The ‘diversity problem’ in science | Harvard Gazette

The discussion of increasing diversity in science has been going on for a very long time. I once naively thought that there weren't still barriers keeping women and people of color from succeeding...because I was succeeding. What I really thought, I think, is that there shouldn't be.

As I've worked my way through a PhD in science, I've learned to step out of my own way, to stop seeing unnecessary hurdles as just my problem to overcome. I've learned through personal experiences with the McNair program and a recent diversity reception at the University of Notre Dame that there are still barriers to break down.

We're a diverse community moving forward, and I'm proud, as a first-generation student, to have recognized that I am part of it.