Dr Evelyne Mbandi is the new Chairperson for the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene and a strong advocate for young women who want to pursue careers in the sciences. In recognition of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science, we asked Dr Mbandi how she became a scientist and why and how we should support young women who want to follow a scientific path.

Q. Evelyne, can you tell us about where you grew up and how you came to be interested in science?
I was born and raised in Cameroon, in Africa, where I went to primary, secondary and high school. My curiosity for sciences started at primary school. Amongst the subjects that were taught, we had Nature’s Study, which required us to go out of the classroom sometimes to learn more about nature, be it the flowers, trees or insects, and I just loved admiring nature and learning more about it!

During my early years in secondary school, based on my academic performance, it was evident that I was more science inclined, and by the time I got to form 3, the school administration guided me towards the science subjects. That led to me registering for science subjects at the general certificate of examination (GCE) Ordinary Level (O Level) and proceeded with GCE Advanced Level in biological science.

Q. Evelyne, you are a microbiologist. Can you explain to us what a microbiologist does especially in relation to food safety?
Microbiologists study or work with very small organisms (micro) as the name implies, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and some parasites, to name a few. As a microbiologist, I work mainly with bacteria, controlling the presence and growth of foodborne pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella in ready-to-eat meats, Salmonella in raw poultry and pathogenic Escherichia coli in raw non-intact beef.

Q. The coming 11 February marks the ninth International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Why is it important that women and girls play an active role in science, technology, engineering and mathematics - also known collectively as “STEM”? Why do these areas benefit from the engagement of women and girls in science and technology?
Women and girls are members of the community, a part of the Village that is needed to raise future scientists and leaders. It is important for young girls to have mentors and role models they can relate to and with. The engagement of women and girls in the STEM programme will ensure a more diverse, equitable and inclusive programme and future workforce.

The engagement of women and girls in the STEM programme will ensure a more diverse, equitable and inclusive programme and future workforce

Q. You have also been an active supporter of African women and girls who wanted to pursue a career in the scientific field. Do you think there is a particular onus on the international community to  promote the inclusion of women also from least developed countries in science and if so why and how can we in Codex play a role?
Absolutely! The world is a global village, and women and girls from developing countries, as a part of this Village, are very talented, resilient, and should also be given opportunities to learn, participate, and be involved in the advancement of science and technology. Codex could have programmes and side events at national and regional meetings that promote the participation of youth, minorities, and women in science.

Q. What is the advice of the scientific leader Dr Mbandi to her daughter, who might want to become a scientist? What’s your advice about overcoming any constraints she may face on this path?
Yes, my little one is Samantha, although she is growing taller by the day and is not little anymore! First, I want her to be a responsible individual – be respectful, complete her chores at home, and her work at school. I currently help her with math, working with her to ensure she understands the concepts, hoping to develop her analytical skills that will be applicable to other disciplines. When she complains that something is hard and asks for help, I tell her she can do it, and encourage her to take a break and then come back to the task. I don’t let her get away with something because it is hard. That way, she learns to overcome obstacles and not give up. I am working on building her resilience and fortitude, because they are very important in helping her succeed in the future. 

Q. And what is the advice of Mom Evelyne to her daughter?
You are smart and you need to pay attention to your work, ask questions, and listen, so you can learn more and from others.

Q. Are you born a scientist, or can you become one?
You can become a scientist. You develop the interest in the sciences and have the passion to pursue your dream in any of the science related disciplines.

Q. If you could have a cup of tea with three inspirational women, who would they be and why?
1. Professor Ruth Ella Moore (1903–1994): First African American woman to obtain a PhD in the natural sciences/bacteriology in 1933 from Ohio State University. I would want to learn how she overcame the challenges at the time and if she sees any similarities with today.

2. Alice Catherine Evans (1881-1975): First woman to hold a permanent appointment as a bacteriologist at the USDA; hold a senior appointment at the US federal government, and first female president of the American Society for Microbiology (1927). I would love to learn more about her career path.

3. Dr Jewel Bronaugh: First black woman and woman of colour to serve as Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) from 2021-2023. I would love to know what it was like for her to serve as Deputy Secretary ofAgriculture?What were some of the challenges she faced and how did she overcome them? What was most rewarding serving as Deputy Secretary?

Q. What message do you want to pass on to young women thinking about pursuing a career in science?
You are capable and will succeed!

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