Women in Science: Breaking Barriers with HNL Lab Medicine
Breaking Barriers in Science
Women have long been instrumental in driving innovation and discovery in science despite facing significant challenges. Today, women in laboratory science are not only shaping their fields but also inspiring future generations to pursue careers in science. We are proud to celebrate the incredible contributions of women on the HNL Lab Medicine team.
We had the privilege of speaking with three outstanding professionals: Dr. Amanda Dupuy, Assistant Medical Director of Genomics; Enise Hilaire, Senior Laboratory Assistant; and Catherine Geary, Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Technical Specialist. Their journeys and insights highlight the passion, resilience, and dedication that define women in laboratory science.
The Journey into Science
Science thrives on diversity of thought, and the inclusion of women’s voices has proven to unlock new perspectives and groundbreaking discoveries. For Dr. Amanda Dupuy, science was a natural extension of her love for problem-solving. “I’ve always been a huge fan of solving puzzles and mysteries,” she shares. “When I was in high school, I took a forensics class and began to realize that science is something that I have a passion for. I love the idea of using problem solving to help others.”
Representation matters. When young girls see women excelling in science, they see their own potential to change the world. Amanda credits her success to the encouragement of inspiring scientists who believed in her potential, ultimately leading her to a career in genetics and medicine.
Similarly, Enise Hilaire found inspiration close to home. “I was first inspired by my friends and family to pursue a career in science,” she says. “I found that my practical personality, my hunger to understand why, the love of discovery, and the support of my peers all led me to that road.”
Catherine Geary’s path was less conventional. Originally pursuing a career in the music industry, Catherine found herself unfulfilled and searching for purpose. “I started taking science classes at a local community college,” she recalls. “I quit the music industry and started working at a Gastroenterology practice while taking classes. That’s where I discovered my love for Histology. Thanks to HNL Lab Medicine’s commitment to cross-functional training and promoting from within, I had the opportunity to explore different roles, develop new skills, and ultimately found my home as an IHC Technical Specialist.”
Overcoming Challenges
The journey for women in science is not without obstacles. Amanda notes that communication and confidence can be significant hurdles. “Some of our expectations as women are to be humble and maintain harmony, which makes it incredibly hard to stand up for ourselves,” she explains. “Science can be very competitive, so it is necessary to promote yourself and be proactive.”
For Enise, balancing work and family life has been the most significant challenge. “Often there is pressure to choose one over the other,” she acknowledges.
HNL Lab Medicine recognizes these challenges and fosters an environment that values work-life balance. By promoting flexibility and understanding, we empower our team members to excel both professionally and personally. This supportive culture allows women like Enise to pursue their passion for science while maintaining the balance needed to thrive in all aspects of life.
Catherine, who describes herself as wearing her emotions on her sleeve, has faced stereotypes about women showing emotions in the workplace. At HNL Lab Medicine, her passion and dedication have been recognized as strengths rather than weaknesses. “I’m passionate about what I do, and my emotions display strength and care,” she emphasizes. With the encouragement of her colleagues, Catherine has grown into a confident leader, demonstrating that emotional authenticity and professional excellence go hand in hand.
Celebrating Achievements
Recognizing the accomplishments of women in science is vital, as their successes inspire future generations, challenge stereotypes, and drive innovation. At HNL Lab Medicine, we celebrate these milestones as a testament to the dedication and expertise that advance healthcare and improve lives.
Each achievement reflects the power of perseverance and passion in shaping the future of science. Each of these women has achieved remarkable milestones in their careers. Amanda recently completed a prestigious three-year fellowship in Laboratory Genetics and Genomics at Mount Sinai Hospital.
“I had an excellent history of laboratory training to bring to the table, but it was a big challenge to learn about all kinds of rare diseases from the clinician’s perspective. I am very proud of this accomplishment,” she shares. Catherine recalls a recent victory in resolving a challenging issue with a vendor. “Our IHC team worked very hard. I stayed late some nights and came in on the weekends” she says. “Solving the issue was very important to me. With persistence, we got the problem fixed, ensuring patients received the results they deserved. It was incredibly rewarding. We also established better communication with the vendor which led to a preferred partnership with HNL Lab Medicine.”
Enise has made her mark through her dedication and ability to see the bigger picture of her work’s impact. She emphasizes how exciting and rewarding it is to witness the results of scientific efforts firsthand. “Having a career in science is both exciting and rewarding on a personal and global level,” she says. “We get to be part of something that impacts all of us.”
Progress and the Path Ahead
While representation of women in science has improved, there is still progress to be made. Amanda points out that the pay gap and instances of women being taken advantage of still exist. However, she also highlights the strides made in healthcare fields, crediting her own mentors for paving the way.
The HNL Lab Medicine team is committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, fostering a culture where women are empowered to thrive without facing barriers such as the pay gap or stereotyping. Enise adds that promoting gender balance and fostering a supportive work culture are essential. “Women continue to be negatively stereotyped,” she says. “There needs to be a continued effort to value diversity.” HNL Lab Medicine continuously fosters an inclusive environment by promoting equitable opportunities, celebrating individual contributions, and cultivating a workplace culture that embraces and respects differences.
The focus on mentorship, growth, and celebrating individual contributions has been key to building a workplace where women can confidently lead and drive change. As Catherine notes, the work of pioneers like Freida Carson, who created one of the first Histology training programs, laid the foundation for women in Histology to thrive.
“Working women, including myself, need to grow confidence as leaders and share our knowledge and ideas,” she asserts. As we continue to build on the progress of the past, women in science are poised to lead, innovate, and inspire future generations.
Advice for Aspiring Scientists
In addition to seeking help and collaborating, Amanda reminds young women that the scientific community is full of mentors and resources that can guide them through their journey. Embracing these opportunities to learn and grow is key to navigating the complexities of a career in science.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s a sign of strength to recognize when you don’t have the expertise to do something on your own. Collaborations can bring a lot of benefit.” She also notes that there is more than one way to reach a career goal, even if it’s not always a direct path. Enise encourages aspiring scientists to get involved in their communities. “Look for opportunities to work in a lab or join research teams,” she advises. “Adopt a can-do attitude and gain practical experience.”
By seeking hands-on experience and surrounding themselves with supportive peers, they can build a solid foundation for success while making valuable contributions to the field. Catherine emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and confidence.
Women who support and uplift one another are key to creating a thriving scientific community. “Never stop learning, don’t give up, and listen to the smart women in the room,” she says. “I’ve been fortunate to work with these incredible women who encourage and inspire me.”
Looking Ahead
The stories of Amanda, Enise, and Catherine illustrate the power of perseverance, passion, and collaboration in shaping successful careers in laboratory science. At HNL Lab Medicine, we are inspired by their achievements and proud to support women in science.
We hope to inspire the next generation of women to pursue their dreams and continue breaking barriers in the scientific community. The lab bench isn’t just a workspace; it’s a platform where brilliance can ignite meaningful change.
As we celebrate the milestones of these remarkable women, we are reminded that the future of science is limitless when diverse perspectives and talents come together. HNL Lab Medicine stands ready to continue supporting women in science, creating opportunities for them to thrive and make lasting impacts in the field.