Not All Scientists Wear Lab Coats

I think all of us are guilty, when the word scientist is mentioned without reluctance, we think of a genius in a white lab coat, contributing her days investigating in a high-tech laboratory. I don’t blame anyone, as the stereotypes of our society make us prone to believe a single story, but I am here to prove you otherwise. Scientists are so much more than people who spend all day in a lab, they are mountain climbers, oceans savers, and astronauts. They travel the world conducting various experiments that would help them achieve their goal, they attend mass event in order to broaden their knowledge. Scientists are all around us, even if we don’t see them.

There has been a perpetuation of less than desirable stereotypes that scientists constantly have to endure. People in STEM are not always nerdy, socially awkward humans who never leave their labs- that is the “White Coat Myth”. A single word scientist carries such as variety of meanings behind it, that it almost seems incessant. It all depends on how you view it. In this blog I will explore 3 jobs that overcome the stereotypical meaning of ‘scientist’.

It’s crazy to think that scientists can also be entrepreneurs, but it is possible! Entrepreneur scientists use science to establish their own business. An awesome example is Edoye Porbeni, she is the CEO and the founder of Future Health Ventures, which she started at the age of 24. Edoye Porbeni is an innovative entrepreneur who excels at creating forward- thinking healthcare solutions that improve the lives of patients and communities. Being the CEO, she aims to improve the quality of healthcare in her home province of British Colombia, across Canada and the world. She once said, “Success for me is waking up and being proud of the person I am and the work I do”, this inspirational quote allows us to believe that anything is possible if we truly seek it. Edoye Porbeni is an advocate of women getting into STEM, we want to see young girls pursue their dreams and become the scientists of tomorrow.

Another job breaking the “White Coat Myth” is the profession of a business scientist. Business scientists use both science and business skills to make sure that companies have evidence-led decisions making. Business scientist usually work in numerous businesses, companies, and marketing. A wonderful example is Sue Pish who is the CEO and the President of LifeLabs. She leads a community and public health organization that helps treat, prevent and diagnose disease. As the CEO, Sue leads LifeLabs approximately 5,400 professionally trained staff who deliver over 100 million laboratory tests and results, serving 19 million patients annually. Sue Paish is an impressive woman, that is a true role model to me, she was recognized as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women 4 times. She went from top layer at one of the country’s most reputable law firms to the CEO of Vancouver-based Pharmasave Drugs retail pharmacy chain, before becoming the CEO of LifeLabs. It is impressive how she is glorifying the tittle of scientists, without having to spend her days in a lab.

And finally, another great and alluring job is to become a marine biologist. Marine biology is the study of all aspects of life in the sea and the environment on which it depends. The main aims of marine biology are to improve understanding of the world under the water and predict changes in ecosystems affected by human and natural disturbances. This is an appealing and proactive job, as you get to dive into the world of sea animals and plants and realize the intricate relationship we acquire with nature. The tittle of a marine biologist ranges from reef restoration project manager to oil spill response specialist. The job requires strong technical, research and scientific skills, specialising in a particular area usually required for career progression. Overall, this profession is incredible for people who love sea and are interested in upkeeping the well-being of our planet.

As you see, there are hundreds of more examples where scientists work outside from white chemistry labs, with thousands of pipettes. I cannot even begin explaining how impressive and distinctive this job is. It has great opportunities and always proposes magnificent challenges which you thrive to overcome. I hope this helps to see, that scientists do not fit into the rams of a repressive square, they are free and experimentory, ceaselessly thinking outside of the box, they are people who never fail to awe!

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