podcast

Summary

This podcast episode celebrates the extraordinary achievements of Jaqueline Goz de Jesus, a Black biomedical scientist from Bahia, Brazil, who made headlines by sequencing the coronavirus in under 48 hours, a feat that typically takes months. The episode highlights her inspiring journey, from her work on viruses like Zika and yellow fever to breaking barriers in science. Jaqueline's success is a powerful symbol for Black women and girls, particularly in the Northeast of Brazil, encouraging them to pursue their dreams. The discussion also emphasizes the challenges she faced, including sexism, racism, and lack of investment, and calls for more support and recognition of diverse women in science.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jaqueline Goz de Jesus is a remarkable biomedical scientist from Bahia, Brazil, who made history by sequencing the coronavirus in less than 48 hours.
• 😀 Normally, sequencing viruses like coronavirus takes months, but Jaqueline and her team achieved this in record time, showcasing their expertise and innovation.
• 😀 Jaqueline has worked with other significant viruses like Zika and yellow fever, further solidifying her reputation in the scientific community.
• 😀 As a black woman from the Northeast of Brazil, Jaqueline represents diversity in science, offering inspiration to many young black women and girls.
• 😀 Science has traditionally been viewed as a field for white men in suits, but Jaqueline proved that science can have diversity, including color and accents.
• 😀 Jaqueline was globally recognized for her contributions to science, even having a Barbie created in her honor to represent women in science during the pandemic.
• 😀 Her achievements help combat prejudice and show that black women from disadvantaged areas can succeed in science.
• 😀 Despite facing challenges such as sexism, racism, and lack of investment, Jaqueline's perseverance serves as a model for other Brazilian women in science.
• 😀 Brazilian women like Nise de Oliveira and Sônia Guimarães also continue to inspire others with their work in science, proving resilience and strength.
• 😀 The script emphasizes the need for more public policies and support to help women in science gain recognition, encouragement, and opportunities to shine.

Q & A

Who is Jaqueline Goz de Jesus and why is she significant?

Jaqueline Goz de Jesus is a Brazilian biomedical scientist from Bahia, known for her groundbreaking work in sequencing the coronavirus in less than 48 hours during the pandemic. She is significant due to her remarkable achievement in science, especially considering the typical timeframes for such experiments, and her status as a black woman from the Northeast of Brazil, which makes her an inspiring figure for many others.

How long do typical experiments like the coronavirus sequencing take?

Typically, experiments like sequencing the coronavirus take months to complete. Jaqueline and her team managed to achieve this feat in less than 48 hours, which is a remarkable achievement in the scientific community.

What other viruses did Jaqueline work with before the coronavirus?

Before working on the coronavirus, Jaqueline had already worked with other viruses such as Zika and yellow fever, showcasing her experience in the field of virology.

How does Jaqueline's identity as a black, northeastern woman influence her impact on others?

Jaqueline’s identity as a black, northeastern, Bahian woman is a powerful form of representation. She serves as an inspiration to other black girls and women from similar backgrounds, showing them that they, too, can succeed in fields like science, despite facing challenges like racism and sexism.

What challenges did Jaqueline face in her career?

Jaqueline faced numerous challenges, including sexism, racism, lack of investment in her work, and other barriers that made her path to success more difficult. Despite these obstacles, she persevered and became a global figure in science.

What recognition did Jaqueline Goz de Jesus receive during the pandemic?

Jaqueline was recognized worldwide for her contributions during the pandemic. One notable recognition was the creation of a Barbie doll in her honor, representing her as a woman on the front lines of science during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How does Jaqueline's success challenge traditional perceptions of science?

Jaqueline's success challenges the traditional perception that science is a field dominated by white men. She proved that science has diversity, color, and regional accents, showing that anyone, regardless of background, can make significant contributions to the field.

What role do public policies play in supporting women in science, according to the podcast?

The podcast emphasizes the need for more public policy support to help women, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, gain space and recognition in science. It advocates for policies that provide encouragement, reduce insults, and create opportunities for these women to shine.

What other Brazilian women in science were mentioned in the podcast?

The podcast also mentions Nise de Oliveira and Sônia Guimarães, both of whom are other prominent Brazilian women who have made significant contributions to science, serving as additional examples of resilience and success in the field.

Why is it important to promote diverse women in science?

Promoting diverse women in science is important because it not only ensures greater representation but also inspires more young girls and women to pursue careers in science. It also enriches scientific research by bringing different perspectives, which can lead to more innovative and inclusive solutions to global problems.