In March we study, observe and celebrate of the vital role of women in history. This year for Women’s History Month we’re sharing the stories of female role models in their respective fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Meet Dr. Hayat Sindi.
by artist Lidia Tomashevskaya
Dr. Sindi was the first Saudi woman to be accepted at Cambridge University to study biotechnology, and the first woman from any of the Arab States of the Persian Gulf to complete a doctoral degree in the field.
With a team from Harvard, she co-founded a non-profit organization called Diagnostics For All. In many areas of the world, medical care must take place without clean water, electricity or trained professionals. Even if someone could reach a clinic with doctors, it typically takes weeks to process lab results. DFA uses innovative paper-based technology to bring the “lab” to them.
“Challenges never change, but only move up to a new level,” Dr. Sindi says in an interview. “For example, passing an English test to study science in England was once a challenge for me, whereas now my challenges are about getting funds for my scientific initiatives, or for mentoring young entrepreneurs. So, there are always obstacles, but the impact of my overcoming them is completely different. Back then, it was only me and my books. Now, it’s me and different organizations trying to come together to achieve something much bigger.”
By downloading and sharing this poster, you’ll help raise awareness of the achievements of women like Dr. Hayat Sindi, and hopefully inspire a new generation of women and girls working in and learning about STEM.
Listen to the STEM Role Models podcast on Nevertheless:
Sources:
World Economic Forum
National Geographic
Entrepreneur
