mophys celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025
On February 11, mophys celebrates the 10th year of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. We are proud to have incredible women at all career stages and people who support women in our society. In honor of this day, mophys members share their experiences and appreciation to people and societies who have supported them in their science journey.
I was fortunate to have several female role models as I trained in physiology. They taught me that I had to work hard to be recognized, to stand up for what is right, and the importance of establishing a work/life balance. I am grateful to these people. I have made it my mission to pass it forward by doing what I can to help future women scientists on their journeys.
I have gratitude to all the people who have supported me in my scientific journey. The American Physiological Society and mophys have been instrumental in connecting me to other scientists. I am grateful to be a part of these societies.
It’s been over a decade since I decided to pursue a career as a researcher. With all its ups and downs, navigating the science world as a young girl and now as a woman, has been rewarding. I won’t sugarcoat it—it’s tough. But I am grateful to have met all the wonderful people and communities who have helped me thrive in this journey, making the impossible possible.
Stories from our trainees
It wasn’t until high school that I discovered my passion for biology, thanks to my biology teacher, Linéia. Her stories from college and her enthusiasm for biology sparked my curiosity and set me on the path I’m on today.
I’m Natalia Agostini Schneider, a PhD candidate at the Warren Lab at Saint Louis University, where I study the fascinating field of comparative animal physiology. As cliché as it may sound, I’ve always loved being surrounded by nature. Growing up in Brazil, I spent most of my time exploring the wonderful, and sadly threatened, woods of the Atlantic Forest. Back then, I knew I loved wild animals, but I thought that meant I wanted to become a vet. It wasn’t until high school that I discovered my passion for biology, thanks to my biology teacher, Linéia. Her stories from college and her enthusiasm for biology sparked my curiosity and set me on the path I’m on today.
My biology teacher wasn’t the only woman who inspired me. My mom, Sonia, who worked for many years as a laboratory technician in industry, always encouraged me to read, stay curious, learn, and pursue my passion for nature.
During my time in college, both in Brazil and in the U.S., I was fortunate to meet more inspiring and supportive women: professors, researchers, program coordinators, and department chairs, all of whom showed me that women can thrive and excel in STEM, despite the challenges we face and our underrepresentation in many STEM fields.
Interestingly, most of my mentors and colleagues in zoology, wildlife biology, and animal physiology have been men, and I am immensely grateful to them. I’m especially thankful to each of my mentors who recognized my potential, supported me, and opened doors to opportunities that led me to where I am now— researching the neuromechanisms of anoxia tolerance in the turtle brain!
It’s been an incredible journey fueled by my passion for animals and the drive to understand how they work, adapt, and survive. Here’s to helping pave the way for more women to join, thrive, and succeed in STEM! 💪🌿🐢
Hailey Schmitz
I'd like to share about my mentor, Dr. T. Ostrowski. He's a very good mentor, always pushing students to do their best! He leads by example and you can tell how passionate he is about his work!
Trainees and their mentors
Yoko Wang
I am thankful to have Dr. B as my mentor, for her guidance and endless support throughout my postdoctoral journey. Watching and learning from her while she navigates the science world, have given me valuable insights on how to be a good scientist, a mentor and a leader. Her spirit to advocate for young women scientists and fellow women is inspirational. I am grateful to have her in my scientific journey.
Grace Oti
For the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I am honored to recognize the incredible women who inspire and support my scientific journey. I am especially grateful for my mentors, Dr. Nicole Nichols and Dr. Teresa Lever, whose guidance has been invaluable, and for our dedicated lab managers, Kate Osman and Catherine Smith, whose commitment is the backbone of our lab. Being part of a research environment led by such exceptional women is both empowering and deeply motivating. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute alongside them, and I look forward to carrying these experiences forward in my own scientific journey.
We are recruiting members for the trainee subcommittee
About the subcommittee
The trainee subcommittee is a part of mophys under the junior scientist representative lead. This team will focus on developing and organizing trainee-focused events for members and the broader community. We have two major events that run every year: the Coffee with the Expert series and a Summer Career Workshop. In 2024, we invited industry leaders to meet and network with our trainees about their career journeys and share their advice on transitioning from academia to non-academic careers.
About the position
As a trainee subcommittee member, you will be part of a team focusing on designing, developing, and executing mophys regular and new trainee events. You will participate in activities, including formulating event ideas, inviting internal or external speakers, organizing event schedules, designing flyers, and running the events. You will primarily work with the mophys junior scientist representative and coordinate with other mophys committees to ensure a smooth event run. This position and this new committee will provide impactful contributions to mophys and trainees by bringing fresh ideas and creating events tailored to trainees’ needs.
We are seeking two passionate trainees who are active members of mophys. This is a one-year position. This role will provide learning and development opportunities for you to exercise your leadership and networking skills, build your CV, and contribute to a broader scientific community and society.
Submit your Expression of Interest and latest Curriculum Vitae to contact@mophys.org (subject: Trainee) before 24th February 2025.
Further questions about the role can be directed to Dr. Yoko Wang (yokowang@missouri.edu)
Past Events
Coffee with the Expert October 2024
Join us for a mophys summer workshop on Wednesday, 14th August 2024!
Workshop Agenda
12.30 - 1.30 PM CDT | Industry & Startup
Myriam Asmar, PharmD | Medical Liaison Cardiovascular & Renal, Novo Nordisk
Edward Spack, PhD | Consultant, AxoSim, Inc.
1.45 - 2.45 PM CDT | Science Communications
Matteo Farinella, PhD | Science Multimedia Producer, Zuckerman Institute, University of Columbia
Paige Brown Jarreau, PhD | Science & Health Communication, NIH CARD
3.00 - 4.00 PM CDT | Science Policy & Advocacy
Naomi Charalambakis, PhD | Associate Director of Science Policy, FASEB
Alissa Hatfield, M.Sc. | Science Policy Manager, APS
Our Speakers
Myriam Asmar is a Cardiovascular & Renal Medical Liaison at Novo Nordisk, based in Boston, Massachusetts. Her work experience at Novo Nordisk has been diverse, encompassing roles in Medical Affairs, Pharmacovigilance, and Project Management in Denmark and Brazil. Additionally, she has served as an ambassador for the IVPN-Network in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Myriam began her career in the pharmaceutical industry as a Respiratory & Immunology Sales Representative at AstraZeneca after completing her training at Houston Methodist Hospital in Texas. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree with high distinction from the Lebanese American University in Beirut, Lebanon and is involved in extracurricular activities such as advocacy for adolescent obesity and NGOs. Myriam is fluent in English, Arabic, and French, and has conversational proficiency in Portuguese.
Matteo Farinella is a neuroscientist turned illustrator. Combining his scientific expertise with a life-long passion for drawing, he created science comics for both adults and children. His best-selling graphic novel Neurocomic (Nobrow 2023) - published with the support of the Wellcome Trust - has been translated into over 10 languages. He currently works as the Science Multimedia Producer at Columbia Univeristy's Zuckerman Institute, where he collaborates with scientists to create graphics, illustrations, and animations.
Naomi Charalambakis is the Associate Director of Science Policy for the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB). She leads efforts of FASEB’s Science Policy Committee, guiding a broad range of policy discussions and coordinating with volunteers on future policy action opportunities. Dr. Charalambakis also leads the Animals in Research and Education subcommittee, developing policy statements, tracking congressional legislation and agency directives related to animal use in federal research, and creating resources for the lab animal community. Dr. Charalambakis launched her policy career at FASEB in November 2018, after graduating with her doctorate in Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology from the University of Louisville School of Medicine where she utilized mouse transgenics to evaluate the role of retinal input on inhibitory interneurons in the visual thalamus. As a PhD Candidate, Dr. Charalambakis spent the summer of 2015 as a science policy intern at Research!America, and co-founded and served as Director of the first science policy student organization at the University of Louisville.
Edward (Ted) Spack has over 30 years of drug translational experience with biotechs, foundations, and academic investigators. He has extensive experience in drug development research, business development, and innovation mentor for biotech startups and entrepreneurs. He co-founded of Therini Bio and directed the PharmaSTART program. He has consulted with the NIH translational core services committee and several NIH institutes on preclinical development and served on several translational study sections. Ted currently consults for AxoSim Inc, a New Orleans biotech developing brain organoids and nerve on a chip technologies, and for several other early stage academic and biotech projects targeting Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Dr. Edward Spack received his doctoral degree from The Johns Hopkins University and his postdoctoral fellowship training in cellular immunology at Stanford University.
Paige Jarreau is a science communicator passionate about collaborating with diverse creatives and stakeholders to make science more engaging and inclusive. Her expertise includes evidence-based science and health communication, and engaging digital multi-media storytelling. She is currently a science communicator for the NIH Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias, as well as an adjunct at the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication teaching emerging media. Previously I was VP of Science Communication at LifeOmic, where I co-founded Lifeology. Lifeology brought scientists and artists together to broaden the reach of science and health information. She received her PhD from the Manship School of Mass Communication, Louisiana State University.
Alissa Hatfield is the Science Policy Manager for the American Physiological Society (APS). She has five years of experience in science policy and research advocacy. She received her Master of Science in Laboratory Animal Science from Stanford University.
mophys Summer Workshop 2024
Join us for a coffee catch up with Dr. Deb Joye and learn about her career journey in science communication!
Deb Joye (they/she) is a neuroscientist and science communicator passionate about helping academic researchers find innovative and approachable ways to share their scientific stories with the world. Deb is currently a Senior Account Supervisor at Stellate Communications, a full-service communications firm designed for scientists, by scientists, and specializes in translating complex scientific concepts into accessible content for diverse audiences. They have a rich background in science communication, including collaborations with UCSD's BioClock Studio, neuroscience outreach seminars for high school and middle school students, and writing and editing articles for BrainPost, a blog that simplifies neuroscience research findings. Deb earned their PhD in Neuroscience from Marquette University, where they focused on the neural circuitry of circadian rhythms and holds a BS in Behavioral Neuroscience from UC San Diego.
THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL! You don't have to be a member to attend.
Please invite anyone who is interested to learn about careers beyond academia!
Coffee with the Expert June 2024
Thinking about careers beyond academia?
Join us for a coffee catch up with Dr. Corey Reynolds and learn about his career journey in academia and industry!
Dr. Corey Reynolds is a Regional Medical Scientific Director in a pharmaceutical company. He is a CardioMetabolic (Heart Failure, Diabetes, NASH, Thrombosis, and Atherosclerosis) expert with over 12 years of clinical and pre-clinical research experience with investigators and key opinion leaders throughout the US and abroad. He has worked with over 130 different local and international investigators acting as a liaison to design research projects, generate/ analyze data and provide access to available technologies. Dr. Reynolds is currently an Adjunct Associate Professor in Baylor College of Medicine. Before transitioned to industry, he spent about 9 years in academia as a researcher, lecturer and a director of Mouse Phenotyping Core in Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Reynolds is also a member of the American Physiological Society and serves in APS science policy committee.
THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL! You don't have to be a member to attend.
Please invite anyone interested to learn about career transition between academia to industry!
Coffee with the Expert April 2024
Join us for a coffee catch up with Dr. Michelle King and learn about her career journey in academia, government and industry!
Dr. Michelle King is a research physiologist with over 13 years of combined experience in academia, government, and industry. During this time her body of work has focused on the response to physical exertion in extreme environmental conditions, specifically exertional heat stroke and the use of nutritional interventions to delay or reduce the injury associated with heat stress. Recently, she has been investigating innovative technologies related to non-invasive measures of hydration status. Dr. King has multiple publications in thermoregulation including peer-reviewed manuscripts and a book chapter. She previously enjoyed working in physical therapy clinics and teaching courses in the exercise sciences such as Exercise Physiology, Kinesiology, and Exercise Prescription. Dr. King is currently supporting the Gatorade Sports Science Institute and the Advanced Personalization Ideation Center at PepsiCo while teaching at Loyola University, Chicago. Dr. King is also a member of the American Physiological Society and serves in APS Physiologist in Industry committee.
THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL! You don't have to be a member to attend.
Please invite anyone who is interested to learn about careers beyond academia!