ARTICLE
Juggling Motherhood and Science
Here’s what five mothers in STEM have to say about how organizations can better support them
With Mother’s Day around the corner, you may be thinking about all the support and joys your mother has provided you throughout your life. But it’s also important to recognize the struggles she may have faced, particularly if she’s also a scientist.
A study has reported the unfortunate reality that nearly half of new mothers leave full-time employment in STEM after having children. Many mothers find it difficult to reconcile caregiving responsibilities with their career, while others feel pushed out by the lack of flexibility in their workplace or by presumptions that mothers are less committed to their work after having children. And the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these issues, and the pressures felt by all parents.
Five scientists at Gladstone comment on their own experience in motherhood, and discuss how organizations can better support mothers working in STEM.
Up Next
Meet Gladstone: Ayush Midha
Ayush Midha, a graduate student in the Jain Lab, studies how the body's metabolism adapts to low oxygen—work that's uncovered backup energy pathways, potential fertility treatments, and a link between oxygen levels and tumor growth.
How a Single Viral Protein Hijacks Immune Cells to Supercharge COVID-19 Infection
A new discovery reveals how a SARS-CoV-2 protein reprograms immune cells to accelerate viral spread—and points to a new strategy for therapeutic intervention.
Rethinking ‘Exhausted’ T Cells: Gilbert Herrera Named Inaugural Ellen & Bernard Marson Fellow
The fellowship provides three years of funding for graduate students pursuing groundbreaking immunology research.
The 2026 Ogawa-Yamanaka Stem Cell Prize Awarded to Jun Takahashi
Takahashi is recognized for his pioneering work translating iPS cell technology into a clinically approved therapy for Parkinson’s disease.
Get Involved
Join the Team
Our people are our most important asset. We offer a wide array of career opportunities both in our administrative offices and in our labs.
Open PositionsPartner With Us
Discoveries don’t stay in our labs. Gladstone facilitates spinout companies to advance promising therapies, shortening the path between scientific discovery and helping real patients.
Learn MoreGive
Your gift to Gladstone will allow our researchers to pursue high-quality science, focus on disease, and train the next generation of scientific thought leaders.
Donate Now