Community Voices

The American Dream once promised that talent and hard work could open doors. For early career scientists, those doors are now closing. Research is being paused or studies outright canceled, funding delayed or completely pulled, and careers cut short—not because of bad science, but because of changing political priorities. Researchers are being forced to choose: leave science or leave the country. These setbacks send a clear message: the U.S. commitment to supporting the next generation of scientists is waning.

The U.S. has long been a global leader in science, but that position is at risk. As research funding drops and political pressures rise, scientists, particularly in academia and research institutes, are at a crossroads—what will happen to their labs and their research? Innovation is slowing, and the next generation of researchers is being driven out. Without renewed support, the future of American science and the benefits it brings to our nation could be lost.

Jenny Tenlen, an Associate Professor of Biology at Seattle Pacific University, shares how her experiences as a first-generation college student with Stickler Syndrome shaped her commitment to accessibility in STEM. This interview launches a new series from the GSA Early Career Scientist Accessibility Subcommittee highlighting stories about accessibility in science.

We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates.

We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates.

We’re taking time to get to know the members of the GSA’s Early Career Scientist Committees. Join us to learn more about our early career scientist advocates.