Soapbox Science 2024

Soapbox: Did you choose a scientific career or did the scientific career choose you? Can you tell us about your journey into the world of science and what inspired you to pursue your particular field?

Elena Cuesta: I am from Canary Island, a small archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. I had the privilege of growing up surrounded by giant lizards, different types of vegetation, and volcanoes everywhere. Of course, with such environmental influences on my childhood, the choice of a career in nature sciences in my adulthood was evident. However, the fossil record of the islands, although it exists, is scarce. So, why did I decide to be a paleontologist? In 1993, a worldwide event happened: the Jurassic Park movie premiere and this event motivated me to dedicate my life to fossils! I loved dinosaurs before that film, as did many other kids! But in the movie, it was the first time I knew that paleontology exists as a profession. The figure of Dr. Ellie Sattler, a female paleontologist as the main character in the film, was essential to awakening a scientific calling in me. Now, I do not regret it: my journey studying the evolution of dinosaurs is the most exciting adventure of my life! Unraveling its mysteries is as if flipping through the most fantastic book!

Soapbox: During your journey as a scientist, what challenges have you encountered along the way? And if you had the power to alter one (or more) aspect(s) of the scientific culture, what would you change and why?

EC: Sometimes, it is a hard, super competitive, and stressful profession that often makes you feel like an impostor. In addition, especially in Europe, after the doctorate stage, we must move all the time, looking for new contracts that are just 1 or 2 years and they are not even in the same country! I have lived in 4 different countries after my Ph.D. in a period of 7 years, and I have spoken in 3 different distinct languages in them. I really enjoyed it, and it allowed me to grow personally, and I do not regret it. But it is also very exhausting. You have to get used constantly to a new culture, language, and bureaucratic system, meet new people in new places, and say goodbye to good friends in every place you leave. I want the scientific system and the public administration to take more care of us, allowing us to have a more stable career with fixed job opportunities to establish our research and that if you want to move to another country, it should be an option, not a duty. It would improve our mental health (a tangible and alarming issue in science) and, hence, productivity in a good way. Moreover, if it turns that way, it would also be possible for science to turn to a more cooperative and diverse system that creates a healthier network between us, minimizing the frustrating issues and the against-the-clock work.

Soapbox: What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in science, particularly young women who may be hesitant to enter the field?

EC: It does not matter where you are from or who you are, diversity in science is necessary to improve science, so do not let anyone tell you that you can not pursue paleontology. You must always fight to make paleontology more inclusive and open to everyone. Moreover, during your career, never forget to live! It is essential to balance hobbies, free time, caring for yourself, and personal life with your scientific profession. Caring for your mind in every aspect!

Soapbox: What do you think is the most fascinating aspect of your research/work? Can you share a memorable or rewarding moment from your career that illustrates the impact of scientific research on society?

EC: The first dinosaur was described and named 200 years ago! (In fact, this year was its 200th anniversary!). Since this discovery, knowledge about these fascinating animals has increased exponentially. Many researchers have played an essential role in improving everything we know now. Dinosaur books or illustrations are entirely different from my childhood to now! Being part of this amazing web of knowledge is one of the most exciting things for me because I feel that I am making my 4-year-old version happy. In fact, doing outreach activities related to my profession, especially with young girls, is one of my most memorable moments. Seeing the illusion on their faces when they learn about dinosaurs, and especially when they are inspired to see a woman talking about dinosaurs, is the most rewarding experience. I fondly remember when my little female cousin had to give a presentation in class on a free topic and she chose to talk about how fascinating her cousin’s life as a paleontologist was. I realized that I had turned myself into the same Ellie Sattler who inspired me, but without having to be an actress in a film, just a real woman in Paleontology.

Soapbox: What misconceptions do you think people often have about scientists, and how do you aim to change those perceptions?

EC: I would ask you to close your eyes and think about a paleontologist. What image comes to your mind? Probably a man with a hat, square shirt, and beard, full of dust, and from the United States. Well, that is, of course, the most classic misconception that people have about us. Yes, absolutely, there are many male paleontologists with this description. In fact, I also have a hat and squared shirt and…I am normally full of dust when I am on a field trip. But, of course, we do not go to the field so often during the year; most of the time, we do work in collections and, mainly, in front of the computer. Moreover, there are so many fields inside paleontology, and there are even people who study paleochemistry or molecular paleobiology and work in the lab! Sadly, dinosaur paleontologists are still plenty of men, especially in high-level positions, but there are many women working on dinosaurs from every country around the world. This diversity of people and types of work in our career is one that I would like people to understand and change their perception.

Soapbox: How do you think diversity and inclusion in the scientific community contribute to innovation and progress?

EC: One of the most exciting and enriching experiences of my life in different countries is see by myself the enrichment of working with people from many parts of the world. Each of us, depending on our context, has different ways of being and thinking. If we only work in the same environment, believing that what surrounds us is a single truth, how are we going to progress in science? If science is synonymous with progress, progress requires more types of ideas and varied thoughts. Knowing different realities, different points of view, and different experiences is the only way to move towards a society that is more respectful of ourselves and the environment. That is why science must always go hand in hand with the inclusion of all the diverse people who make up this society.