Research from The United Nations for 2023 International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) reveals that women represent 33.3% of all researchers. 

In support of IDWGIS 2023, we are highlighting a selection of our female authors and editors in the hope that more women and girls will be inspired to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). 

Bonnie J. Buratti is a leading planetary astronomer, Senior Research Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and author. With expertise in icy moons, comets, and asteroids, she holds degrees from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Cornell University, New York. She is currently serving on the Cassini and New Horizons science teams and is the US Project Scientist for Rosetta. The author of over 200 scientific papers, Buratti was awarded the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, and the International Astronomical Union named asteroid 90502 ‘Buratti’ in recognition of her work. 

How did you get into science? 

Bonnie J. Buratti: I think it was innate. I was always curious and wanted to know how things worked.  Even before I entered school, I loved tinkering with gadgets and building things.  I had a voracious appetite for knowledge and always asked questions. Yes, sometimes I drove my parents crazy.  

What’s it like to be a woman in STEM? 

Bonnie J. Buratti: Usually it’s no different from being a man, but sometimes I feel you have to do a lot more to get the same recognition.  

Can you provide one sentence that gives advice to researchers starting their careers in STEM? 

Bonnie J. Buratti: Press on regardless, and don’t care about what other people think of you. 

I had a voracious appetite for knowledge and always asked questions. Yes, sometimes I drove my parents crazy.  

Dr. Bonnie J. Buratti

Buratti’s book, Worlds Fantastic, Worlds Familiar A Guided Tour of the Solar System, gives a  tour of NASA’s latest discoveries. Follow Buratti through the Solar System from Mercury, Venus, Mars, past comets and asteroids, and the moons of the giant planets. Discover what it is like to be involved in a major scientific enterprise, with all its pitfalls and excitement, from the perspective of a female scientist. This engaging account of modern space exploration is written for non-specialist readers, from students in high school to enthusiasts of all ages. 

International Day of Women and Girls in Science  

This week we celebrate the eighth International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11). Beyond fostering a balanced and fair environment for our aspiring women and girls, why is it so vital that we foster gender equality and equity in science?  

This year, the United Nations, which hosts the annual event, contemplates another dimension to articulating meaningful change in STEM industries. Their goals for 2030 provide inspirational agenda that encourages sustainable and equitable development across five key areas:  

•  Clean water and sanitation  
• Affordable and clean energy 
• Industries, Innovation, and Infrastructure  
• Sustainable and Inclusive Communities and Cities 
• Revitalize the Partnerships for the goals  

‘Science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.’ United Nations 

Want to read more from our inspirational female authors? 

Access our Free Read Collection here including sample book chapters and journal articles and help us celebrate IDWGIS the best way we know how by reading!