The 33%: Q&A with Rebecca Meagher
8 February 2023
Last update: 08/02/23 11:02
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).
Dr. Rebecca Meagher is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Science & Aquaculture at Dalhousie University and Section Editor for the Animal Welfare Journal. Her work focuses on the effects of housing and management on the welfare and behaviour of captive animals. The ultimate goal of her work is to improve methods of welfare assessment.
How did you get into science?
Rebecca Meagher : I loved animals and was inspired by my high school biology classes to investigate careers in this area.
What’s it like to be a woman in STEM?
Rebecca Meagher: Challenging and rewarding
Can you provide one sentence that gives advice to researchers starting their careers in STEM?
Rebecca Meagher: Take the time to explore different areas of STEM – you never know which types of questions or applications might grab your interest when you learn a little about them.
I loved animals and was inspired by my high school biology classes to investigate careers in this area.
Dr. Rebecca Meagher
Dr. Meagher is on the editorial board for, Animal Welfare, which is an international scientific Journal that publishes peer-reviewed, scientific research, technical studies, surveys, and reviews relating to the welfare of kept animals (e.g. on farms, in laboratories, zoos and as companions). It is an Open Access Journal, read more about the journal series here.
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!
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