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SLO County Public Health employees reflect on International Day of Women in Science

Posted at 10:31 PM, Feb 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-12 01:47:45-05

Monday, February 11 is the International Day of Women in Science, and local female scientists are marking the occasion.

The San Luis Obispo County Public Health lab is staffed by a team of female scientists.

The work behind the scenes to keep San Luis Obispo County healthy by testing for viruses, performing DNA sequencing of microbe, testing ocean water for bacterial contamination and performing advanced tests for HIV detection among many other duties.

Kyllie Lindsey works in the lab and is excited to celebrate with her coworkers.

“In the past, I think women have been under-represented in science fields,” said Lindsey.

The women in the lab are excited to see a new generation of emerging female scientists and hope that young girls feel inspired to pursue their passions in science.

“I think it’s really important to encourage younger girls to pursue science if that’s what they’re interested in rather than putting them in a box saying you can only study English and literature,” said Lindsey.

Lindsey also encourages the girls pursuing scientific careers to ask for help.

“School wasn’t always easy for me,” said Lindsey. “But I was really interested in what I was learning, so I worked hard and sought help when I needed it. Here in the lab, we help each other out. There are a lot of mentoring relationships here.”