This Women’s History Month, we honor the women who have shaped science through persistence, curiosity and courage. We also look forward to the girls imagining themselves in labs, clinics and research centers.
Because when she can see it, she can be it. And when she’s in, the future of childhood cancer research is stronger for it.
At Children’s Cancer Research Fund, we believe collaboration drives progress in science – and when women are fully included, everyone benefits. Over the past 10 years, we’ve awarded 63 grants to female researchers – an investment of $8.55 million – addressing some of childhood cancer’s most complex challenges: hard-to-treat diagnoses, health disparities and the long-term health of survivors. Each grant is more than funding – it signals to the next generation that women belong in science, leadership and discovery.
Seeing the Path Forward
Smita Bhatia, MD, MPH, knows firsthand how powerful that visibility can be. A pediatric oncologist and professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Dr. Bhatia directs the Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship. She was drawn to pediatrics by her love for children – and to cancer medicine by the opportunity to care for the whole child, from head to toe.
Her advice to young women: the road can be bumpy, but it is more welcoming than it once was. Women today are increasingly seen as colleagues and leaders first, not defined by gender. Balancing family life and a demanding career is real work, but it is possible – and something to be proud of.
“You can be incredibly efficient with limited time and still rise to the top,” she shares. “You can have it all.”
Dr. Bhatia’s connection to CCRF spans decades: she received her first career grant from CCRF and now serves on our Research Advisory Committee.
Grace, Patience and Purpose
The journey into pediatric hematology and oncology wasn’t one Lucie Turcotte, MD, MPH, MS, initially planned. As a medical student, her interests leaned toward public health. But during residency, caring for children with cancer – and building lasting relationships with them and their families – changed everything. Today, she is an associate professor and division director of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on survivorship – understanding what happens to children long after cancer treatment ends.
Her advice to young women entering the field is rooted in compassion for themselves. Be patient. Give yourself grace. The timeline doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
Dr. Turcotte now serves on CCRF’s Research Advisory Committee, joining Dr. Bhatia and others to reshape the future of childhood cancer research.
“Don’t doubt the gifts you have to share,” she says. “It’s all possible, even if it doesn’t happen all at once.”
Investing in What’s Next
Perspectives like Dr. Bhatia’s and Dr. Turcotte’s matter – not just because of what they’ve achieved, but because of what they make possible for others. When girls see women leading research teams, shaping policy, mentoring students, and transforming care for children with cancer, they begin to picture themselves there too.
The future of science depends on imagination, empathy and persistence. Investing in female researchers ensures discoveries are driven by a full range of voices, lived experiences and bold ideas.
