2025 International Day of Women and Girls in Science

February 11 is International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day to recognize and celebrate the vital role women play in advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).?

Innovation in medtech relies on diverse perspectives. When different experiences, backgrounds, and ways of thinking come together, the best ideas emerge! I see this in action at Zimmer Biomet, where thousands of talented woman and men are driving meaningful progress in science and technology, and delivering on our Mission to alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for people around the world.?

Continuing our tradition from previous years, I asked three team members to share what sparked their interest in science, if they faced any challenges, and the impact they hope to make. By sharing their stories, we hope to?inspire even more women to explore STEM.?

Thank you to Leah, Stephanie, and Lucyna for sharing your journeys and insights.??I see every day how diversity fuels innovation and strengthens our ability to serve customers and their patients. Supporting and advancing the careers of women in STEM remains a priority, and I look forward to seeing even more women break barriers and drive progress!

Cheers,?

Wilfred?

Leah Nicholas - Senior Development Engineer?

When did you join Zimmer Biomet? ? July 2019.?

When did your interest in STEM start?? I remember a day in primary school when we had an introductory science day. Teachers from the high school came in to do experiments, and I remember thinking how cool it was. From then on, my favourite subjects were science and maths — especially when we got to do the experiments ourselves.?

What do you like most about working in STEM?? There are always new challenges. No two days are the same, and I love problem-solving and finding solutions.?

Who is your biggest inspiration?? I don’t think I have one single inspiration, but the team I work with is incredibly smart and hardworking. We work really well together, and that motivates me. Also, knowing how many people we help is inspiring.?

What is your advice for young women and girls interested in science?? Go for it. Don’t let anyone put you down. So many women are excelling in STEM already. Learn as much as you can and try to get some experience, even if it’s just for a week—it will help you find the right area for you.?

Stephanie Kreitschmer, Manufacturing Lead?

When did you join Zimmer Biomet?? August 2007 on a temporary contract in the laboratory, I became a permanent team member in 2009, and advanced to Supervisor Milling and Grinding in 2013 and Manufacturing Manager in 2020.?

When did your interest in STEM start?? In school, I was drawn to science and computer science— especially in high school, where I took elective courses in both subjects. These classes opened up a world of practical applications and problem-solving that fascinated me. That passion led me to pursue an apprenticeship as a chemical-technical assistant, where I gained hands-on experience and deepened my knowledge.?

What do you like most about working in STEM?? I love the continuous learning and problem-solving. STEM offers endless challenges, and collaboration between different teams fosters innovation and creativity.?

Who is your biggest inspiration?? My grandmother. She has faced many challenges in life with incredible strength. After undergoing shoulder surgeries and receiving implants, she became pain-free and embraced life fully, traveling the world and pursuing her passions. She reminds me that it’s never too late to explore new opportunities.?

What is your advice for young women and girls interested in science?? Stay curious and never stop asking questions. Surround yourself with role models and mentors, seek out opportunities to learn, and connect with like-minded people. Science is a journey—embrace it!?

Lucyna Mazurkiewicz, Data Science Analyst?

When did you join Zimmer Biomet?? March 2023 as a Process Optimization Specialist and have since transitioned to the Data Science team as a Data Analyst.?

When did your interest in STEM start? My interest began in the early 2000s when I played a video game that introduced me to artificial intelligence and machine learning through a complex AI-driven simulation. Seeing how technology could adapt, learn, and evolve sparked my fascination with the field. Life took me in a different direction, and I initially pursued linguistics, but over time, project by project, I found myself drawn back to automation and AI—leading me to take the leap into a STEM career.?

What do you like most about working in STEM?? The constant problem-solving. STEM is full of tinkerers, thinkers, and seekers—people who push boundaries, explore new ideas, and turn challenges into opportunities. There’s always something new to learn, improve, or create, which makes every day exciting.?

Who is your biggest inspiration?? Professor Demis Hassabis. He worked on the game that first inspired my love for AI before going on to revolutionize the field with DeepMind, making breakthroughs in protein structure prediction that won him a Nobel Prize in Chemistry. His work proves how AI can drive real scientific progress.?

What is your advice for young women and girls interested in science?? Build connections, seek mentors, and surround yourself with people who inspire you. Join open-source projects, internships, or even small collaborations—there’s no better way to learn than by doing. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have much to contribute at first—learning and observing are valuable, too!?

Find out how you can build an exceptional career with us at Zimmer Biomet here.