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What do you notice about this photo from @stri_panama in 1924?
You might note that the group is comprised of North American white men. Let's take a look back at how the attitudes toward women and Latin Americans at the center have changed over time. → http://s.si.edu/3bXygqz
You might note that the group is comprised of North American white men. Let's take a look back at how the attitudes toward women and Latin Americans at the center have changed over time. → http://s.si.edu/3bXygqz
When there was a proposal to build separate facilities for women at @stri_panama in 1924, botanist David Grandison Fairchild rejected the idea.
His words remind us that women’s participation in science and professional spaces was never given. It was earned and hard fought.
His words remind us that women’s participation in science and professional spaces was never given. It was earned and hard fought.
In July 2020, 96 years after Fairchild’s declaration that women were a “distraction” to “real research men,” Dr. Oris Sanjur, a native Panamanian woman with a Ph.D. in cell development and biology, was named acting director of @stri_panama. #WomenInSTEM
How did we get to Sanjur’s historic appointment in 2020? Not overnight.
At various points, Latin American administrators Adela Gómez and Elena Lombardo did the work of an acting director, but never received formal recognition or titles.
At various points, Latin American administrators Adela Gómez and Elena Lombardo did the work of an acting director, but never received formal recognition or titles.
With this context, especially in recognizing the work of Gómez and Lombardo, we can understand the significance of @stri_panama being led by a Panamanian woman who is a distinguished scientist and experienced administrator. Congratulations, Dr. Sanjur!
(
:Elena Lombardo, 1987)
(
:Elena Lombardo, 1987)
