Sue Bodine, PhD, is a physiology professor at the University of California, Davis.

March is Women’s History Month, a time when women who have challenged—and continue to challenge—traditional roles are celebrated. In part three of our series, we introduce you to APS member and incoming editor-in-chief of the Journal of Applied Physiology, Sue C. Bodine, PhD. (Read part one and part two).

What is your title/role (including institution name)?

I am a professor of physiology at the University of California, Davis.

What’s your area of research?

I am a neuromuscular physiologist whose general field of study is skeletal muscle plasticity. My primary research interest is understanding the mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle size under growth and atrophy conditions. I am also interested in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for muscle’s adaptation to exercise and inactivity and in determining the potential role for exercise in disease prevention and increased quality of life with aging.

How did you become interested in science? Were there women scientists who influenced you/you admired?

I was always interested in science as a high school student but had no exposure to basic research and could have never imagined getting a PhD. The truth is that prior to attending college, I had never met anyone with a PhD and had no idea of what was involved in getting a degree of that level.

I became interested in scientific research as an undergraduate student at UCLA, where I majored in kinesiology. I really enjoyed my lower-division anatomy and physiology courses. Once I started taking upper-division major courses, I was introduced to primary research studies and wanted to know more. I was fortunate that there were many opportunities to participate in research as an undergraduate student. I enjoyed research so much that I applied to the UCLA Departmental Scholars program, which enabled me to work on my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the same time. It was a great opportunity that ultimately led to my decision to continue my graduate training as a doctoral student.

What do you like most about your job?

The thing I like most about my job is the discovery. Designing experiments and making new discoveries is very exciting. I don’t really see what I do as a job but rather as a career and an adventure. The other fun part of this career is that you get to meet interesting people from all over the world.

What is your biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge these days is maintaining funding to support the laboratory. It is a constant process.

What do you see as the main barriers to having more women in STEM?

Credit: iStock

I think that the major barrier to having more women in STEM is the culture. More effort needs to be directed toward bringing men and women together to discuss the current culture and how it needs to change to be inclusive and encouraging to everyone.

What would you say to young girls with an interest in science/physiology? How would you encourage them to pursue their studies?

I would encourage young girls to pursue their interests in science and tell them that their goals are obtainable with hard work. The road may have many hurdles, but with self-motivation, determination and perseverance you can be successful. You may need encouragement and help at times to be successful. I recommend finding friends and mentors who can provide support and good advice.

–Erica Roth