PICTURE A SCIENTIST is an independent documentary about (three) women in Science.
Who actually does science? In PICTURE A SCIENTIST, a biologist, a chemist and a geologist lead the audience on a journey through the experiences of their academic careers - as women of science. In their careers, they are exposed to discrimination from the very beginning.
The documentary gives hope as it tells the story of strength and solidarity, of courageous women scientists who stand up against injustice and start a worldwide discourse of change and equality.
Featuring geologist Jane Willenbring, chemist Raychelle Burks, and biologist Nancy Hopkins, as well as key social scientists working to understand and reduce gender bias in the sciences, PICTURE A SCIENTIST brings diversity in science into sharp view at a critical time. The film challenges audiences of all backgrounds and genders to question their own implicit biases and move toward change.
Raychelle Burks, Ph.D. is a professor of analytical chemistry at American University in Washington, D.C., formerly at St Edwards University in Austin, TX. Her research focuses on developing low-cost colorimetric sensors for detecting chemicals of forensic interest, including explosives and regulated drugs. As a science communicator, Burks has appeared on the Science Channel's Outrageous Acts of Science, the American Chemical Society’s Reactions videos, Royal Society of Chemistry podcasts, and at genre conventions such as DragonCon and GeekGirlCon. Burks was awarded the 2020 American Chemical Society Grady-Stack award for excellence in public engagement.
Nancy Hopkins, Ph.D.is a molecular biologist and professor of biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is known for her research identifying the role genes play in longevity and cancer predisposition in adult fish, as well as for her work promoting equality of opportunity for women scientists in academia. She is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Jane Willenbring, Ph.D.is a geomorphologist and professor of geology at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and director of the Scripps Cosmogenic Isotope Laboratory. Willenbring’s research examines the evolution of the Earth’s surface, especially how landscapes are affected by tectonics, climate change, and life on Earth. She is a 2018 Geological Society of America Fellow, and the recipient of the Antarctica Service Medal and the National Science Foundation CAREER Award.
