2026 Women's History Month Spotlights

Lindsey Holmen - Chemistry PhD, Class of 2026. "Being a woman in science means embracing curiosity, resilience, and the courage to pursue ideas that push boundaries. As a first-generation PhD student in polymer and materials chemistry, I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors who showed me that innovation thrives in supportive and diverse communities. Their encouragement inspired me not only to pursue challenging scientific questions, but also to mentor and support other young scientists. I hope my journey reminds future generations of women that they belong in science and that their perspectives are essential to solving the complex problems facing our world."

Erin Schuette - Biochemistry BS, Class of 2026. "To me, being a female in science is about striving for excellence and connection. Although many efforts have been placed to ensure equity and representation in the scientific field, underlying prejudice and implicit bias is still existent in our current generations. To combat this, I believe it's important for women in the industry to collaborate with their peers, push each other to strive for more, and identify with strong qualities of their leaders and supervisors. As a part of Women in Medicine and STEM here on campus, I've been able to learn from my fellow undergraduates and the female professors of our organization about representation and communication. However, my biggest inspiration for being a strong female in the field of medicine is my PI, Dr. Dawn Coletta. Not only does she push me to ask deeper questions and motivate myself in driving my own projects, but she cares about getting to know me on an individual level. Dr. Coletta is attentive to my personal and mental well-being, just as she is for her many undergraduate students in class and staff in the lab. Her ability to consistently check in on those around her, while pushing students to their fullest potential, excites me for my future in medicine where I will care for others while continuing to learn and grow. Dr. Coletta is wholeheartedly committed to the education and lives of her students and has shown me the importance of meticulous training and hands-on mentorship to help mold successful students."

Kyla Holmquist - Biochemistry BS, Class of 2026. "Hello, I am Kyla Holmquist. I will be graduating with a B.S. in Biochemistry in May 2026, and before I leave the University of Arizona, I just wanted to reiterate my thanks. Dr. Samyukta “Sam”, thank you. Dr. Sam’s teachings of Introductory Mechanics altered my view of physics. Originally, I struggled to understand basic physics concepts like force, vectors, torque, etc. I found physics to be inaccessible and exclusive; therefore, it never appealed to me. Dr. Sam presented space for me to ask questions during lectures, discussions, and office hours, allowing me to build foundational concepts consequential for my degree. Dr. Sacoman, I am thankful for your guidance. In her teaching lab, I conducted DNA, RNA, and protein isolation and purification. I analyzed the samples' quality using nanodrop and gel electrophoresis. The content of the course provided practical experience with research, presentation, and scientific writing, granting me confidence in the lab. Dr. Cai, thank you. My time in Dr. Cai’s Lab has been invaluable and transformative. The Cai lab utilizes Plasmon Waveguide Resonance (PWR), a biophysical assay to observe in vitro the binding of drugs and proteins to a lipid membrane. I was given opportunities to gain hands-on experience in drug discovery, design, and perform experiments, analyze data, and present meaningful results at lab meetings. I wouldn’t be where I am without these women supporting me. After graduation, I intend to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research, and given the opportunity, I would like to help other women in their scientific pursuits as well. Bear down! Go cats!"

Stephanie Gonzalez-Knott - Chemistry BS, Class of 2026. "As a first-generation student, I take pride in becoming the first scientist in my family. My access to an education in STEM is the result of several generations of women before me pushing boundaries. Consequently, I hope to show my younger sisters and cousins what is possible with some grit and dedication."

Alice Miranda - Biochemistry BS, MCB BS, Italian BA , Class of 2026. "I did not become a scientist just to study the world. I became one because I was curious enough to question it. Being a woman in science means carrying that curiosity forward, even in spaces where women have not always been seen or heard. It means asking questions, pushing past doubt, and trusting that our ideas and discoveries matter. Every experiment and every late night in the lab is a reminder that we belong here. My hope is that the work we do today helps the next generation of girls see that science is a place where their curiosity, their voices, and their dreams are truly welcome."

Delaney Petruzelli - Biochemistry BS, Class of 2026.  "Being a woman in science has motivated me to challenge stereotypes and contribute my knowledge and perspective to a constantly evolving field. My inspiration comes from my mom who as a woman in science has showed me how curiosity and passion can lead to a rewarding career."

Meghan Sheehan - Biochemistry BS, Pharmaceutical Sciences BS, Class of 2026. "My inspiration for being a woman in science comes from my mother. She is a steady, strong-willed woman who picked a career in STEM before women were encouraged to do so. She graduated with a data science major in the 80s and has been supporting our family by working in IT ever since. Her resilience and outright stubbornness are what allowed her to maintain a successful career and to beat cancer this year for the third time. Her intelligence and strength have been monumental in shaping the woman I’m becoming. Growing up with a hard-working mother who pushed me to pursue my education, learn as much as I possibly could, and always put my best effort forward, molded me into the student who would declare two STEM majors, join clubs, sign up to be peer mentor, work overnight shifts in the local hospital, and volunteer my time in a drug discovery lab. I am so grateful to have a mother who would fight for herself, for her family. Witnessing her fight is what solidified my decision to pursue a career in medicine. I am working to become a physician so that I can help others ring the bell of cancer’s defeat."

Carolina Figueroa - Biochemistry BS, Class of 2026. "Being a woman in science has given me the opportunity to be accepted in places that I previously thought I wouldn't belong in. I now feel like I have a voice and that it is heard by my peers. It has been wonderful to be able to work in labs that are run by women that strive to further knowledge about women's health. The two investigators that I have worked with, Dr. Roberta Brinton and Dr. Kathleen Rodgers, are my inspiration to keep going as a scientist. They have taught me that women are deserving to be heard and understood in all aspects and that it is possible to be a leader in this field. But my biggest inspiration as a scientist is my younger self. Starting out with a toy microscope and a curiosity about the world, I know that she would be excited if I continue to pursue this path and use it to help others."

Brynn Nichols - Biochemistry BA, Classics BA, Neuroscience & Cogn. Sci BS, Class of 2026. “I am deeply honored to be a woman in science. My greatest inspiration is my mother, a woman in medicine, who has always been my strongest role model and unwavering supporter. I am also incredibly grateful for Dr. Sacoman, another inspiring woman scientist I look up to, whose mentorship and support have meant so much to me throughout my undergraduate journey.”

Joelle Smith - Biochemistry BS, Chemistry BS, MCB BS, Class of 2026. "Being a woman in STEM is a central part of my identity. This field has many challenges and rewards, some of which will remind you why you chose this path. I can say being a woman is the most incredible feeling in the world. You can dream as big as you want, and support will always be given. To me, being a woman means standing your ground, making sure your voice is heard, and always being there for others, especially in a scientific space where representation matters. I am fortunate to be a woman in STEM, and I will always be here for others who aspire to be in this field." 

Jessica Klingler - Biochemistry BS, Class of 2026. "Rosalind Franklin’s impact on genetics and DNA was my inspiration in middle school. From that point forward I was enamored with science. Being a woman in science means working hard, creating a supportive environment that promotes learning, questioning, and helping one another."

Sanjana Shahreen - Biochemistry BS, Class of 2026. "Being a woman in science has always felt both empowering and deeply meaningful to me. My inspiration began with pioneers like Dr. Marie Curie and Dr. Jane C. Wright—women who pushed boundaries, redefined what was possible, and created space for future generations of scientists like myself and my peers. Their resilience and contributions showed me that science is not only about discovery, but also about courage and persistence. As an undergraduate, I’ve been incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to immerse myself in research, beginning with UBRP. Those early experiences opened my eyes to the collaborative and creative nature of science, and they solidified my passion for pursuing it further. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to learn from mentors who have shaped both my scientific thinking and my confidence. I am especially thankful for the guidance and support of Dr. Sacoman, Dr. Tomasiak, and my PI, Dr. Walti, whose mentorship has been instrumental in my growth. Being a woman scientist to me means carrying forward the legacy of those who came before me while also contributing to a more inclusive and innovative future. I hope to continue learning, discovering, and inspiring others—just as I was inspired."

Jocelyn Wong - Biochemistry BS, Molecular & Cellular Biology BS, Class of 2026. "I am honored and grateful to be part of the growing CBC community and to be able to contribute to a generation of women scientists that work hard to push for advancements and discovery in the field of science. As a woman scientist, I am inspired each day by the resilient scientists who have come before me and who walk beside me today. My hope is to inspire future generations of women scientists to pursue careers in science and medicine."