Lecture Notes: Ines Mejia - Trailblazing Botanist

Introduction

• Lecture by Danielle, founder of Make Them Mainstream.
• Focus on influential females in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
• Make Them Mainstream aims to help recruit and retain females in STEM by providing tools and resources.

Ines Mejia: Background

• Mexican-American botanist with an unconventional path in life.
• Grew up in the U.S. with divorced parents; mother in the U.S., father in Mexico.
• Experienced different living conditions, moving between states and eventually Mexico.
• Two marriages: first husband passed away, second marriage ended in divorce.

Discovering Passion for Nature

• Lived in San Francisco, California post-divorce.
• Joined the Sierra Club, a major environmental conservation group.
• Developed a passion for nature and environmental conservation.

Academic Pursuits

• Enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley at age 51.
• Studied natural sciences over 16 years, balancing study and fieldwork.

Botanical Expeditions

• First expedition was sponsored by Stanford University to Mexico.
• Preferred working independently from groups.
• Traveled extensively: Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, U.S.

Achievements

• Collected over 145,000 plant species, discovering 500 new species.
• 50 plant species named after her.
• Notable solo adventure: traveled the Amazon River using different modes of transport.

Inspiration and Conclusion

• Accomplished significant career milestones after the age of 50.
• Encourages pursuing dreams regardless of age.
• Additional resources and full story available at MakeTheMainstream.com.

Engagement

• Invitation for viewers to suggest other influential females in STEM.
• Weekly discussions: Influential females in STEM (Wednesdays) and STEM education (Thursdays).

Final Note

• Subscribe and engage with the content for ongoing inspiration and learning.