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Elizabeth Marie
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189
Scientist and M.B.A. Candidate
10/19/20 at 10:14PM UTC
in
Career

It is a hard time to be a scientist...

I feel like nothing has prepared me for what we are facing right now. I've been privileged to have lots of training on how to take on the world, the workplace, but I'm feeling slightly discouraged at the moment. Never have I seen the public attack scientists so hard. Usually people are very interested in what I do. "That's cool!" " You get to save lives!" Now we have all sorts of demands. Can't complete the testing because we can't get the consumables fast enough. Can't manufacture the medicine because a part broke and it needs to be shipped from another country. You also might come into work to find the equipment you were supposed to be running on that day, has already been stolen and in use by someone else. You might even not have the right size PPE to do your work as you normally would. You might even be working an off-shift due to capacity issues. Then when the testing is done, the 16 hour days have been put in, just so everyone can be comfortable as quick as possible. Or, you train that employee on a critical task, you publish that report you've been slaving over, you get the data where it needs to go. All while wearing your mask because it's lab or office area protocol, all while you are having to make more happen with less resources. You may have even had COVID yourself, you're still recovering, and these long hours are getting to you and you worry about getting sick again. "You are just fear mongering! Stop living in fear and live your life!" "Oh, that data can't be true, you need to do something differently." I wish my side eye look would be enough to express all my feelings about this, but it's not. I wish it was that easy, public. Where's the glory in keeping informed anymore? There is no appreciation for all the work we have been doing when I keep seeing things like this. Safety has gone out the window, people's interest in well being does not seem to be important right now to them either. Thank a scientist, we are working exceptionally hard to keep you safe and healthy.

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Lisa
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432
Nurse, Technology Writer, Healthcare Executive
10/24/20 at 2:43PM UTC
I echo all of the thanks and appreciation of the other women on this thread. What you are doing is so critical and there are millions of people who truly appreciate it. They are just not as loud as the smaller number of people who do not. One of my parents is a leader at the NIH and a peer of Anthony Fauci. Hearing about the threats against him and his family makes me sick to my stomach. Science should never have been politicized, and scientists should not need armed security to go about their work. I hope the backlash against science and expertise is temporary, and in the future we will look back on this time as a strange blip. Again, I appreciate what you do and what the other women scientists on this thread do.
Yamila Rodriguez
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161
Human Rights & Children´s Rights Expert.
10/21/20 at 2:26PM UTC
I am sorry to hear about what you are going through. All my love to you and all the scientist who are working so hard to keep as safe!
Laura
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122
Environmental Manager at JBLM
10/21/20 at 1:01AM UTC
I am so sorry to hear about your experiences. I agree, science is being much more downplayed and is far more of a political issue than it ever used to be. I work in drinking water and wastewater science running a Laboratory and managing environmental compliance. What used to be a more appreciated job has suddenly created a lot more questions.
Crystal Rhineberger
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2.29k
professional rofl nevermind lets just wing it
10/20/20 at 11:40PM UTC
Thank you for everything! To me you another strong individual doing what you love and I would never dream of condemning and haggling a scientist to solve it all. No one person can solve it all and science takes an evilution of many good ideas and patience. Proud to say I know of a scientist!
Elizabeth Marie
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189
Scientist and M.B.A. Candidate
10/20/20 at 6:11PM UTC
Thanks all, been enjoying listening to the fireside chat with the host of the “hidden brain”. They talked about some of our world events. Free to sign up and be able to watch. https://community.jmp.com/t5/Discovery-Summit-Americas-2020/Fireside-Chat-with-Host-of-quot-Hidden-Brain-quot/ta-p/323356
Anonymous
10/20/20 at 2:49PM UTC
Know that there are people rooting for you! It is really hard to be up against an anti-science agenda! I am in the sciences, but on the environmental side of things.... It has never been more clear how little people (including the media) understand math and statistics. Nor is there understanding of the scientific process. Everyone wants everything to be black or white, and does not seem to have the bandwidth for the more nuanced reality. It is hard to gently explain anything anymore without being seen as an "elitist". Please practice some self-care.
Syreen Goulmamine
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66
Molecular Medical Technologist/Health Educator
10/20/20 at 12:39AM UTC
I resonate with what your saying working in the production and R&D side of COVID right now. With the long days at the bench and countless hours spent researching, it can be exhausting and demoralizing to have that negativity around the work we do. But remember there are people behind you, and I see you! Keep working hard, you're doing great.
Anonymous
10/19/20 at 11:08PM UTC
Hang in there, you're doing amazing. Your work is so vital. Also, have you considered moving? There appears to be a larger than usual contingent of imbeciles in your immediate vicinity.
Kelli K
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18
10/20/20 at 12:58AM UTC
I wish I could move. I have a job in fast food. They didn’t hire me in Science because I was overqualified and they didn’t like my presentation. They hired a man. Fast food is alright, but I’m overqualified for the state job. “Supposedly” 6 weeks til the breakthrough. My friends overseas are more awesome than anything. Zoom is great. Technical glitches aside.
Trina Schneider
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365
I help forge new markets and build brands
10/20/20 at 11:32PM UTC
Kelli, I hope that you continue to seek out new opportunities. Just because your qualifications did not fit one role, doesn't mean that it won't for another.
Elizabeth Marie
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189
Scientist and M.B.A. Candidate
10/21/20 at 12:26AM UTC
That is how I started after school as well, and then I landed a contract gig. So many of us are seen as overqualified in credentials but not possessing experience. It took a while to work my way up the contract employee ladders! I’m finally more in line salary wise with credentials but it took 8 years to get there.
Stacey Darling
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167
Admin Assistant in South Dakota
10/19/20 at 10:43PM UTC
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for you and all the scientists who are working SO hard. I appreciate you!
Karin Bell
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17
Digital Strategist
10/19/20 at 10:37PM UTC
There's no rational explanation for gaslighting, active misinformation or lying in a society. Especially when those actions harm the society. I love to see women in STEM! I'm in healthcare, albeit not a scientist but marketing and have many female doctor, NP and researcher friends. You all deal with a lot but are amazing role models for all the young girls and young women coming up. Thank you for the work you do! You are heard, seen and appreciated!

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