Professor of Biochemistry Pamela Mertz published an article in the March issue of ASBMB Today, “Lonely Science,” with co-authors Swati Agrawal and Marilee Benson, which highlights the impact of the pandemic on the careers of women scientists. Work and work-life boundaries were disrupted for many but especially those who took on childcare, homeschooling, or elder care. Reports, including one from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are showing that women and early career scientists were among the hardest hit regarding work disruptions. To bring attention to this issue, Mertz and co-authors interviewed seven women at various stages of their careers and at different types of institutions, including those involved in inclusion efforts. This article tells their stories.
