A Changing Industry for Scientists and What This Means for Students; Interview With a Local Chemist

By Leona Endo and Leah Ramanathan

As the environment for scientists undergoes dramatic transformation, a local scientist in the thick of the driving factors of these changes–including COVID-19 and the increase in the use of Artificial Intelligence–describes her experiences and offers advice to high school students seeking to pursue a career in the STEM field.

Like many high schoolers today, Ms. JB, a local scientist, once dreamed of attending medical school.  She was especially drawn to surgery as she believed it provided a sense of purpose through the clear impact of helping others. On her journey to pursuing this path, JB’s love for lab work grew due to her participation in research during her college years, leading to her realization that the path to medical school no longer aligned with her interests; the eight-year-long training was taxing and offered little security for her future position. This resulted in her eventual commitment to chemistry. 

As JB reflects on her childhood dream, she advises others to look beyond the surface appeal of a career and consider the full scope of what it truly entails. She observes, “What things seem on the surface are not always what they are”. 

JB’s decision to pursue chemistry made her realize the many challenges prevalent within the industry, especially with the ever-changing atmosphere in the field. 

As the divide and mistrust between the public and science has only amplified since the COVID-19 pandemic, JB advises people to engage with information while distancing themselves from their political and emotional biases. She urges that the individual take charge and understand the reasoning behind the information they are absorbing, without blindly trusting or immediately criticizing it. 

It has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between fact and fiction with the rising presence of Artificial Intelligence in daily life. Although JB acknowledges the potential benefits of AI usage in various fields, she advises that individuals adopt a skeptical lens when receiving information solely from Generative AI. 

Fears regarding AI’s potential to exceed the human mind have risen over the past few years, leading to increasing concern for the future of the job market in various fields. Jb, however, discourages these concerns, believing that human oversight is still extremely necessary, as AI is only capable of doing what it is taught. She states, “No technology can diminish the power of the brain.” Instead of opposing the integration of AI into society, JB advises people to work with AI in basic tasks to enhance productivity, while maintaining individuality. 

JB also offers advice to students interested in entering STEM. She notes that the current high school environment and the influence of social media accounts focused on college admissions pressure students into having their futures mapped out. JB believes it is instead essential to pursue a path accompanied by the most fulfillment rather than following a rigid path to success. She believes that it is normal to develop new career interests, as not every journey is linear.

JB reflects on her struggles as a woman in chemistry, especially when she was the only woman in her research group. She understands that many women may hesitate to join the field due to the fear of feeling isolated or discouraged by people around them. JB urges women not to hold themselves back or abandon a passion, instead encouraging them to confidently embrace what they love. She encourages women to, “go for it and make a statement”.