International Women’s Day 2024: Profiling one of our top early career scientists

At the Australian Research Council (ARC), International Women’s Day is a day to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of women researchers.

Dr Kathryn Grasha is an ARC 2022 Discovery Early Career Researcher Award Fellow and Research Fellow at the ARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3 Dimensions (ASTRO 3D). Dr Grasha’s research focuses on understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies by studying the products of star formation.

Dr Grasha is also training the next generation of scientists, and equipping them with useful skills, including data analysis, coding and critical thinking. Dr Grasha said that for scientific progress, it is important to foster creativity and innovation by allowing everyone to participate, notably women. 

“It’s crucial for women to enter astronomy [and science]. This means we can tap into diverse pools of talent and expertise, and this is what accelerates progress in breakthroughs in research, not just in astronomy, but in all areas of society,” Dr Grasha said.  

Dr Grasha said she was encouraged by her high school algebra teacher, Mrs Garcia.

“My first role model was probably Mrs Garcia. She was the first female teacher that I had in math and science classes. One day she brought in her biology lab books from when she went to university, and I just remember looking at them and being so impressed and saying I want to do what you do, and I want to be as inspiring as you are and work to inspire the next generation of scientists.”

“One of the most prevalent challenges that I have faced is the pervasive stereotype that women are not as competent as men within science, technology, and engineering subjects,” Dr Grasha said.

“My advice to young women wanting to take up a career or take up their education within sciences, is with perseverance and determination you can carve out your place in the field,” Dr Grasha said. 

“Embrace your opportunities to showcase your skills and your experience, whether it’s presenting your research at conferences or being given the opportunity to lead innovation projects, because you have your voice and you have the ability to have your say.”

“As I reflect on my journey as not only a woman, but also an astronomer, I’m very proud of how far I’ve come and I’m hopeful for the future of women in the field,” Dr Grasha said. 

“The road ahead may still be challenging, but I’m quite confident that by continuing to support each other, we can create a more inclusive and equitable community where everyone can thrive and succeed.” 

The ARC’s policies that support women researchers and promote gender equality under the National Competitive Grants Program are on our website.

For more information about Dr Grasha’s research, visit the ASTRO 3D website.