Chapter 1: Embracing Self-Belief

One of the most vital pieces of advice is to always believe in yourself. Reflecting on my journey, if someone had told me five years ago that I would have achieved numerous publications, awards, and honors, including being part of the CAS Future Leaders Program, I would have dismissed it as impossible. The thought of a Black woman in science achieving such milestones seemed far-fetched. However, had I embraced my potential from the start, I could have accomplished even more.

In my series spotlighting remarkable women in STEM, I had the honor of interviewing Dr. Arianne Hunter, a Forensic Chemist at the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory. With a Doctorate in Organic Chemistry/Molecular Pharmacology, she is currently pursuing post-doctoral training in Forensic Chemistry at The Defense Forensic Science Center. As a first-generation college graduate, Arianne is also the founder of the nonprofit "We Do Science Too," advocating for women and minorities in STEM. Recently, she earned recognition as a CAS Future Leader, a prestigious accolade in the scientific community.

Thank you for joining us, Arianne! Can you share what inspired you to choose this career path?

During my undergraduate studies, I took an Organic Chemistry course as part of my pre-med requirements and quickly developed a passion for laboratory work. The intricate processes felt like cooking, and once I discovered that I could build a career as a chemist, I was sold.

What’s one memorable experience you've had since starting your career?

When I began my graduate studies, I experienced a series of failures with my experiments. Frustrated, I considered abandoning the field. However, a week later, my Ph.D. advisor reached out for a meeting. He emphasized that failure is an inherent part of scientific work, as 90% of experiments typically don’t yield the desired results. This perspective was life-changing for me.

Can you recount a funny mistake from your early days in the lab?

On my very first day, I accidentally dropped a large bottle of hexanes solvent, triggering a building-wide exhaust system to ventilate the lab. This taught me that mistakes happen, and to exercise caution when handling hazardous materials.

What distinguishes your institution from others?

The University of Oklahoma is unique in that it isn’t a massive research institution like many others that host top chemists. Instead, it fosters a supportive environment that is conducive to the success of chemists.

Are you currently involved in any exciting projects?

I recently completed the CAS Future Leaders Program, which equipped me with valuable leadership skills that I am eager to share with my colleagues. This program brings together exceptional Ph.D. students and postdoctoral researchers from around the globe to promote scientific leadership. The connections made here can inspire future advancements in chemistry.

Do you feel content with the current status of women in STEM? What changes do you believe are necessary?

I am not satisfied with the current state. There is a significant gap between the number of women entering STEM graduate programs and those who eventually become professors. I attribute this to the challenges of balancing family life with academic careers in America. To address this, academia must actively recruit women and people of color from industry and government roles, encouraging them to transition back into teaching positions once they are financially stable.

What advice would you offer to fellow female leaders to help their teams thrive?

My foremost advice is to believe in yourself. If someone had told me five years ago about my achievements, I would have laughed it off. Yet, realizing my potential early on could have led to even greater accomplishments.

What insights have you gained regarding effective team management?

A key takeaway from the CAS Future Leaders Program was understanding the distinction between being a boss and being a coach. Successful leaders should focus on coaching their teams rather than issuing commands, fostering genuine dialogue instead.

Is there someone you are particularly grateful to for your success? Could you share a story?

I owe a great deal to Dr. Indrajeet Sharma at The University of Oklahoma. During my early graduate years, he dedicated time to teach me rather than merely directing me. His mentorship was instrumental in shaping my journey as a successful chemist.

How have you leveraged your success to make a positive impact?

I established "We Do Science Too," a nonprofit organization that provides STEM programming for underrepresented girls in inner Oklahoma City. This initiative offers free tutoring, monthly gatherings, and opportunities for participants to engage in science experiments at the University of Oklahoma.

What are the five key leadership lessons you've learned as a woman in STEM?

1. Cultivate a strong network.
2. Seek out a reliable mentor.
3. Promote yourself effectively.
4. Maintain a positive mindset.
5. Stay passionate and be open to failure.

If you could launch a movement to benefit the most people, what would it entail?

My movement would focus on eradicating student loan debt in the United States. Many individuals feel compelled to pursue higher-paying jobs to manage their debts, often sacrificing their passions in the process. This trend does a disservice to society as a whole.

What’s your favorite life lesson quote, and why is it significant to you?

My father used to say, "Do it right the first time so you don't have to do it again." This advice, originally about household chores, resonates with me as a professional. It reminds me to give my best effort from the start to achieve optimal results.

If you could have lunch with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

I would love to have breakfast with Rihanna. Her ability to reinvent her career beyond music is truly inspiring. As a chemist, I aspire to be recognized as an expert in multiple fields by the end of my career, much like her.

Thank you for sharing these valuable insights!

The first video, "Retaining Women in STEM | Nicole Cabana | TEDxMashpeeWomen," explores strategies for encouraging and retaining women in STEM fields, shedding light on the importance of supportive environments and mentorship.

The second video, "Women in STEM: When words don't help | Helen Obee Reardon | TEDxCardiffUniversity," discusses the challenges women face in STEM and emphasizes the need for action over mere words to create meaningful change in these fields.