Introduction to Dr. Shirlley Elizabeth Martínez Tolibia
Dr. Shirlley Elizabeth Martínez Tolibia, a recipient of the prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO-AMC 2025 scholarship for women in science, shares her insights on the challenges of balancing motherhood and scientific research. She emphasizes the importance of integrating personal and professional life while highlighting the significance of scientific dissemination to inspire future generations of women.
Early Career and Transition to Materials Science
Dr. Martínez Tolibia began her career as a chemical engineer, eventually focusing on creating biomaterials from organic waste. Her thesis advisor played a crucial role in encouraging her to pursue graduate studies in biotechnology and molecular biology. However, her journey coincided with a significant challenge: motherhood.
- Initial difficulties in balancing graduate studies and motherhood
- Overcoming obstacles through passion for science and support from her environment
- Her story serves as an example of success in balancing personal and professional life, though she acknowledges that not all women have the same fortune; hence, policies must enable balancing both aspects
The Essence of Being a Scientist
Today, the project that earned her recognition from L’Oréal aims to apply her scientific materials developed in basic research to the clinical sector. She will work on developing biodetection platforms to support medical diagnosis.
- Low-cost synthesis of materials, but requiring specific conditions for adaptation
- Beca’s importance in acquiring consumables and specialized molecules for applying materials in hospital sample detection
Reflecting on the qualities that led to her recognition, Dr. Shirlley highlights essential characteristics for those aspiring to a scientific career:
- Commitment and consistency: Starting something and seeing it through, being constant is crucial in research.
- Perseverance in the face of failure: Experimental work rarely succeeds on the first try. The key is to “not let difficulties discourage you,” keep reading, documenting, and repeating experiments.
- Proactive: Integrate knowledge from various fields.
Imposter Syndrome and Transformation in the Scientific Profile
Dr. Martínez Tolibia addresses the recurring “imposter syndrome” in science, especially among women. She explains that they often doubt their abilities compared to others, but she stresses the importance of trusting one’s capabilities and personal journey.
Beyond laboratory excellence, she believes the investigator’s profile has transformed, with scientific dissemination playing a crucial role. She emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge beyond publications, theses, or papers to connect with future generations of women in science.
Dr. Martínez Tolibia also advocates for more female role models in science, honoring the late astrophysicist Julieta Fierro during her award ceremony. She aims to inspire more girls from diverse disciplines to pursue scientific careers.
Regarding gender dynamics in her field (chemistry and materials science), there has been a significant increase in exact sciences. However, parity is nearly 50% only at the undergraduate level; gender bias becomes more apparent in graduate studies. She concludes that these areas need support and increased awareness among women about their potential in these fields.
An Indescribable Emotion
Describing her feelings upon receiving the award, Dr. Shirlley calls it “indescribable” and a reward for her efforts from her undergraduate thesis to balancing her roles as an investigator and mother.
Her message is a call to action: “I want more girls to think about it, see that it’s possible. Yes, I will do everything in my power to inspire more girls to dream and make it a reality.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What challenges did Dr. Martínez Tolibia face while balancing motherhood and scientific research? Initially, it was very difficult to balance graduate studies with motherhood. However, her passion for science and support from her environment helped her overcome these obstacles.
- What does Dr. Martínez Tolibia believe are essential qualities for a successful scientific career? She highlights commitment, consistency, perseverance in the face of failure, and being proactive by integrating knowledge from various fields.
- How does Dr. Martínez Tolibia address the imposter syndrome prevalent among women in science? She encourages trusting one’s capabilities and personal journey, emphasizing that everyone experiences self-doubt.
- What role does scientific dissemination play in Dr. Martínez Tolibia’s perspective? She believes it is crucial to share knowledge beyond publications, theses, or papers to connect with future generations of women in science.
- What is Dr. Martínez Tolibia’s message to inspire more girls to pursue scientific careers? She encourages girls to see it as possible and commits to doing everything she can to inspire more girls to dream and make those dreams a reality.
