Charting Your Own Path: Women, Chromatography, and Building a Career in STEM

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with some incredible women in analytical chemistry—scientists who are not only advancing the frontiers of chromatography but also reshaping what it means to be a woman in STEM. From the founders of Sisters in Science to leaders in academia and industry, and the founders of the International Women in Chromatography group, these conversations have been both inspiring and illuminating.

What struck me most was how, despite different backgrounds and career paths, they shared common themes: perseverance, mentorship, the courage to pivot, and the importance of community.

The Power of Community

Talking with Caroline Gauchotte-Lindsay, Jacqui Hamilton, and Diane C. Turner PhD FRSC from the International Women in Chromatography group, I was reminded of how important it is to have a network where you can share experiences, celebrate achievements, and lean on each other; this can be transformative—especially in a field historically dominated by men.

Similarly, the co-founders of SistersinScience_NL—Mimi den Uyl, Noor Abdulhussain, and Lotte Schreuders—shared how social media helped them create visibility for women in science early on. Their mantra, “If you can see it, you can be it,” resonated deeply with me. By making their journeys visible, they demonstrate to young scientists that a career in STEM is not only possible but also rewarding.

Sparking Curiosity

In my conversations with Giorgia Purcaro,Ilaria Belluomo, and Katelynn A. Uptmor, I was struck by how their career journeys have been shaped thus far. Belluomo described her first encounter with chromatography as an almost magnetic pull: “The possibility to understand what something is made of by separating its single components—I felt like I had to learn this.”

After a less auspicious start, a visit during her PhD to the University of Messina sparked Purcaro’s love for two-dimensional gas chromatography. Perrault Uptmor’s path began in forensic science, using separations to solve real-world problems.

Hearing these stories reminded me how curiosity and openness to opportunity can define a career. It also reinforced a message echoed by the Sisters in Science founders: “It’s not your background that defines you, but your skills.”

To me, that perfectly captures the mindset I see driving these women: confidence in their abilities, willingness to pivot, and a focus on solving meaningful problems.

Mentorship, Advocacy, and Courage

Across all interviews, mentorship emerged as a critical thread. Belluomo spoke of a mentor who provided a career “checklist” that completely changed her perspective. Both Perrault Uptmor and Gauchotte-Lindsay stressed the importance of building a global network, while the Sisters in Science founders recalled the encouragement that gave them the confidence to speak, present, and ultimately found an initiative that now reaches thousands of students.

Den Uijl reflected on advice she received during her PhD: “You can do it.”

It seems so simple, but as she explained, those three words can be the difference between hesitation and action. Schreuders added, “Give things a try without fearing failure. If something doesn’t suit you, move on—you have all the time in the world to try.”

In my conversations, I kept coming back to this idea: the courage to act, even imperfectly, is central to scientific success.

Confronting Systemic Barriers

Even the most established scientists I spoke with acknowledged that systemic barriers persist. Balancing long chromatography runs, conference travel, and caregiving responsibilities is a real challenge, and underrepresentation in leadership roles remains a critical issue. Belluomo described how the “leaky pipeline” affects retention and mentorship: “For young scientists, this doesn’t present you with the example that you can actually arrive there.” Turner detailed how young women often move sideways out of the lab and into marketing roles that better fit with their changing commitments.

At the same time, these barriers underline the importance of initiatives like the International Women in Chromatography group, Sisters in Science, and institutional programs such as the ACS Women Chemists Committee, which provide mentorship, visibility, and structured support.

Reflections for the Next Generation

Reflecting on all these conversations, several clear lessons emerge for young researchers:

1. Build Your Network: Connect early with peers, mentors, and allies.
2. Be Brave and Take Risks: Belluomo urged, “Don’t be scared of anything… never say I’m not enough for something. Just go for it.”
3. Embrace Flexibility: Careers are rarely linear. Pivot toward roles that match your skills.
4. Foster Confidence: Seek encouragement, celebrate your wins, and mentor others.
5. Master the Fundamentals: Deep understanding allows for true innovation and creative problem-solving.

A Collective Responsibility

These conversations left me with a sense of optimism. Women in chromatography are creating spaces where curiosity, skills, and courage are valued alongside the traditional markers of success. As Den Uijl reflected: “We don’t pretend it’s easy. There are real challenges. But we’ve made it work, and we want others to know that they can too. We’re not extraordinary; we’re just three women pursuing these careers.”

For me, this is the heart of the message I hope to share with young scientists: your path may be unconventional, your obstacles real, but with curiosity, supportive mentors and allies, and a firm grounding in the fundamentals, a fulfilling career in STEM is within reach.