Over this past summer, I had scientist, Judith Zeilkoff, on #drlisagivesashit to discuss her career and the struggles as a woman pursuing science in the era of her development and how she triumphed to become a professor in the Dept. of Environmental Medicine at the Grossman School of Medicine in NYC. You can listen to this episode HERE. To further this discussion here - in this episode - Judith returns with a mentee of hers, Oyemwenosa Avenbuan, (Nosa), a recent graduate student from New York University with a Master of Science in Environmental Health specializing in toxicology. Nosa, Judith—along with Dr. Lisa—discuss what has changed (not enough) and what hasn't, yet remain cautiously optimistic. Things aren't where they should be, but there are women like Judith who has smashed a few ceilings to pave the way for smart, hardworking, women like Nosa. Women in science are taking their place and there's still work to be done. More about Dr. Zeilkoff: Dr. Zelikoff is a professor in the Dept. of Environmental Medicine at the Grossman School of Medicine in NYC. She has over 25 years of experience in toxicology and environmental health. https://med.nyu.edu/faculty/judith-t-zelikoff which is that branch of public health concerned with reducing those factors in the environment like air and water pollution that affect human health and disease. Her scientific research focuses on the toxic health effects of inhaled air pollutants like ozone and air particles, as well as effects from toxic materials from tobacco and electronic cigarettes, fires and diesel exhaust. Over the last decade, studies in her laboratory have also focused on the effects of inhaled environmental toxic materials, including electronic cigarettes during pregnancy and their effects on neurodevelopment, cardiovascular disease, birth outcomes, obesity, behavior and reproductive success. Her studies have revealed that early life exposure to e-cigarette aerosols can affect childhood behavior, brain function and lung disease in the adults and that such effects can occur even without nicotine present. In addition to a very active research program, Follow Dr. Zelikoff and her department on Instagram @nyucieh