aimed at creating awareness and support for queer issues, including restroom accessibility on campus. We also hosted an event and raised funds to help support the LGBTQ+ Prom event at the Magic City Acceptance Center, a non-profit LGBTQIA+-inclusive space for folks in Birmingham, Alabama. I am proud to say that GRADient at UAB is still going strong and active today. At Jax State, I have been involved in several capacities supporting and advocating for diverse individuals. I serve as a faculty facilitator of the Safe Zone team, helping train and educate individuals in our campus-wide program that works to ensure a welcoming environment for all gender identities and sexual orientations at Jax State. As a founding member of the LGBTQ+ Faculty & Staff Collective, I have served and held several leadership positions on the steering committee. Our collective focuses on contributing and supporting a welcoming and inclusive environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and allied faculty and staff. We provide support and mentoring for LGBTQIA+ students, strengthen outreach to and retention of our LGBTQIA+ faculty, staff and students, and provide opportunities for fun social events and professional networking within the Jax State community. Each year, we hold a fundraiser that raises funds for the LGBTQ+ Alumni Chapter Annual Scholarship fund. We also host and co-host several events, including a cookout and other social and community events. I have also co-advised the student group Full Spectrum, giving a seminar topic talk and helping plan and execute events on campus, including the LGBTQ+ Prom. Due to my diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, I was also invited and served on the President’s Jax State University Diversity & Inclusion Committee as the LGBTQ+ faculty/ staff lead. My wife Jo and I continue to support and donate to Magic City Acceptance Center and take part in the Central Alabama PrideFest and Parade. Having access to resources, nonprofits and groups dedicated to supporting queer youth and individuals is invaluable. As someone who navigated my own challenges during youth, I understand firsthand the significance of having a supportive community and access to resources that can provide guidance, assistance and a sense of belonging. I truly believe that creating spaces where everyone feels valued and respected is not only morally imperative but also crucial for fostering innovation and success. “I believe that science is for all and needs to be done by all. LGBTQIA+ individuals have diverse backgrounds and life experiences that bring to the table different perspectives and creativities needed to address today’s most complex scientific problems.” 7 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Pride in Science All these efforts hope to offer a lifeline to individuals facing various struggles, whether it is related to mental health, identity, education or other issues. By being an advocate and supporting such initiatives, we not only empower today’s youth but also invest in a brighter and more inclusive future for generations to come. Q: If you could give one piece of advice to young LGBTQIA+ researchers beginning their career, what would it be? A: Be unapologetically you and find your community. I am a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, and identify as queer, lesbian and a cis-gender woman. It is important for queer-identifying scientists and trainees, allies and really everyone to know, see, communicate and collaborate with other queer individuals and professionals in STEMM. Your unique perspective and experience as an LGBTQIA+ individual bring valuable insights to your work and contribute to the diversity and richness of your chosen field. Make sure to seek out and connect with LGBTQIA+ communities and allies within STEMM. Having supportive peers, mentors and allies who understand and respect you can provide invaluable support and guidance as you navigate your career. Remember you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Your voice matters, and your contribution to science is invaluable. Keep striving for excellence and know that you have the potential to achieve great things in your STEMM career. I am part of a growing body of queer scientists around the world sharing our stories and journey through a project called 500 Queer Scientists. We are here. You are beautiful and amazing! Dr. Ashley Turner was speaking to Anna MacDonald, Senior Science Editor for Technology Networks. 8 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Credit: iStock,, Avery Cunningham Avery Cunningham Avery Cunningham is the EDI business partner at Birmingham City University, director of international relations and strategy at oSTEM, and founder of STEM, LGBTQ & You. He identifies as a biromantic, demisexual transgender man. Kate Robinson After completing a BSc in nuclear science and materials in 2020 from the University of Birmingham, Avery began working on widening participation in STEMM. He currently works as an equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) business partner at Birmingham City University, where he supports the faculty of computing, engineering and the built environment, and the faculty of health, education and life sciences, as well as various other LGBTQIA+ initiatives across the University. Since 2019, he has volunteered with oSTEM, the largest chapter-based STEMM organization in the world. He is now the director of international relations and strategy and annual conference co-chair for oSTEM. Avery remains dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ in STEMM space, creating the regional conference event STEM, LGBTQ & You while still a student, which has just celebrated its sixth year. He also serves as vice chair of IOM3 Pride, the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Minings Pride network, and was the inaugural winner of their Outstanding Contribution Award for EDI in 2022. He is also a trustee of Birmingham Pride Community Fund, which supports local LGBTQIA+ initiatives across the West Midlands. Q: How do you identify and what pronouns do you use? A: I identify as a transgender man. I’m also biromantic and demisexual. Additionally, I am autistic and I identify as a massive queer nerd, who loves things like Dungeons & Dragons, board games and videogames. These aspects of my identity are all significant because they interact with how I experience the world. They shape my perspectives, interactions and relationships in unique ways, so I always like to introduce myself with all of them, including the things I like to spend my time doing! I am more than just my sexual orientation, my gender or my disability. In terms of pronouns, I use he/him. Q: What inspired you to create STEM, LGBTQ & You? A: Having attended the oSTEM (Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) annual conference each year in the USA since 2017, I found an immense sense of community and support among fellow LGBTQIA+ individuals in STEMM fields. There was something profoundly empowering about being surrounded by queer individuals who shared similar passions and interests in STEMM. One aspect of the oSTEM conference that particularly resonated with me was the sense of camaraderie and belonging among attendees. It wasn’t just about showcasing research or professional achievements; it was also about creating a space where queer nerds could come together to share their work, their research or simply their enthusiasm for their respective fields. I wanted to bring the heart of the oSTEM conference to the UK and create a similar sense of community and inclusivity within the STEMM landscape here. STEM, LGBTQ & You aims to do just that by providing a platform for LGBTQIA+ individuals in STEMM to connect, support each other and celebrate their multifaceted identities. By showcasing the diversity of experiences Pride in Science 9 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Pride in Science within the LGBTQIA+ STEMM community, we hope to foster a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to their fields. I also wanted a place where there was importance in acknowledging the whole person beyond their professional identity as a scientist or engineer. I think we sometimes forget about the whole person. Q: What do you enjoy most about working in STEMM? What would you say are your proudest achievements? A: I feel very on the tangent to STEMM at the moment, though I still support it. Although I always say I still feel like an engineer, in that I still analyze, design and create to solve problems, my problems are much more peoplefocused now. What I enjoy most about working in STEMM is that I feel it’s a place where I get to be a huge nerd and solve problems. There’s a sense of fulfillment in knowing that the work I do has the potential to make a positive impact on society. From when I wanted to work in nuclear energy and solve our energy crisis, to now where I support STEMM faculties through EDI, for me it has always been about making the world just a little bit better. I think the best thing we can all hope for is making a positive impact, no matter how big or small, on other people. One of my proudest achievements in STEMM has been the communities I’ve created. Fostering spaces where individuals can come together, share experiences and support each other has been incredibly rewarding. From mentoring transgender undergraduates to advocating for diversity and inclusion in the STEMM community, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that these communities can have on individuals’ lives and careers. This includes my work with oSTEM student chapters, the conference and all the other bits I do! Overall, what I enjoy most about working in STEMM is the opportunity to pursue my passions, make meaningful contributions to my field and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers to do the same. Q: What are the main barriers for LGBTQIA+ people entering and progressing in STEMM, and what could be done to support them? A: There are barriers, and sadly, the more work I do, the more I realize that some of these are societal rather than specific to STEMM fields. While the discrimination and biases faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals are prevalent across many sectors, the impact within STEMM is particularly pronounced. This is due to the traditionally male-dominated nature of these fields and a lack of diverse role models. Considering this lens is crucial, as it highlights the broader cultural challenges that need to be addressed alongside those unique to STEMM. Recognizing this overlap emphasizes the importance of our collective responsibility in fostering inclusive environments, not just within our professional domains, but in society at large. By leveraging the influence we hold in STEMM, we can spearhead initiatives that challenge these societal norms, promote diversity and create a ripple effect that encourages acceptance and equality beyond our immediate spheres. Q: Have you faced any obstacles in your career due to identifying as LGBTQIA+? A: I haven’t had any specific instances of overt homophobia or transphobia that have hindered me. However equally, Googling me makes my identity very obvious. Also, if I took out all of my LGBTQIA+ specific work from my CV then it would be a lot less impressive! I have always struggled with the feeling I have to be so out compared to my peers. The intersection aspect of my identity has been where I have struggled the most. Being both autistic and transgender can make you feel like an outsider in your own body, let alone in STEMM. Along with this, science is hard, so that feeling of self-doubt, that you aren’t good enough and you aren’t achieving enough feels all the more common. So, when you look around and people like you don’t seem to be in STEMM, it makes it hard for you to continue. My identity has also been a barrier when considering the next steps in my career. I have to make sure to ask questions such as: will I be expected to travel to places where it’s illegal for me to exist and if so, will I be disadvantaged compared to my colleagues if I don’t? I am limited to living in major cities so I’m more likely to have a community of people like me to support me if needed. It’s also difficult finding a place that lets you look like you. I’m far from saying all queer people have or need things like tattoos, piercing and dyed hair, but finding places where I can express myself in that way has been important, but this causes me worries in interviews. Will they mind a tattoo peeking out? Will they think this shirt is too loud? Do they mind my stretched ears? However, despite these obstacles, I keep trying to be my authentic self. Sharing these experiences, looking how I want to look and setting boundaries that keep me safe. Hopefully inspiring some others to do the same along the way! 10 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Pride in Science Q: If you could give any advice to young LGBTQIA+ researchers beginning their career, what would it be? A: Find your community. I wouldn’t have finished my degree without the community I found in oSTEM, first through my chapter at my university, before finding the global network. It’s where I found role models to look up to across the UK and beyond, and where I found friends that kept me going through all that. It’s also where I met my partner of eight years, so I can definitely also recommend it for that aspect! These supportive communities, including our allies, offer us so much in terms of guidance, mentorship and understanding. I have LGBTQIA+ mentors who have offered me so much and have helped me believe I could find a place for myself, and now I get to do the same for others. I have had great support from many allies, from personal tutors who pushed to get my name changed on systems and academics advising me what to ask at interview to make sure a supervisor is inclusive, to managers who are happy to sort out surgical leave for me, rather than making it something else to stress about. Also finally, it’s a bit cliché, but believe in yourself and your abilities. I had so many people believe in me and help me get to where I am. People who heard my ideas and sat down with me to help make it happen, and that’s how I got here today. Avery Cunningham was speaking to Kate Robinson, Assistant Editor for Technology Networks. “I believe that science is for all and needs to be done by all. LGBTQIA+ individuals have diverse backgrounds and life experiences that bring to the table different perspectives and creativities needed to address today’s most complex scientific problems.” 11 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Credit: iStock, David Bending David Bending, PhD Dr. David Bending is an associate professor at the University of Birmingham and identifies as a gay man. Blake Forman David earned his PhD in immunology from the University of Cambridge in 2011. In 2018, he formed his research group at the University of Birmingham where they focus on how T cell receptor signaling strength and dynamics regulate T-cell function. In this interview, we spoke to David to learn about his experience in STEMM and his advice for young LGBTQIA+ researchers beginning their careers. Q: Can you tell us about your research interests? A: My lab is interested in understanding a population of white blood cells called T cells; in particular, we are interested in understanding how they might be utilized to fight cancer. The immune system has within it immunological checkpoints. These are limits the immune system sets to balance how much damage or inflammation a cell will cause to clear any infection or tumor. These limits exist to prevent an immune response from destroying healthy cells in the body. Immune checkpoints engage when proteins on the surface of T cells recognize and bind to partner proteins on other cells such as some tumor cells. When the checkpoint and partner proteins bind together, they send an “off” signal to the T cells. This can prevent the immune system from destroying the cancer. You can generate very specific Y-shaped proteins that can adhere to these immune checkpoints on the cells and block their ability to receive an “off” signal, allowing the T cells to kill the cell. A lot of our research is focused on understanding the dynamic activation of T cells and how we can alter T-cell behavior to better fight cancer. We are also working with various clinical collaborators on combatting cancers such as melanoma. Our group is analyzing samples from patients currently undergoing combinations of immune checkpoint therapies to identify the optimal therapeutic regime with the best efficacy and fewest side effects. Q: What do you enjoy most about working in STEMM? A: It’s a privilege to be able to run my research group and have that autonomy. Although this can come with a lot of setbacks, hard work and responsibility, we get to lead the direction of our research. I am also interested in technology development, so being able to use the latest cutting-edge techniques is something that fascinates me. In our research group, we’ve been developing new research tools that we can use to capture changes in cells over scales of hours compared to days. Q: What would you say is one of your proudest achievements to date? A: One of my proudest achievements was receiving a Lister Research Prize Fellowship in 2022. This is a competitive prize with a long and tough interview process, so it was an honor to be chosen that year as one of eight researchers Pride in Science 12 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Pride in Science for a fellowship. This prize has been great as it has raised awareness of my research, particularly among students interested in completing summer projects. Often these students go on to complete undergraduate and master’s projects in the lab, and it’s inspiring to see these students progress and develop. Q: What do you feel are the main barriers for LGBTQIA+ people entering and progressing in STEMM, and what could be done to support them? A: When I first started in my career there were no obvious LGBTQIA+ mentors or role models in STEMM. Society has now changed in the last 10 years and there’s more openness, although we are seeing hate become prevalent again in the world, particularly toward trans individuals. However, generally speaking, in the immunology community everyone is pretty welcoming in the UK, and the British Society of Immunology is very progressive. I think it’s important for any industry to have diversity. In academia, there are always slight generational differences, but I believe universities are now making a more conscious effort to put networks and support in place for LGBTQIA+ researchers and students. My advice for researchers working in academia would be to find a group where you feel comfortable and with a culture that works for you. In my lab, we are part of the Birmingham Fellowship Scheme, where new principal investigators (PI) are hired from a diverse range of backgrounds. In the cohort in my institute, I’m the only individual who identifies as LGBTQIA+ (to my knowledge), but within this team, we’ve formed this openness and transparency that attracts people to come and stay in this environment. Q: Have you faced any obstacles in your career due to identifying as LGBTQIA+? A: I did have one experience during a talk I did as part of the STEM Village Immunology Seminar Series. The series was a great initiative and provided a platform for LGBTQIA+ immunologists to present their research to the wider immunology community. Unfortunately, the session was hacked by individuals who decided to leave homophobic remarks. It’s disheartening that these things still happen, but I think these types of events are so important. Despite this, I would say overall things have improved and there are no obvious barriers that I have come across. Q: If you could give one piece of advice to young LGBTQIA+ researchers beginning their career, what would it be? A: You’re going to be happiest in the lab where you feel most comfortable. When looking at joining a lab, ask yourself if you will enjoy the research, if you are going to get good mentorship and if the environment is inclusive and supportive. I would encourage anyone interested in going to work or study in a lab to meet with the PI or other researchers in the lab to gauge the work culture. I think feeling comfortable in your work environment is so important and that will be what keeps you engaged in the research. Dr. David Bending was speaking to Blake Forman, Senior Science Writer for Technology Networks. “I think it’s important to put myself out there as an LGBTQIA+ immunologist so there are role models for other individuals in the community.” 13 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Credit: iStock, Giles Oldroyd Professor Giles Oldroyd, PhD Professor Giles Oldroyd is the director of the Crop Science Centre at the University of Cambridge, and leader of the global research consortium Enabling Nutrient Symbioses in Agriculture (ENSA). He identifies as queer and his pronouns are he/they. Molly Campbell Professor Giles Oldroyd is a leading expert on plant biology. He is one of the few openly queer scientists who have been inducted into both the prestigious Royal Society (UK) and the National Academy of Sciences (USA). Giles directs the Crop Science Centre at the University of Cambridge, an institute focused on improving the equity and sustainability of global agriculture. He also leads the global research consortium, ENSA. In these two roles, Giles oversees a diverse and international team of ~200 scientists. He uses his leadership platform to advocate for diversity across STEMM fields while advancing ground-breaking research to improve the sustainability of agriculture around the world. Q: Can you tell us about your research interests? A: My research focuses on understanding how plants engage with beneficial microorganisms, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which facilitate the capture of nutrients from the environment. I study the signaling and developmental processes necessary to accommodate these microorganisms and the means by which we can enhance these associations to greater benefit agriculture. Q: What do you enjoy most about working in STEMM? A: Even after more than 30 years as an academic, science still excites me. I love those moments of discovery, those moments when you see a result for the first time and suddenly you understand something in a way you didn’t previously. I’m especially motivated by the prospect of my research having a tangible impact on the betterment of society and the planet. I really enjoy working with people, helping them as much as I can to advance their own thinking and move forward in following their passions. I really enjoy watching someone develop as a scientist and I am particularly appreciative when I can help women and minorities in science. Q: What would you describe as the achievements you are most proud of? A: I am extremely proud of the work I have done that has helped open up our understanding of how plants engage proactively with beneficial microorganisms. It is particularly satisfying to see a gene I discovered as a postdoctoral scientist, 25 years ago, now under-pinning crop improvements that we are currently testing in the field. Pride in Science 14 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Pride in Science Q: In your opinion, what are the main barriers for LGBTQIA+ people entering and progressing in STEMM? What more could be done to support them? A: LGBTQIA+ scientists are more visibly represented today than when I began my career – especially at the University of Cambridge – and I’m happy to say I’m seeing more and more LGBTQIA+ scientists emerging. However, diversity among leadership is still lacking, and this reinforces the perception that success is only for a narrow sector of society. Greater representation at the higher levels of academia is not only good for diversity but it’s good for innovation and for science. Growing up LGBTQIA+ is not easy, and I know I bring that baggage to work. Mentoring LGBTQIA+ scientists and, indeed, all minorities, requires a sensitivity of understanding, which is often lacking in academic institutions dominated by scientists who have benefitted from their majority status. Peer support groups and sensitive mentors are really important to build the confidence of minority scientists and to help them thrive. Q: Have you faced any obstacles in your career due to identifying as LGBTQIA+? A: Yes, unfortunately, I have worked in toxic environments, in which I was bullied by my seniors and left fighting to be heard, valued and appreciated. At this time, I knew of few other LGBTQIA+ scientists and was constantly told I needed to have a thick skin to survive. This environment is extremely detrimental to one’s mental health. I moved to a different institution. Q: If you could give one piece of advice to young LGBTQIA+ researchers beginning their career, what would it be? A: See your uniqueness as your strength. Try to not be afraid to turn up authentically as yourself at work. You have a gift to offer organizations: by presenting your unique take on sexuality or gender identity, you allow others at that organization to feel more comfortable in their own differences. It takes bravery to be openly queer. But I have learned that years of compromising your queer identity undermines your self-worth and ultimately is a path to poor mental health. Thriving as a scientist means thriving as a person. Be brave and show who you truly are – you may be surprised how positive the reaction could be. Professor Giles Oldroyd was speaking to Molly Campbell, Senior Science Writer for Technology Networks. “It takes bravery to be openly queer. But I have learned that years of compromising your queer identity undermines your self-worth and ultimately is a path to poor mental health.” 15 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Credit: iStock, Dr. Jay Mandula Jay Mandula, PhD Dr. Jay Mandula, a Pelotonia Scholar and postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Zihai Li’s lab at The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James), identifies as a transgender man and uses he/him/his pronouns. Laura Elizabeth Lansdowne During a summer research internship at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital in 2013, Jay Mandula initially studied neuroscience, focusing on the pathogenic role of aberrantly phosphorylated tau protein in the development of neurodegenerative disease. Although neurodegenerative research was an excellent opportunity to learn fundamental research techniques, Jay’s final project in the last year of his undergraduate degree awakened a true passion for immuno-oncology. His enthusiasm for immuno-oncology was further fueled by subsequent work at Tampa Bay Research Institute (TBRI), where he pioneered new immunostimulants and led community outreach initiatives focused on cancer immunology and vaccines. Jay completed his PhD in cancer immunology and immunotherapy at the University of South Florida, based at Moffitt Cancer Center, adopting bioinformaticsoriented methods to improve the integration of wet and dry lab data for enhanced understanding of immunotherapy. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, he also engaged in community outreach about vaccination. Now a postdoctoral researcher at Ohio State University, he continues to explore immuno-oncology, with aspirations of pioneering myeloid-targeted therapies and mentoring the next generation of scientists in a research laboratory of his own in the future. Q: Could you elaborate on your current research interests within immuno-oncology? What do you enjoy most about working in STEMM? A: Throughout my doctoral training and into my postdoctoral research, my primary focus has been on developing a nuanced understanding of cancer-associated myeloid cells. This includes interrogating how the tumor microenvironment drives immunosuppressive myeloid programming and identifying strategies to intercept tumor-derived cues to restore immunostimulatory polarization of myeloid cells and myeloid-dependent antitumor immunity. Despite the substantial success of anticancer immunotherapy, immunosuppressive myeloid cells remain a major limiting factor constraining durable, curative responses. Furthermore, beyond simply limiting the efficacy of current immunotherapies, therapeutic approaches capable of leveraging the immunostimulatory potential of tumor-associated myeloid cells remain underdeveloped. Therein, my current and future immunotherapy research objectives are to: • Establish a comprehensive understanding of myeloid intrinsic and tumor-derived extrinsic cues that regulate immunosuppressive versus immunostimulatory myeloid function. • Delineate the mechanistic drivers linking intrinsic or extrinsic signals to impaired induction of antitumor immunity. • Define and develop therapeutic strategies to target central factors that direct immunosuppressive polarization of myeloid cells in cancer. • Interrogate the role of emergency myelopoiesis as a source of tumor-associated immunosuppressive myeloid cells and identify therapeutically targetable drivers of dysregulated myelopoiesis. Pride in Science 16 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Pride in Science Some of my proudest achievements have been watching students I have mentored become independent, confident researchers in their own right. Q: Have you encountered specific challenges in your career related to your identity as an LGBTQIA+ individual? How have you addressed these challenges? A: I completed my doctoral research in Florida at the University of South Florida/Moffitt Cancer Center from 2018 to 2023; over this period the Florida government passed several iterations of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation. In 2021, Florida passed the “Protections of Medical Conscience Act” which endowed medical providers with the right to discriminate against and decline care to LGBTQIA+ patients if patient care violated their religious conscience. In 2022, Florida passed the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill (HB 1557) which limited/restricted the freedom of educators to discuss or inform students about LGBTQIA+ topics. Additionally, in May of 2023, Florida passed Florida Senate Bill 254 which prohibited gender-affirming medical care for minors while also placing significant restrictions on the transition-oriented medical care of adults. While some organizations ‒ including multiple universities and research centers ‒ chose to speak out against this antiLGBTQIA+ legislation and show support for their students and faculty, the University of South Florida/Moffitt Cancer Center failed in its support for LGBTQIA+ students and elected multiple times over to say nothing in support of LGBTQIA+ students/faculty/researchers. It is worth noting that some faculty at USF/Moffitt strongly opposed the institution’s unwillingness to speak out on behalf of its LGBTQIA+ members including my mentor and PI at the time, Dr. Paulo Rodriguez, and other prominent LGBTQIA+ faculty including Dr. Eric Lau, who went above and beyond to support LGBTQIA+ students independently. As a transgender man receiving lifesaving hormone treatment, this legislation prohibited my ability to receive the medication I need to remain medically stable. Due in no small part to this discrimination, I no longer suggest LGBTQIA+ or other minorities (most notably international students) pursue their PhD or higher education in Florida. This discrimination also motivated me to come out publicly about my gender identity to serve as a visible and vocal example of how these policies impact the LGBTQIA+ community. Q: How can institutions better support diversity and inclusion? A: As exemplified by the chilling silence of my alma mater, refusing to speak out about overtly discriminatory legislation is one of the most counterproductive approaches institutions can take. Visibly and vocally communicating to students and faculty that they will be supported and protected is essential. In instances where access to medical treatment or similar rights are being infringed upon, institutional provisioning of alternative services or care options can be lifesaving. Q: In what ways do you think increased visibility of LGBTQIA+ scientists can impact the field of immuno-oncology and STEMM more broadly? A: I think increased visibility for LGBTQIA+ researchers can show aspiring LGBTQIA+ scientists in younger generations that their identity does not and should not prohibit their ability to love science and become part of the STEMM community. Acceptance and inclusion are often won via visibility and, in particular, the visibility of more established LGBTQIA+ researchers helps to shift the onus off of the shoulders of early-stage researchers who may be in more vulnerable positions where being out is not safe ‒ especially in areas like Florida. In the context of immuno-oncology, LGBTQIA+ patients often receive a lower level of care in cancer diagnosis and treatment, in part due to medical fear surrounding their LGBTQIA+ identity. Additionally, legislation such as “I love STEMM for its creativity, intellectual freedom, tangible progress and potential for mentorship intrinsic to this career path.” “The unwillingness of my doctoral alma mater to support LGBTQIA+ students/researchers and the reality of the loss of essential medical care substantially impacted me during this period of my doctoral research.” 17 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Pride in Science that enacted in Florida means that medical providers can outright refuse to treat LGBTQIA+ patients. If patients can see LGBTQIA+ researchers and doctors, they will feel safer seeking care and treatment. Similarly, minority stress, such as overt LGBTQIA+ discrimination, often coincides with increased cancer-associated risk behaviors such as tobacco and alcohol consumption which place LGBTQIA+ individuals at even higher risk of multiple cancer types. Q: If you could give one piece of advice to young LGBTQIA+ researchers starting their career, what would it be? A: First and foremost, my advice would be: “You belong here, and don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t”. I want young LGBTQIA+ researchers to know that they are not alone and that they have substantial value in contributing to the field of research. I would strongly suggest that younger LGBTQIA+ researchers seek out established LGBTQIA+ mentors in their research field of interest, as they play an essential role in offering advice on how to navigate any professional and interpersonal hurdles that may arise. Jay Mandula was speaking to Laura Elizabeth Lansdowne, Managing Editor at Technology Networks. “We need a diversity of perspectives in science, especially cancer research, if we want to make progress in finding treatments and cures. Diverse identities in STEMM should be celebrated not condemned; however, this is not often the case.” 18 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Credit: iStock, Dr. Raquel Cuella Martin Raquel Cuella Martin, PhD Dr. Raquel Cuella Martin is an assistant professor in the Department of Human Genetics at McGill University. She identifies as a lesbian woman. Sarah Whelan, PhD Raquel Cuella Martin earned her PhD from the Wellcome Center for Human Genetics at the University of Oxford, where she described the role of a DNA repair protein in response to “The Guardian of the Genome” – the tumor suppressor p53. During her postdoctoral work as an EMBO long-term fellow at Colombia University, she used CRISPR-dependent base editing to characterize mutations in DNA damage response proteins. Since joining the Department of Human Genetics at McGill University in 2022, her research has focused on using cutting-edge genome editing to understand the DNA damage response and probe its association with human disorders. In this interview, we spoke to Raquel to learn about her research, her experiences working as an LGBTQIA+ researcher in STEMM and her advice for others beginning a STEMM career. Q: Can you tell us about your research interests? A: My research interests revolve around the DNA damage response. We use genome engineering-based approaches to tackle outstanding questions in this area. During my postdoc, I worked on the adaptation of highthroughput precision genome engineering tools for so that we could study protein function at high resolution, going from generating the full loss of a protein to being able to generate point mutations within a protein. This technology is extremely powerful and allows us to systematically analyze protein function and identify new protein–protein interactions that were otherwise hidden. Specific projects we are working on now include trying to separate the functions of certain proteins in the DNA damage response in the repair of the DNA lesion from the control of cell cycle progression. Some proteins control both processes at the same time and it’s very hard to tease apart those functions. When those proteins are involved in tumorigenesis, you want to know how each function contributes to the end result. We have developed a recent interest in using these kinds of approaches to identify druggable sites within proteins. Q: What do you enjoy most about working in STEMM? What would you say are your proudest achievements? A: One of the things I like most about my job is that we are always surprised by how nature works. You often have an idea and a model at the start of a piece of research, a lot of the time what you are investigating doesn’t work how you think it did. I really like that – I like to be challenged. I like that you have to be critical of your results, and sometimes you have to understand that the way you thought something would work is not how it works. I think there is something beautiful in understanding even if it’s just the truth of how two proteins come together or how a process works. This has been exciting to me since I did my master’s and PhD – or even my undergrad. In my current position as an assistant professor, one of the things that I enjoy the most is mentoring students. I’ve always felt very proud when I had that eureka moment. But I think it gives me more satisfaction to see my trainees reach those points when they come to me and say, “I think this is what is.” Getting them to build their critical thinking Pride in Science 19 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Pride in Science skills and grow as scientists is one of the most fulfilling things about my job. You could say that mentoring is the part of my job that makes me the proudest. The end goal, traditionally, is to publish that paper or get that grant – but that, to me, is not very fulfilling. In my lab, what I’m most proud of is when I see my trainees happy in their day-to-day and enjoying science, not just working hard towards an end goal. Being able to get them to understand that they need to find their passion and find joy in the details of their day-to-day, that makes me proud. When I go around the lab, I see them happy, and I see them working and motivated. It’s like being able to be able to inspire the next generation. Q: In your opinion, what are some of the main barriers for LGBTQIA+ people entering and progressing within STEMM? A: Some employers, not that they don’t have goodwill, sometimes fail to understand the realities LGBTQIA+ people face. Even in my workplace, I have had to explain to senior colleagues a couple of times what they/them means. Those senior colleagues might be unconsciously or consciously mis-assigning pronouns to nonbinary people who could be working for them. I have seen gender breakdowns to see how many men and women are working in an institution, and it is still very binary and is assumed based on external appearance. You could be in a workplace and people don’t understand that you have a partner, and in my case, my partner is a woman, that relationship dynamics might be different. It’s very easy to make those realities invisible, to not be able to acknowledge or understand them or understand the challenges they could face. Additionally, if you don’t see yourself represented in an industry, you are never going to think that’s your place. In my workplace, I am in a cis male-dominated institute, so it is hard even for me to see myself represented there. Q: Have you faced any obstacles in your career due to identifying as LGBTQIA+? A: I thought very carefully about this question because I thought not when I initially read it. But then the more I think about it – and though I don’t think I’ll categorize them as obstacles – I have heard comments here and there. There are things that you can’t shake away, and no matter which institution you are in or where you go, you still hear them. To give you an example, I have been open about my identity as a lesbian woman since the early days of my career and on social networks, participating in initiatives to give visibility to the community. In the environments I have been in there haven’t been any issues, but I have heard comments that are perhaps diminishing my achievements because of equity-seeking policies. I have heard things like, “If you write that you’re LGBTQIA+ when you apply for a grant, you might get it easily.” I think that that’s just not right. I feel like I always say that I have been lucky, but we need to stop thinking that we are lucky when we don’t face any obstacles, because nobody should face any. When I participated in Faces of Cell I heard the comment, “Do you want to be known for your research? Or do you want people to only read your research because you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community?” And I think, how are those two things separate from each other? If other young lesbian girls or other people from the LGBTQIA+ community can see me as a role model then that’s good, and if somebody reads the paper only for that, that’s also good. If there are equity-seeking policies that might bring more resources to traditionally discriminated groups, go for it, because there is a long way to go to bring everybody onto the same opportunity level. Q: If you could give one piece of advice to young LGBTQIA+ researchers beginning their career, what would it be? A: I always say that it might be an uphill battle, but your ability to change the environment that you are in is beyond what you can imagine. We always tend to gravitate towards safe places, but STEMM is not going to be a safe place in many institutions, and we need to work to create those safe places. So go for it, don’t get discouraged, support yourself and people who have had the same experiences and educate yourself and the people around you. It’s an uphill battle, and sometimes not one that you want to fight. But your place is here, in this field, in this job – so fight to create those safe environments for yourself and everybody else. Dr. Raquel Cuella Martin was speaking to Dr. Sarah Whelan, Science Writer for Technology Networks. “I feel like I always say that I have been lucky, but we need to stop thinking that we are lucky when we don’t face any obstacles, because nobody should face any.” 20 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Credit: iStock, Stephen Robinson, PhD Stephen Robinson, PhD Dr. Stephen Robinson is a group leader at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB) and a senior lecturer at the University of East Anglia. He identifies as a gay man. Rhianna-lily Smith Stephen grew up in the US West (Colorado, Wyoming, Montana and California). He started his career at the University of California, Santa Cruz, studying for his PhD, investigating mammary gland biology under the supervision of Professor Charles Daniel. During his studies, Stephen gained a firm understanding of how to use and manipulate the mouse mammary gland as a model system for investigating developmental biology and cancer. Stephen later moved to Boston to complete his postdoctoral work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with Dr. Richard Hynes. The mouse models he generated during this time continue to be a powerful tool for studying the role of leukocyte rolling in several research fields, and this role helped to develop his passion for cell adhesion. In 2000, Stephen moved to the UK to work as a principal scientific officer with Cancer Research UK studying angiogenesis. His work with Professor Kairbaan Hodivala-Dilke, at Barts Cancer Institute, included publishing groundbreaking studies on the roles played by integrins during angiogenesis; changing the research community’s perception of how integrins function in vivo to regulate both normal and pathological angiogenesis. Stephen then moved to the University of East Anglia (UEA) in 2011 as an independent principal investigator, studying cell adhesion and angiogenesis. In 2018, he took on a synergy post with Quadram Institute Bioscience, focusing his lab on understanding host–microbe interactions in the context of cancer as well as cell adhesion and angiogenesis. Stephen was also awarded UEA’s PhD Supervisor of the Year in 2018. Q: Can you tell us about your research interests? A: Historically, my lab focuses on understanding the molecular basis of endothelial cell adhesion and migration in regulating angiogenesis. We have established a reputation for combining the use of transgenic and knockout mice with cellular and molecular biology to gain mechanistic insight into physiological and tumor angiogenesis. More recently, we have investigated how microbial communities and specific microbiota members interact with the host to regulate vascular development and health, as well as tumor immune surveillance in breast cancer. Q: What would you say are your proudest achievements while working in STEMM? A: I would say mentoring the scientists that come through the lab, particularly the PhD students. I have always been lucky to work in labs with amazing supportive supervisors (during my undergrad, PhD and postdoc years – my PhD supervisor was like a second father to me), and I try to be the same. For me, the key is not making someone into a mini-me but supporting them in whatever endeavor they want to take on next. People coming out of the lab Pride in Science 21 TECHNOLOGYNETWORKS.COM Pride in Science have gone on to do many different things, with only a few staying in academia, and I think that is so cool. Q: Have you faced any obstacles in your career due to identifying as LGBTQIA+? A: For me, personally, the biggest obstacle has been myself. I was closeted until I was in my early 30s. If I’d known any out scientists, that might have helped me to feel comfortable enough to be myself. So, I guess, that’s who I try to be now: a confident gay scientist who is openly out so that junior scientists have someone to look at and say, “Hey, it’s okay to be me.” Q: How do you balance your professional identity as a scientist with your personal identity as an LGBTQIA+ individual, especially in environments where there may be varying levels of acceptance or understanding? A: Not very well, is probably the real answer to that question. The approach I’ve taken more recently (last couple of years) is to not suppress any of the LGBT side of things. Sometimes, that probably means people know more of my “business” than they’d like to. But it’s too hard to create multiple identities for different situations. Q: If you could give one piece of advice to young LGBTQIA+ researchers beginning their career, what would it be? A: Find someone who is “like” you and ask for their guidance when you need it and rely on their mentorship. Dr. Stephen Robinson was speaking to Rhianna-lily Smith, Editorial Assistant for Technology Networks. “I think I would have achieved so much more if I’d allowed myself to be my authentic self, but I perceived such a stigma associated with being gay, that I was too afraid to come out.” “I guess I am (finally) learning not to care so much if people aren’t comfortable with who I am. This extends to openly displaying tokens of my identity (LGBT related or not), like pride items, piercings, tattoos, etc.”