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History is filled with women who’ve made enormous contributions to science.

, a chemist, found a cure for leprosy. The first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry, 

, discovered a connection between heart health and cholesterol back in 1955.

 led a medical research team to develop the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

The impact women have made on science is life changing, but women are still 

 in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) workforce.

Two Minnesota scientists, Bridgette Shannon and Jayshree Seth, join

MPR News host Angela Davis to talk about what it’s like to be a woman in the science field — overcoming barriers and finding success in their research and individual careers. 

Both Shannon and Seth are scientists at 3M, multinational conglomerate company headquartered in Minnesota. But outside their daily work, they both work to help motivate the next generation of scientists. Shannon is the president of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, and works to diverse the STEM workforce through K-12 education. 

The Heart of Science – Engineering Footprints, Fingerprints, & Imprints

The Heart of Science: Engineering Fine Print

,  and sales benefit a scholarship for underrepresented minority women in STEM. Seth was also a speaker for 

 at St. Olaf College, where she spoke about her journey to becoming an advocate for diversity in STEM fields. 

Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on:

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MPR News with Angela Davis

Minnesota Legacy Amendment's Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund

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Women have made profound contributions to science that have reshaped the world. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Minnesota scientists Bridgette Shannon and Jayshree Seth about what it’s like to be a woman in the science field — overcoming barriers and finding success in their research and individual careers.

‘Science needs you’: The need for a diverse workforce in STEM fields

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