An interview with Laura Siracusa

Name: Laura Siracusa

Current Job: Researcher

Scientific Discipline/Field: Pathobiology

Country: Canada

Pick some letters (L,G,B,T,Q,+, etc.): L

Website: NA

Twitter or other social media handle: lsiracusa

What does your job involve?

I test therapeutic pharmaceutical drugs on cell cultures

How did you get to this job (education etc.)?

I was offered this job by my supervisor after I graduated my masters degree

Do you feel being LGBT has affected your career decisions?

No

Have you had any reactions from colleagues about being LGBT, either good or bad?

I’ve had to pick and choose who I tell that I identify as lesbian. Most of the people I’ve decided to tell have responded quite positively.

Did you have any role models growing up (LGBT, STEM, totally unrelated.)?

Rosalind Franklin, a woman in science well before her time. She didn’t receive the accolades she deserved for elucidated the structure of DNA. But that just shows her love for science was about discovery and not fame.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan on pursuing a PhD.

Anything else you’d like to add?

When I first started my journey in science in my undergrad, I was told I wouldn’t be able to pursue a science degree because of my grades. This was also around the time I was coming out. The stress of coming out and realizing who I was actually resulted in my grades dropping and me being asked to leave the university. Later i petitioned to be readmitted and made it a personal goal to gain high enough grades to be allowed into the science program. From that point on, I got my first A in physics and chemistry and went on to achieve a Masters of Science degree.