--- title: Dr. Janell N. Catlin | This is What a Scientist Looks Like description: Dr. Catlin joined Joy Donnell on a LinkedIn Live hosted by IF/THEN She Can called “This Is What A Scientist Looks Like” to discuss ED&I in STEM fields image: https://community.firstinspires.org/hubfs/janell7%20(2).jpg --- Dr. Janell N. Catlin is the Vice President of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) at *FIRST*. She joined *FIRST *in October 2020 and brings over 20 years of experience as a global STEM education researcher, teacher educator, and advocate of access to STEM education for all learners.  In April 2023, Dr. Catlin was invited to join Joy Donnell on a LinkedIn Live hosted by [IF/THEN She Can](https://www.ifthenshecan.org/) called [“This Is What A Scientist Looks Like”](https://www.linkedin.com/events/janellcatlin-thisiswhatascienti7047369262985859072/comments/) to discuss ED&I in STEM fields. As a follow-up to this inspiring conversation, Dr. Catlin was asked a few rapid-fire questions about her experiences. Please keep reading and watch/listen below for her thoughts and ideas across a variety of topics.    “It’s our drive at *FIRST* to ensure that students are able to think globally and act locally so that the work that they do now and work that they will do as adults, is well informed.”   -Dr. Catlin on the importance of *FIRST* and STEM programming    What drew you to the ED&I field?    Why does representation matter?    “If you pursue what is instilled in you, you can never go wrong. It’s a gift. There is no plan, it’s following your heart.” -Dr. Catlin on choosing your path in life    Why *FIRST*?    If you could give your 14-year-old self advice, what would you say?     “When you can see yourself in someone and say “Wow, they did it. Maybe that means I can do it too.”” -Dr. Catlin on the importance of role model     [Watch the full conversation between Dr. Catlin and Joy Donnel here.](https://www.linkedin.com/events/janellcatlin-thisiswhatascienti7047369262985859072/comments/)   #### Share it: [** ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://community.firstinspires.org/dr.-janell-n.-catlin-this-is-what-a-scientist-looks-like) [** ](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://community.firstinspires.org/dr.-janell-n.-catlin-this-is-what-a-scientist-looks-like) [** ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://community.firstinspires.org/dr.-janell-n.-catlin-this-is-what-a-scientist-looks-like) ![Default Author Image](https://community.firstinspires.org/hubfs/Community%20Blog%20v2/images/FIRST-author-icon.svg) Author [FIRST Staff](https://community.firstinspires.org/author/first) These blog posts have been contributed by members of *FIRST* staff. *FIRST* is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Manchester, N.H. ### Related Posts ** [STEM for Everyone](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/stem-for-everyone), [Featured](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/featured), [Educators](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/educators), [Team Stories](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/team-stories), [Supporters](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/supporters), [Mentor Stories](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/mentor-stories) Talent & Community – 9452 “The LHS Steel Stingers” September 23, 2025 ** [STEM for Everyone](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/stem-for-everyone), [Featured](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/featured), [Parents & Families](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/parents-families) Engineering the Future: How Early STEM Experiences Lead to Meaningful Careers February 23, 2026 ** [Alumni](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/alumni) From Robotics to Healthcare - Leveraging Your FIRST Skills May 8, 2021 ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1200203950045814&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ![](https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=2615041699514&noscript=1) ![](https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=2615041699514&event=PageVisit&noscript=1) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://1747660.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1747660/JANELL%20CATLIN_DEI%20SUCCESS.mp4", "dateModified" : "2025-03-12T12:06:40.079Z", "duration" : "PT37.111S", "height" : 1920, "name" : "JANELL CATLIN_DEI SUCCESS", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://1747660.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1747660/JANELL%20CATLIN_DEI%20SUCCESS.mp4/medium.jpg?t=1741781200079", "uploadDate" : "2023-05-03T18:12:27.132Z", "width" : 1080 } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://1747660.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1747660/JANELL%20CATLIN_DIVERSITY.mp4", "dateModified" : "2025-03-12T12:06:32.392Z", "duration" : "PT22.332S", "height" : 1920, "name" : "JANELL CATLIN_DIVERSITY", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://1747660.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1747660/JANELL%20CATLIN_DIVERSITY.mp4/medium.jpg?t=1741781192392", "uploadDate" : "2023-05-03T18:12:26.154Z", "width" : 1080 } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://1747660.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1747660/JANELL%20CATLIN_FIRST%20PROGRAM.mp4", "dateModified" : "2025-03-12T12:06:41.908Z", "duration" : "PT13.803S", "height" : 1920, "name" : "JANELL CATLIN_FIRST PROGRAM", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://1747660.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1747660/JANELL%20CATLIN_FIRST%20PROGRAM.mp4/medium.jpg?t=1741781201908", "uploadDate" : "2023-05-03T18:12:18.151Z", "width" : 1080 } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "VideoObject", "contentUrl" : "https://1747660.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1747660/JANELL%20CATLIN_YOUNGER%20SELF.mp4", "dateModified" : "2025-03-12T12:06:51.404Z", "duration" : "PT43.734S", "height" : 1920, "name" : "JANELL CATLIN_YOUNGER SELF", "thumbnailUrl" : "https://1747660.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/1747660/JANELL%20CATLIN_YOUNGER%20SELF.mp4/medium.jpg?t=1741781211404", "uploadDate" : "2023-05-03T18:12:28.237Z", "width" : 1080 } ```