Anna Wolfram
BIO
Joint PhD candidate in neuroscience and chemistry at the University of Tübingen (Germany) and the University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). Mother of one.
Anna Wolfram
“The lack of adequate childcare remains a persistent issue.”
Life unfolds in various shapes and facets and is met with a string of choices. Since my childhood, I harbored a burning desire to become a scientist to better understand the world that we live in.
Growing up with a strong, independent working mom, I never questioned the possibility of balancing work and family. In my mind, they naturally coexisted.
Now, as a 26-year-old Ph.D. candidate with two Master's – one in Biochemistry and another in General Management – and a loving husband, who is also pursuing his Ph.D. in life sciences, I embrace motherhood alongside my academic journey. Our beautiful daughter will turn three this October, and the experience has been extraordinary. I cherish motherhood, academia, and my commitment to social causes like gender equality.
While I firmly believe that one can have it all, I must acknowledge that my lifestyle thrives due to my support system.
Balancing a child with work in the laboratory, handling cells and primary tissue, presents its challenges. However, I am fortunate to have two amazing bosses, Carlos and Lisa. Carlos, my mentor and Ph.D. supervisor in Chemistry, and Lisa, my Ph.D. supervisor in Neuroscience, understand that life is unpredictable and my hours need flexibility. They recognize that my priorities sometimes need to shift. I couldn't have asked for better bosses.
Unfortunately, I've also encountered individuals who seem determined to make life difficult for me as a parent. One memorable instance was a conversation with the lady responsible for my fellowship during my master's degree.
When I shared my pregnancy news, she callously asserted that I could never succeed in raising a child while meeting the required academic standards for my stipend. Sadly, I've come across various people with similar notions, suggesting that being a good mother and excelling as an academic are incompatible. To them, I pose a question: What leads you to such beliefs?
I firmly believe that having a daughter makes me a better scientist. I am driven by the desire to work towards my aspirations and contribute to a brighter future for our child. Every ounce of my dedication is directed toward advancing our world and creating a better place for future generations. I find joy in having my family and making contributions to science. It's a wonderful combination.
As a relatively young mother in the scientific community, I frequently encounter fellow female scientists who approach me with the exact phrase: "having a child and pursuing a PhD must be so hard." I can assure you all it does not have to be. Making it work with discipline, organization, and a strong support network is possible.
In the lab, my research projects await me each day, and at home, my beautiful daughter eagerly greets me when I come home. However, I must admit that it would be impossible without our "village."
Working long hours, attending conferences, and traveling abroad for lab stays are only feasible because I have an amazing husband who shares the caregiving load. We have an excellent and flexible childminder, three reliable babysitters, and stipends to cover childcare expenses. Even though our amazing families live several hundred kilometers away, they extend their helping hands whenever needed.
My in-laws and my parents regularly take our daughter on vacations so that we can work while knowing that she is having the time of her life. To us, this is the key. We can work extended hours as long as we know she is happy. Truly, it takes a village to raise a child, and choosing these villagers wisely is crucial.
Having our beautiful daughter has enriched our lives immensely. However, I agree on one aspect: balancing the financial burdens of childcare can be challenging. Therefore, I urge policymakers to optimize their support for young families. While progress is being made with more stipends for women in science with children, it is still insufficient.
In addition, the lack of adequate childcare remains a persistent issue. We need more flexible solutions that empower all families to thrive at home and in their careers.
I share my story to empower others to follow their dreams. Many scientists desire to start families but are hesitant due to the perceived impossibility. I want you to know it does not have to be that way. Embrace what you truly desire and create an action plan to make it happen. The first and most crucial step for me was choosing a work environment with amazing bosses who support my personal and academic life.
Surrounding us with the right villagers, we can nurture our dreams while excelling in science and parenthood.