International Day of Women and Girls in Science Events
Please join the National Museum of Natural History as we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. For those unable to join us in person, the event will be live streamed. RSVP here to confirm your attendance and assist us with planning.
Agenda
Focusing on the Smithsonian’s Life on a Sustainable Planet initiative, this inspiring event will celebrate the groundbreaking achievements and voices of Smithsonian Scientists through engaging presentations, Q&A sessions, and dynamic discussions.
Dr. Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science and Research, Smithsonian Institution
Dr. Kirk Johnson, Sant Director, National Museum of Natural History
Morning Session – 10:45 a.m.
Ana Spalding, Director of the Adrienne Arsht Community-Based Resilience Solutions Initiative & Staff Scientist, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Navigating the tides: A personal and professional journey through marine science, conservation, and resilience
Gabriela Farfan, Coralyn W. Whitney Curator of Gems and Minerals, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Beyond the Sparkle—Gem and Mineral Research at the NMNH
Erin Spear, Staff Scientist, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, From Death Comes Life: The Hidden Power of Fungi in Shaping and Sustaining Tropical Forests
Steve Canty, Director of the Smithsonian’s Marine Global Earth Observatory (MarineGEO) Network, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Tangled up in Blue
Erika Wright, Education Specialist, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, What's in the Air We Breathe? Bringing real time air quality data to your fingertips
Autumn-Lynn Harrison, Research Ecologist, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, A million moments of animal migration
Afternoon Coffee Break – 1:50 p.m.
Moderated Discussion – 2:10 p.m.
Join us for a discussion with all of today’s speakers moderated by Dr. Rebecca Johnson, CW Whitney Associate Director for Science and Chief Scientist, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, exploring our presenter’s individual career journeys.
Event Concludes – 3:00 p.m.
Dr. Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science and Research
Ellen Stofan is the Under Secretary for Science and Research at the Smithsonian Institution, where she oversees the Institution’s science research centers as well as the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives. Her work focuses on advancing the Institution’s research on life on a sustainable planet and unlocking the mysteries of the universe. Previously, she served as the John and Adrienne Mars Director of the National Air and Space Museum (2018–2021), leading the launch of its seven-year renovation and the landmark 50th anniversary celebration of the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Before joining the Smithsonian, Stofan spent more than 25 years in space-related organizations and built a distinguished career in planetary geology, including serving as NASA’s chief scientist from 2013–2016. She holds a bachelor’s degree in geology from the College of William & Mary and master’s and doctoral degrees from Brown University. Widely published, she has received numerous honors, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and recognition by CNN as one of its “Extraordinary People of 2014.”
Dr. Kirk Johnson, Sant Director
Dr. Kirk Johnson, Sant Director of the National Museum of Natural History, oversees a collection of more than 148 million objects and over 19,000 cubic feet of archival records—the largest natural history collection in the world. Each year, the Museum hosts more than 5 million visitors and its scientists publish more than 500 scientific research papers. Before joining the Smithsonian in 2012, Johnson was the vice president, chief curator and paleobotanist at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science where he led expeditions in 11 countries that resulted in the discovery of more than 1,400 fossil sites. Dr. Johnson’s research focuses on fossil plants and the extinction of the dinosaurs, and he is known for his scientific articles, popular books, museum exhibitions, documentaries, and collaborations with artists. Dr. Johnson is originally from Bellevue, Washington, has a bachelor’s degree from Amherst College, a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a doctorate in geology and paleobotany from Yale University.
Dr. Rebecca Johnson, CW Whitney Associate Director for Science and Chief Scientist
Dr. Rebecca Johnson is responsible for overall leadership and administration of the National Museum of Natural History’s research and collections activities. She oversees seven scientific departments comprising over 260 staff; the Laboratories of Analytical Biology; the Collections Program (care, registration, digitization); Informatics and Data Science Center (digital stewardship, informatics, genomics); Academic Services to interns, graduate students, fellows, research associates and collaborators, and emeritus scientists; high-level liaison and hosting of resident Federal Agencies (USDA, Commerce, Interior, Defense); numerous cross-cutting strategic science initiatives; and field stations (Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce and Carrie Bow Cay, Belize). Dr. Johnson is a wildlife forensic scientist and conservation geneticist who most recently held the role of Australian Museum Chief Scientist and Director of the Australian Museum Research Institute where she was instrumental in establishing the Australian Museum as a global leader in the field of wildlife forensic science and applied conservation genomics including strong translational research with direct links to industry. Dr. Johnson has an honors degree from the University of Sydney and PhD from La Trobe University Melbourne in the field of molecular evolutionary genetics and has worked as a molecular geneticist in Australia and the United States. In 2020 she became a Member of the Order of Australia for “significant service to wildlife forensic science and to young women scientists.”
Dr. Ana Spalding, Director of the Adrienne Arsht Community-Based Resilience Solutions Initiative, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Dr. Ana Spalding is the Founding Director of the Adrienne Arsht Community-Based Resilience Solutions Initiative at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, her home country. Dr. Spalding holds a BA in economics and international studies from the University of Richmond, a master’s degree in marine affairs and policy from the University of Miami and a master's and doctorate in environmental studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She has published widely on the socio-environmental outcomes of lifestyle migration to Panama; on the linkages between land use and policy, property rights, and development; and, more broadly, on the evolution of marine policy and ocean governance. She is also fascinated by interdisciplinarity and collaboration as a critical framework for co-creating innovative solutions to the coupled social and environmental challenges of our times. Current research includes locally-led conservation, adaptation as a pathway to resilience for resource-dependent communities in California and Oregon, and the role of ocean governance tools (e.g., Marine Protected Areas) in achieving just and equitable goals for people and nature.
Dr. Gabriela Farfan, Coralyn W. Whitney Curator of Gems and Minerals, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Dr. Gabriela Farfan is the Coralyn W. Whitney Curator of Gems and Minerals at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. She received her bachelors in Geological and Environmental Sciences from Stanford University and her PhD in Geochemistry (Marine Chemistry) from the MIT-WHOI Joint Program. As a mineralogist, she studies the crystal structures and chemistry of minerals formed under varying conditions in order to answer questions in environmental mineralogy, biomineralization, and gem science. As a life-long mineral and gem enthusiast and curator, she is honored to be a steward to the National Gem and Mineral Collection and loves to be a part of adding rare and important specimens to the collection. She is also very dedicated to mineral-related outreach for K-12 students and teachers.
Dr. Erin Spear, Staff Scientist, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Dr. Erin Spear’s research bridges mycology, disease ecology, and community ecology to address classic ecological questions: how do species coexist in hyper-diverse forests, and what prevents species from occupying habitats that appear suitable? While pathogens are widely credited with shaping plant communities, these conclusions are often based on plant distribution patterns rather than a mechanistic understanding of pathogen ecology and epidemiology. Dr. Spear combines long-term observational studies with manipulative experiments to examine how phytopathogen communities, disease prevalence, and disease severity vary across environmental gradients, host species, developmental stages, and time, with the goal of understanding forest dynamics under current and future climate conditions. She has worked in the forests of Panama for more than 16 years and has been a full-time Research Biologist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) since 2022. At STRI, Dr. Spear leads the aptly named DEATH Lab, an acronym for Disease Ecology Across Tropical Habitats. She is committed to building pathways into science through mentorship of early-career researchers from around the world, and is a firm believer that broad participation fosters research excellence. Dr. Spear received her Ph.D. from the University of Utah. Previously, she was a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University and an assistant professor at Regis University in Denver, Colorado.
Dr. Steve Canty, Director of the Smithsonian’s Marine Global Earth Observatory (MarineGEO) Network, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
Dr. Steven Canty is the Director of MarineGEO, a pan-institutional initiative that facilitates a global network of marine observatories. The aim of which is to understand how ecosystems are responding to environmental and anthropogenic stressors. He has been at the Smithsonian for over 10 years, where his research has focused on the conservation and management of marine resources. This research takes a socio-ecological approach looking at connectivity across seascapes, multiple habitats, and the needs of coastal communities that utilize and steward these resources. His work has supported and informed various management plans and the Nationally Determined Contributions of Belize, Panama, and Honduras. A key component of his research is capacity strengthening, working with local scientists and stakeholders to foster long-term collaborations and knowledge transfer. Dr. Canty is originally from the south of England and has a bachelor’s degree in marine biology from the University of Wales, Swansea, a master’s degree from the University of Lund, Sweden, and a doctorate in environmental biology from Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.
Erika Wright is an Education Specialist in the Science Education Department at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), where she focuses on broadening access to STEM through both informal and formal learning opportunities. She advances the field through evaluation and research initiatives that strengthen pathways into science for a wide range of learners. At SAO, Erika leads air quality education and engagement efforts, including major initiatives for the TEMPO Satellite Mission’s Public Engagement Program. She is the project director for Breathing Easier: Supporting Teen Air Quality Investigations, developing curricula and resources that help young people explore authentic air quality data. She also co leads a national network of ozone bioindicator gardens that engages the public in conversations about local air quality through the Smithsonian led TEMPO Mission.
Beyond her air quality work, Erika contributes to several grant funded national science education and outreach projects. With fifteen years of experience in museums and informal science learning institutions, she has developed programs on STEM topics from air quality to astrophysics. Prior to SAO, she worked at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History and NASA’s Goddard Visitor Center. Erika holds a Master’s degree in Museum Education from The George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of New Hampshire.
Dr. Autumn-Lynn Harrison, Research Ecologist, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Dr. Autumn-Lynn Harrison is a Research Ecologist at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. She studies the ecology and conservation of ocean and coastal migratory species, including seabirds, shorebirds, and seals, and leads collaborative programs such as the Migratory Connectivity Project and the Shorebird Science and Conservation Collective. Her research uses a range of animal tracking technologies to answer conservation-focused questions, including supporting United Nations efforts to identify ecologically significant areas for migratory marine animals in international waters. Autumn-Lynn has conducted fieldwork across the United States—in Alaska, California, Texas, and Maryland—as well as in Australia, Argentina, and South Africa.
She holds B.S. degrees in Environmental Science and Fisheries and Wildlife Science from Virginia Tech, a Graduate Diploma in Tropical Marine Ecology and Fisheries Science from James Cook University, and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she contributed to the Tagging of Pacific Predators initiative of the Census of Marine Life. Before joining the Smithsonian in 2014, she worked for the Society for Conservation Biology for 11 years and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Clemson University. She has also developed training programs in interpretation and graphic design for conservation professionals. Originally from Maryland’s Eastern Shore, she has deep family roots in the Chesapeake Bay region.
