This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, UNE's two Superstars of STEM - Dr Mary McMillan and Dr Marissa Betts - reflect on the importance of the day, offer some sage advice for the next generation, and send a shout-out to their scientific role models.
Why is it important to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science?
Marissa: 
"Although there has been a push to encourage more girls to study STEM subjects in recent years, the gender gap across many scientific fields persists. The progress we are making to close that gap has been slow. We have to keep making noise about it. And it's not just a numbers game, but where women are sitting in terms of leadership. We have to ensure that women are represented across all levels and are paid the same as men doing the same job. This day highlights that inequality, but also champions the achievements of women and girls in science and recognises that younger people coming up all have a place."
Mary:
"I didn't know a single scientist growing up in regional NSW, let alone a female one. While we have encouraged girls to study STEM subjects, I don't think we have necessarily done the best job of translating that into careers or ongoing opportunities. STEM is broad and the skills you develop are useful in many more jobs and careers than people realise."
What key messages do you have for young women contemplating a career in science?
Mary:
"If you have the passion for science and the interest, then don't let anyone prevent you from following your dream. You don't have to be the best at that subject or have achieved the best marks at school; it's about doing something you really enjoy and being curious, determined, dedicated and motivated. But you will also need to be brave enough to ask for help and advice and seek out opportunities along the way. That's really important."
Marissa: 
"What I've learnt from experience is that girls are no less interested in STEM than boys. We don't need to encourage young girls to study science but we do need to help them believe they can pursue it in a serious way and are deserving of a position in STEM; that they can seek to ask and answer interesting or important questions in creative ways. There will always be more questions to ask."
Who would you like to give a shout-out to today?
Mary:
"Professor Margaret Katz, who taught me biology from my very first day at UNE and I ended up doing my Honours with. I still remember her teaching us about what DNA is made of and being thoroughly fascinated. My PhD supervisor Dr Sabine Schmoelzl, who took a very clueless PhD student under her wing and taught me so much science, but also role-modelled how to work in science and achieve a work-life balance. Finally, my current boss Associate Professor Linda Agnew, who has been my mentor and sponsor right from the first time we met, who I've always felt has had my back."
Marissa:
"As an undergraduate I had a really wonderful geoscience lecturer named Dr Kelsie Dadd, who is a sedimentologist and volcanologist, and I really looked up to her as a woman in a senior leadership role. She was very authentic and honest and passionate about her work - those are wonderful qualities that I wanted to emulate. My PhD supervisor Professor Glenn Brock was also a great influence, particularly his passion for his work. He would come into the office each day at 6.30, frothing for it, and worked so hard. I wanted to be like that."
