Dr. Nadine Kabbani, assistant professor in the Department of Molecular Neuroscience at George Mason University, joins Women of Washington radio show hosts Gigi Schumm and Aileen Black to discuss the history of women in research science and the problem of getting more women interested in scientific fields.

“The problem is multi-leveled and trans-generational,” Kabbani said. She said the stigma of being considered a “nerd,” the need to commit to many years of higher education, and the problems of balancing career and family are all barriers for women seeking to enter STEM fields.

Dr. Kabbani also discussed her research on nicotine and menthol cigarettes.

“Our research shows that by adding menthol, you’re not only enhancing the flavor and taste of cigarettes, but you’re possibly facilitating the chemical actions of nicotine in the brain,” Kabbani said. “We are just now beginning to understand that, maybe, through binding receptors like the nicotine receptor, many of the natural compounds that we’ve always known to be important to health can actually work in a very specific mechanistic way.”

During the show, Dr. Kabbani also discusses how to find a mentor and how scientific research is similar and different outside the United States.

Copyright © 2024 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.