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Gisela Winckler: Pioneering Climate Science and Inspiring Change for Women

Update Gisela Winckler: A Journey Through Science and the Sea Gisela Winckler’s journey to becoming a prominent climate scientist showcases the importance of finding a path that resonates personally. Growing up in rural Germany, far from the inspiring expanses of the ocean, her early academic decisions were shaped more by circumstance than passion. Choosing physics at the University of Heidelberg limited her exposure to the interconnectedness of science and real-world environmental challenges. However, a serendipitous encounter with environmental physics turned her course towards the marine sciences. Discovering Passion in Unlikely Places At a pivotal moment during her college years, a flyer about a research position in environmental physics shifted Winckler’s perspective. This role allowed her to combine her academic background with practical applications in marine science. The transformative experience of her first research cruise to the tropical Pacific sealed her commitment to pursuing a career that melded science and exploration. “Being on the ocean was a magical experience, and it has stayed with me ever since,” she reflects, underscoring how personal experiences can ignite a lasting passion for one’s work. The Role of Women in Science: Challenges and Triumphs Despite her success, Winckler emphasizes the challenges that often accompany being a woman in science. Statistics reveal that women constitute only about a third of researchers, with many facing barriers in career advancement due to lingering gender biases. Winckler's candid reflections on feeling marginalized as one of the few women in her graduate physics program highlight the institutional hurdles still prevalent in science today. As she notes, while overt discrimination may have lessened, subtle forms of prejudice remain entrenched, particularly in fields like physics and climate science. She has observed that many talented young women are choosing to leave academia after their postdoctoral research, raising concerns about the retention of female scientists in the field. Connecting Science to Real-World Applications Winckler believes in the significance of bridging science and real-world solutions. In her quest to translate research into action, she served as Columbia Journalism School’s first climate scientist-in-residence. This role was an opportunity to educate others about climate change while emphasizing the value of interdisciplinary collaboration—from journalism to climate activism. By fostering connections with students and colleagues, Winckler draws inspiration not from idealized figures, but from everyday moments of collaboration and conversation that shape her experience as a scientist and educator. A Path Forward: Encouraging the Next Generation As Winckler continues her groundbreaking work at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, her story serves as a reminder of the need for accessible pathways into science for aspiring scientists. Creating an environment in which future generations can pursue their interests without the barriers she faced is an essential part of her mission. The broader conversation about gender representation in science underscores the importance of support systems for women in academia, fostering a climate of inclusivity where everyone’s contributions are acknowledged and valued. Inspiring Change Through Personal Experience Winckler’s journey is a powerful testament to how personal experiences can forge impactful careers and inspire change. As she moves forward, her commitment to environmental science and support for women in academia paints an optimistic picture for the future of climate science. With her dedication to research, education, and outreach, Gisela Winckler not only serves as a pioneer in climate science but also as a beacon of hope for future generations navigating their paths in this critical field of study.