People of Science
Time Magazine recently published kids’ photos representing how they view scientists. Forty-two percent of girls portrayed scientists as women, a far cry from the one percent who drew a woman scientist in the sixties and seventies. Perhaps they drew their mothers or teachers that were scientists or had a scientific background, but perhaps they were imagining themselves as a future scientist as well.
The stereotypical image of white males in lab coats is fast disappearing, as women, people of color, and gender minorities step up to the challenge of physics, chemistry, astronomy, and environmental science with bold ideas of how to change the world.
Photographer Jamie Colman captures the essence of just a few Seattle scientists, educators, or science students who are increasingly representing the face of science—individuals who are not only dedicated to their respective field of science, but who may just surprise you with their skills in roller derby or kickboxing—in other words, accessible and interesting individuals that remind us that scientists come in many flavors.
Photos © Jamie Rand Imaging
ALEXIS
Program Officer of Integrated Development at the Gates Center
“I wanted to be a scientist since I was five. Science is the natural expression of our innate human curiosity of how the world works.
Science is ultimately the truth we hang our hats on.”
TYLER
Triple major in Physics, Astronomy, and Earth & Space Science.
“Math is a beautiful artistic construct that creates other languages. If it were taught that way, it wouldn’t necessarily be easier, but people would know why to use it.
I want people to be aware of the impact of science in their daily lives, to destigmatize science and make it accessible to all.”
BERGEN
Founder/CEO of HiveBio Community Lab
“My school didn’t have lab space. I made my own so that others didn’t have to hear the same no’s that I did. Necessity creates innovation. Results of scientific inquiry should be open and accessible to everyone.”
LUCY and NEAL
Lucy: Assistant Professor
Neal: Virologist and Vaccinologist
“We met over influenza wearing Tyvek suits.
Lucy: “People tend to think that technology solves all the world’s problems. But in my experience, it really comes down to the people.”
Neal: “I get to work with with viruses, often new ones that no one knows much about. That’s pretty cool and I still love it after 20 years.”
MISSY
Acoustics Engineer at Blue Origin
“I was five when I took my first plane ride. I had a window seat and thought it was amazing. My parents really fostered my curiosity about aeronautics from there.
Whatever you choose in science, if you are asking questions and making discoveries you’re contributing to the human race’s greater understanding of the universe.”
RONAK
High School Chemistry Teacher and Ph.D Candidate
“Teacher populations are mostly white and female Student populations don’t reflect that. Representation matters and it starts in schools. Part of research is culturally responsive educations. I want to create thinking activists who ask questions, analyze evidence, and seek the truth.”
ANSEL
Engineering Student, Derby Athlete
“I want to open up paths for women and gender minorities in STEM fields. I am interested in space and in understanding the universe. We can’t be complacent about exploration.”
EVAN
Professor of Toxicology and Director of UW Superfund Research Program
“Research funding not only supports health and the environment, but jobs and people too. We are job generators.
At 13, I designed a prosthetic that allowed me to play guitar. I was in several bands. I’d like to improve it and use it to help disabled vets get into music. I want to give back.”
RONA
Intensive Care Unit Nurse
“Nurses adovcate for patients. We’re the eys and ears of the physicians, and liaisons for families and physicians.
I appreciate that I come from a research background and apply the studies to nursing. You can’t get away from science. It’s the foundation of everything.”
PAUL
Biomedical and Electrical Engineering Student, Kickboxing Instructor
“I want to both push the boundaries of space exploration and develop non-invasive medical technology. Both fields invest in the future of humankind.
I want to be everything from protector of the nerds to an active participant in protecting science-backed decisions on legislation.”
JAMAL
Customer Engineer for Boeing
“I grew up watching Star Trek. Space and astronomy is about the literal unknown.
If someone were to tell you that everything you see is a small fraction of what’s out there, you have to ask what’s elese is out there.”
JOHN
Materials Chemist and Professor of Chemistry at The Univeristy of Washington
“We’re all in this together and we’re going to stand for truth.”