STEM WOMAN CRUSH: ANETH DAVID
By: Shaping Women In Stem Africa, Swis Africa
Tags: Women in STEM, Women, Biotechnology, Science, STEM

My intrinsic passion for science and research keeps me driven for a large part. But when this is not enough, I have found out that focusing on the larger picture is motivating. — Aneth David

The SWIS Africa team has been following Aneth’s Instagram handle and how she has been engaging her followers about her journey as a Biotechnologist. We were inspired by the great things she’s doing in the STEM space. We arranged an interview with her to learn more about her journey so far as a biotechnologist and use her story to inspire other women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

SWIS Africa: Kindly give us a brief autobiography of yourself?

Aneth: I am an early career research scientist and an academician in the field of agricultural biotechnology at University of Dar es Salaam. I am currently training as a PhD student at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), investigating plant-soil microbiome-insects interactions by using maize “push-pull” farming system as a model. My research focuses on promoting sustainable food production using beneficial soil microorganisms. Outside work and school (or as an extension thereof), I engage with science and equality related initiatives.

Regarding science advocacy, I am an eLife ambassador and the inaugural Next Einstein Forum (NEF) science ambassador for Tanzania. Also, I co-founded Tanzania Society of Human Genetics, while I am still part of the executive committee. I enjoy mentoring and inspiring young people in science and technology, especially young girls. I use different platforms for this purpose including social media, blogging (http://www.anethdavd.wordpress.com) as well as capacity building activities like workshops and trainings.

When I’m not in the lab I read a lot, travel and share inspiring knowledge. I have a strong passion for science as well as diversity and inclusion in science/academia.

Aneth David speaking during a meeting of African scientists, Next Einstein Forum Community of Scientists (NEF-CoS), Kigali, Rwanda

SWIS Africa: What drives your passion to share your scientific journey online?

Aneth: Online platforms are very effective in getting stories to a wide audience beyond obvious limits like distance and time. I share my scientific journey to show young women and girls that it is possible to succeed in science, to become an actual scientist. I like the idea that I can be a role model to these young people and hopefully inspire them to choose science career paths or find the resilience to stay in one.

SWIS Africa: How easy has it been managing your work and social life in a balance?

Aneth: It’s not easy, its is one of those issues that one learns as they go. I find that planning weekly schedules (as a reflection of clear short and long term personal and career goals) very helpful in managing the balance. I usually make one schedule with both work and personal activities. I also be sure to schedule (leave) time for myself (hobbies, rest, etc) and family because if I don’t factor these in, it is easy to get overwhelmed. It is not perfect but it works.

Aneth David observing an experiment on the effect of Desmodium spp. on maize infestation of Striga weed at the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Mbita, Kenya

SWIS Africa: Will you ever for any reason agree that science is not a “woman-thing”?

Aneth: No

SWIS Africa: Has there been any humiliating or tears-driven moment in your course all because you are a woman-in-the-science-world?

Aneth: So far there hasn’t been major life-shattering events for me as a woman in science, its the attitudes of colleagues or other people that can be disheartening. I am often judged as a woman and not as a scientist, this may have serious consequences on access to opportunities when people with such mindset hold influential positions.

I frequently get told that I don’t behave like a woman while in professional contexts but a male counterpart would rarely be judged by their “maleness”. Or when people value my career as a negative aspect to my personal life relative to finding a partner and starting marriage life.

SWIS Africa: Can you tell us briefly about your job or course?

Aneth: As an academician my main roles involve teaching, research and consultancy in the areas of agricultural biotechnology and bioinformatics.

As a PhD student, I now spend most of my time doing data analysis and writing manuscripts as I am in the final year of my PhD.

Aneth David during a field experiments visit at the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Mbita, Kenya

SWIS Africa: What is your boost for going on with this passion-driven scientific adventure?

Aneth: My intrinsic passion for science and research keeps me driven for a large past. But when this is not enough, I have found out that focusing on the larger picture motivating. Keeping the target goal in mind helps me in setting off short-term pain.

SWIS Africa: It has been a wonderful experience having you; before you go, what will be your words for that girl out there still left in the darkness of her thoughts and decisions of whether to pursue her scientific career or just let go off it?

Aneth: I would like her to know that anyone can be a scientist regardless of their gender.

I wish to inspire in them the kind of self-confidence that will help them to keep moving despite challenges that they will encounter. I strongly advise young girls and women aspiring to careers in science to first, have role models they look up to for inspiration. This goes a long way to instilling a positive mindset especially when they can relate to these role models, such as people of the same ethnicity, gender or nationality.

Second, they should always strive to learn more about their options. Asking for advice from qualified sources and personal efforts to find more knowledge will help them make informed decision. The internet has made online resources widely available to many people, as well as widening the pool of potential mentors and role models. They should use them fruitfully.

SWIS Africa: Thank you very much, Aneth, for your time. We wish you success in your career.

If you want to learn more about Aneth and her work, kindly follow her on social media:

Instagram: @anethdavidd

Linkedin: Aneth David

SWIS Africa is an initiative focused on celebrating and shaping women in STEM in Africa. You can learn more about us by clicking this link.