PICTURE A SCIENTIST is a feature-length documentary film chronicling the groundswell of researchers who are writing a new chapter for women scientists. Biologist Nancy Hopkins, chemist Raychelle Burks and geologist Jane Willenbring lead viewers on a journey deep into their own experiences in the sciences, overcoming brutal harassment, institutional discrimination, and years of subtle slights to revolutionize the culture of science. From cramped laboratories to spectacular field stations, we also encounter scientific luminaries who provide new perspectives on how to make science itself more diverse, equitable, and open to all. The film challenges audiences of all backgrounds and genders to question their own implicit biases and move forward with change strategies.

Scheduled to premiere at the postponed 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, “Picture a Scientist” paints a subtle, emotional but unflinching portrait of the struggles women in science face. The film challenges audiences of all backgrounds and genders to question their own implicit biases and move forward with change strategies.

This event is the first in a year-long, Cross-Institutional Caucus Series, hosted by the four institutions engaged in the ADVANCE Midwest Partnership – Joining Forces grant. The series, taking place in 2020-21, will highlight gender inequities in STEM workplaces, and suggest institutional strategies to counter these inequities.

Connect to the panel discussion with this link.

Meet the scientists: 

Dr. Jane Willenbring
Associate Professor of Geology
Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego
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Willenbring shares her experiences with gender bias and sexual harassment as a geologist.

Dr. Nancy Hopkins
Agmen Professor of Biology Emerita
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Hopkins discusses her movement for change for women within academia.

Dr. Raychelle Burks
Associate Professor of Chemistry
American University
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Burks addresses gender bias and racial discrimination as a analytical chemist.