Celebrating Women in STEM

As a leading global business, Zimmer Biomet is committed to creating, supporting, and celebrating diverse and equal workplaces and communities.

Each year, we mark the "International Day of Girls and Women in Science". It’s a time to acknowledge and celebrate the crucial role women and girls play in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Even though women have made huge progress towards increasing participation in these subjects in higher education, they remain under-represented in these fields professionally.

This year, we asked five ZB team members who work in STEM professions to share when their interest started, what they like most about their field, and what advice they have for the next generation.

Iris Blatter – Research Engineer II

When did you join ZB?

I joined in 2007 as a material research intern when I was still studying biomedical engineering at the Technical University in Hamburg, Germany. I was very interested in biomechanics, as this was my field of study—fortunately, I was offered a master’s thesis in the joint biomechanics team and then a position as a research engineer. Today, I am still with the joint biomechanics group, mainly performing kinematic analyses of knee joints, including cadaveric testing with our robot.

When did your interest in science start?

I always enjoyed mathematics at school, but I couldn't imagine studying mathematics because it seemed too theoretical. I wanted to learn something more tangible, something that would help me understand how things we encounter in everyday life work. I remember borrowing a book on mechanics from the library and doing the exercises; it felt like solving logic puzzles and I loved it!

What do you like most about working in STEM?

I enjoy having varying tasks in my job - like running tests in the lab, and writing reports and abstracts - working in different teams, getting to know different technologies and so on. Knowing that my work is a small cog in the big wheel that helps to improve the life of patients makes it even better.?

Who is your biggest inspiration?

The people I work with. It feels great when you work in a motivated team on a common goal. You put your heads together to find answers to all the questions that come up and you support each other to reach the goal on time.

What is your advice for young women and girls interested in science?

If you get the opportunity to do what you like, you should seize it. It does not matter if you are a woman or a man, a girl or a boy. It is your interest that matters, not your gender.

Anja Haenzi – Research Director

When did you join ZB?

I joined in November 2014.

When did your interest in STEM start?

During school, natural sciences and engineering always appealed to me, and medical devices have been the central theme of my professional life.

What do you like most about working in STEM?

Generally, the interdisciplinary, the understanding and breaking down of the complex and the focus on solutions. With regards to MedTech, it’s the fact that with my work I contribute to improving the quality of life of people.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

There are several sources for inspiration. From a STEM perspective I’d say it is my Professor who supervised my PhD studies. Not only is he a brilliant mind and exceptional teacher, he has always been an inspiration for what a difference you can make and how much more you can achieve if you are passionate about what you do.

What is your advice for young women and girls interested in science?

Something I try to keep focused on as often as possible: do what you enjoy – enjoy what you do; be curious and consider challenge as an opportunity.

Yuanwei Song, Research Principal Engineer

When did you join ZB?

I joined in 2017.

When did your interest in STEM start?

My interest in STEM started when I was a little girl. Maybe as early as elementary school age.

What do you like most about working in STEM?

I like the challenges and the excitement of solving problems and seeking truth. Working in STEM helps me in building up a logical way thinking and solving problems. It’s a great skill in daily life as well.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Marie Curie!

What is your advice for young women and girls interested in science?

Don’t listen if people suggest that men are naturally better in STEM. Don’t back down when people bring stereotypes into the conversation. Don’t give up when you are questioned. All of this will only make your success more fascinating. There is no gender in STEM.

Jocelyn Dixon, FP&A Senior Director

When did you join ZB?

I joined in July 2003.

When did your interest in STEM start?

During high school I noticed that while I loved participating in arts and literature, I had a true affinity towards mathematics and data.?I was particularly drawn towards algebra and statistics. With great mentorship, this developed into a career in accounting and finance.

What do you like most about working in STEM?

The challenge of solving problems & providing recommendations using a data centric approach.?Bringing data and forecasts to ‘life’ via interpretation of results through a business lens.?At the start of my career, I thought everything would be much more black-and-white in mathematics; however, I quickly found how important assumptions, extrapolations and scenario modeling are within this field.?

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Mother Theresa. Because although I spend my days grounded in numbers, the most important thing in living this life is other people.?Working at Zimmer Biomet, that helps alleviate pain for people worldwide, helps me to better connect my career and inspiration.

What is your advice for young women and girls interested in science?

If there is an area that interests you, reach out to someone about it!?There are so many opportunities to be involved in STEM events and a lot of people who are willing to share their career experiences. Discussing career pathways and job responsibilities can really help you determine where your ultimate interest lies.

Christiane Beerlage, Project Senior Microbiologist

When did you join ZB?

I joined in 2013. I am a Project Senior Microbiologist, and I am part of the team that work on the sterility of our products. At the moment, I lead a project that aims to establish X-Ray as an additional terminal sterilization method for our devices.

When did your interest in science start?

My interest in science got sparked at the end of school when I finally decided to study biology. I was especially intrigued by microbiology, as I found it fascinating, how such tiny organisms have such an influential impact on almost everything surrounding us.

What do you like most about working in STEM?

I very much enjoy that my daily work combines the knowledge gained during my studies and the practical application on a given product. For this purpose, we do not only need to control the terminal sterilization process itself, but also follow the production process of our products by performing all applicable microbiological control and monitoring activities. Hereby, we rely on basic principles of science – generation and analysis of data – for achieving highest quality of the products.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

I am inspired most by my colleagues around me, as everyone is keen to share their knowledge and expertise.

What is your advice for young women and girls interested in science?

Do what interests you most, step forward for the jobs you are interested in and be proud of your scientific background. Your education equipped you with a broad skill set and an analytical working style, enabling you to perform in a variety of fascinating positions within the medtech industry and beyond!

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Thank you to Iris, Anja, Yuanwei, Jocelyn and Christiane for sharing their perspectives! I firmly believe diversity brings many benefits to our team members, customers, and patients, and I am personally committed to advancing women’s careers in STEM.

Cheers

Wilfred

Do you want to hear more from ZB women about how to unlock the power of innovation and be bold in your career? Register for our upcoming webinar with Fairygodboss on February 13: https://bit.ly/3it38qo

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