By: Alyssa Weinrauch, CSZ-SCZ Blog Editor & PDF, University of Manitoba
The CSZ is very lucky to have a multitude of accomplished scientists that comprise its membership. One of our very own was awarded the prestigious L’Oréal Women in Science Award in 2021 and we jumped at the opportunity to interview her and get her thoughts on being a successful woman in STEM, and her positive mentors and experiences (CSZ included!) along her journey to become a top-notch scientist.
Alyssa Weinrauch (CSZ-SCZ Blog): Hi Giulia! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your research?
Giulia Rossi (GS): I am currently an NSERC postdoctoral fellow working in Ken Welch’s lab at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Broadly, my postdoctoral research explores the mechanisms that allow hummingbirds to fatten sufficiently before embarking on their fall migration from Canada to Central America. I recently completed my PhD in Pat Wright’s lab at the University of Guelph, where my research was similarly focused on metabolic physiology. I studied a unique group of fishes that move between aquatic and terrestrial habitats (i.e. amphibious fishes), and investigated how their bodies change to facilitate survival in these two dramatically different environments. Overall, I am deeply interested in understanding the innovative solutions that animals use to overcome life’s most extreme challenges.
CSZ-SCZ Blog: First of all, congrats on winning the L’Oréal Award! How has this opportunity/award influenced your foreseeable future?
GS: I was thrilled to be awarded the NSERC and L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Supplement. First and foremost, it’s given me the opportunity to share with my community the things that I love most about science and research, mostly through public talks and invited lectures. I will also have the opportunity to participate in L’Oréal Canada’s for Girls in Science program, which is supported by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. The program aims to make careers in science more attractive to young girls and to inspire scientific vocation. Most importantly, this award has reminded me to be proud to be a woman in science and just how important it is for women to support each other through this challenging, but wonderful, career path.
CSZ-SCZ Blog: Do you have any tips for future researchers beginning their academic career?
GS: The best piece of advice I have for students starting on the academic path is to follow your interests no matter where they lead. It’s easy to think that once you start your academic career working with a certain animal or system, you must stick with it because making significant jumps may set you back. But, these jumps can broaden your knowledge and outlook, and by following paths that you find interesting and engaging, you may discover passions that you never realized you had.
CSZ-SCZ Blog: Or… as a woman in STEM?
GS: Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. There are endless chances to learn in academia. You can learn by experimenting with new techniques and approaches, by broadening your research niche, and by teaching new courses and material. Although stepping outside your area of expertise can be challenging, I believe that it’s important for succeeding in the modern scientific world because it’s often when you learn the most.
CSZ-SCZ Blog: Have you had any significant “Women in STEM” mentors? What made them especially great?
GS: I have had the privilege of being mentored by two wonderful female advisors as a graduate student, but my PhD advisor, Pat Wright, has been a particularly important mentor. As an advisor, Pat always acts in the best interests of her students and provides them with countless opportunities for both personal and professional growth. Pat allowed me follow my research interests no matter where they led, and even when my ideas were really ‘out there’, her support never wavered. Leading by example, Pat taught me how to be a thoughtful and rigorous scientist, and how to be a good mentor to my own undergraduate students.
CSZ-SCZ Blog: What was the biggest influence in deciding to pursue a graduate degree?
GS: I was drawn to graduate school and a career in research because I get such a feeling of joy when I discover something new. I realized early on that in Canada, scientists are privileged to be able to secure funding for research projects that simply contribute to our knowledge base (basic science) rather than use that knowledge to solve specific problems (applied science). In other places across the globe this is not the case. Although ‘applied science’ is of utmost importance, particularly in the world we live in today, I have always been drawn to ‘basic science’ because it’s simply for the joy of discovery! My basic research projects during graduate school have been diverse, from exploring how mussels survive at extremely acidic hydrothermal vents to how amphibious fishes change their physiology to live out of water.
CSZ-SCZ Blog: Does a former CSZ-SCZ award winner stand out to you? Why?
GS: There have been so many incredible award winners over the years, but I was especially captivated by Helga Guderley, who gave the F.E.J. Fry Medal lecture at the CSZ-SCZ virtual conference in 2021. I was familiar with much of Helga’s work on skeletal muscle plasticity in fishes because my PhD work was focused on a similar theme. After seeing her name on so many papers, she became somewhat of a celebrity scientist to me! When I finally saw her present at CSZ-SCZ in 2021, I was inspired with how elegantly she took us on a journey through her remarkable research career.
CSZ-SCZ Blog: How has your CSZ-SCZ experience been? Any notable moments?
GS: Being a member of CSZ-SCZ and attending the annual conferences has been one of the highlights of my academic career. The quality of the research presentations at CSZ-SCZ conferences is always high, and each year, I leave the conference with a new outlook on my own research after being inspired by the work of my colleagues. These conferences have also been a great place to build friendships with amazing researchers, who seem to be even better people. In terms of notable moments, there have been many! From ‘kissing the cod’ in St. John’s, Newfoundland to presenting in the William S. Hoar Award competition. However, one of the best parts about being a member of CSZ-SCZ, is that there are a number of ways in which CSZ-SCZ supports their early-career members. For example, I was able to spend a few months at the University of Queensland, Australia, working with Dr. Craig Franklin, thanks, in part, to support provided to me by the CSZ-SCZ Student Research Grant.
CSZ-SCZ Blog: You were also the winner of the CSZ Hoar Award in 2020! Congrats again. Any tips for future applicants?
GS: Have fun with it! As scientists, I think one of our most important jobs is to share our findings with our colleagues and the general public in a way that is engaging and can be understood. Presenting in the CSZ-SCZ Hoar Award competition gives you a platform to tell a story about your most recent discoveries. Although the nerves will certainly kick in, have fun with your presentation and find joy in this part of the job because, in my opinion, it’s one of the most important roles we have as scientists.
Images provided courtesy of Giulia Rossi.