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Discover your
Scientific Superheroine

Picture yourself chasing wolves across the frozen tundra or blasting off into space? Is there a super scientist inside you waiting to escape? Answer the questions below to see which field of science suits you best, and meet incredible women who are making breakthroughs in the field of science.


  • 1Ok ... you've got your tights and cape. Where do you start saving the world?

  • 2Success for both scientists and superheroines depends on mastering a skill. What's your area of expertise?
  • 2What would be your superhero physique?
  • 2Your superherological tendencies relate to the dark underworlds of this planet. It's a tough job but someone's gotta do it. Where specifically?

  • 3Even superheroes get cold or sweaty. What climate suits you best?
  • 3Through the manipulation of molecules, compounds and nutrition, you can save the world. Who do you start with?
  • 3So you think you're leadership material, huh? How would you prove it?
  • 3With places to be and people to save you need to travel swiftly by air. Pick the high-flying superhero name and tagline that suits you best.
  • 3Essential to life on Earth, water is your element. Pick the super-slick superhero name and tagline that suits you best.
  • 3Larger than life, you prefer to make an impact. Pick the superhero name and tagline that suits you best.
  • 3Be it fire, magnetism or nature, superheroes have always had the ability to manipulate their surroundings as their superpower. Which of these would you choose to wield?
  • 3You bravely enter a cave. Which of the following three items interests you most?
  • 3When other superheroes need forensic and data analysis, they look to you. But what's your specialty?

  • You are a field researcher like
    Gudrun Pflueger

    You're similar to super biologist Gudrun Pflueger: you seem to have a wolf's spirit and stamina, and a deep love for the frozen wild. Find out more about Pflueger, who battled cancer while helping to save a legendary animal in "Running with Wolves."

    I'm similar to super biologist Gudrun Pflueger: I seem to have a wolf's spirit and stamina, and a deep love for the frozen wild. Learn more about Gudrun Pflueger and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a veterinarian like
    JoGayle Howard

    You don't seem to mind the humidity or jungle creatures, that's for sure. No one knows that better than Smithsonian National Zoo veterinarian JoGayle Howard, who is battling the illegal clouded leopard skin trade in Southeast Asia by learning how to help them mate. See her in "Ghost Cat: Saving the Clouded Leopard."

    I'm similar to Smithsonian veterinarian JoGayle Howard: I'm a real problem solver and a champion for endangered species. Learn more about JoGayle Howard and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a naturalist like
    Rachel Carson

    Are you naturally a naturalist? Apparently, you have the urge to help the world. That's a good combination if you're aiming to become a scientist. Take a page from Rachel Carson's life: this exemplary woman was a biologist, ecologist, environmentalist and writer. From pelicans to feminism, Carson was a Renaissance woman who made a difference.

    I'm similar to naturalist Rachel Carson: I'm naturally a naturalist with a real urge to save the world. Learn more about Rachel Carson and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a nutritionist like
    Mary Oyunga

    Maybe nutrition is your forte. Take Kenyan researcher Mary Anyango Oyunga for example. She found that a certain type of sweet potato was rich in vitamin A, an important nutritional supplement for young children.

    I'm similar to nutritionist Mary Oyunga: Nutrition is my forte and I believe we can save the world one plate at a time. Learn more about Mary Oyunga and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a doctor like
    Portia Manangazira

    You want to make a difference for future generations. Join forces with Dr. Portia Manangazira, who believes that all children can achieve good health and quality of life. Her work with communities along the Zambezi River in Africa, has been instrumental in controlling malaria outbreaks. Discover her life-saving research in Smithsonian Channel's "Zambezi."

    I'm similar to Portia Manangazira: I share her belief that all children deserve good health and quality of life. Learn more about Portia Manangazira and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a biological researcher like
    Elizabeth Blackburn

    Everyone wants to live forever. With your attention to detail, maybe you could find out how. Just put in a bid to become the sidekick to Nobel Prize winner Elizabeth Blackburn, who also happens to be one of the most controversial scientists in the world. She's a molecular biologist who found the key to immortality. Discover her findings in "Decoding Immortality."

    I'm similar to biological researcher Elizabeth Blackburn: With an eye for detail, I could help unravel the clues to eternal life. Learn more about Elizabeth Blackburn and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a scientific leader like
    Eva Pell

    You appear to have unparalleled leadership qualities. You might one day take the reigns of a scientific team like Eva Pell, the Smithsonian Under Secretary for Science. Pell oversees the National Museum of Natural History, National Air and Space Museum, National Zoo, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and many other institutions. All in a day's work.

    I'm similar to Smithsonian Under Secretary Eva Pell: With my leadership skills I could lead a team of groundbreaking scientists. Learn more about Eva Pell and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are like the founder of scientific computer
    Ada Byron Lovelace

    You communicate with people through your technological skills. In the spirit of Ada Byron a.k.a. Lady Lovelace, whose early writings from 1843 are regarded as the first-ever computer program, you have the technical savvy and the creative skills to envision a far-out future where great minds log-on to think alike.

    I'm similar to scientific analyst Ada Byron Lovelace: I have the technical savvy and creative skills to envision a far-out future in science and technology. Learn more about Ada Byron Lovelace and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a primatologist like
    Jane Goodall

    Does global leader" sound like your style? You're scientific aspirations are most in sync with primatologist Jane Goodall In the jungles of Tanzania, Goodall was the first person to observe chimpanzees building and using tools. Her unconventional practices brought about astounding discoveries that challenged our beliefs about primates. She is a global leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats. Oh, and she's a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Not too shabby.

    I'm similar to world-renowned primatologist Jane Goodall: I seem to possess the traits of a global leader and a love for our primate cousins. Learn more about Jane Goodall and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a tropical research scientist like
    Elisabeth Kalko

    You want to fly by night? Join the "Batwomen of Panama," who battle extreme conditions and difficult terrain to get their hands on the world's only flying mammal and unlock its secrets. Elisabeth Kalko and her team of batwomen literally have a bat cave as their headquarters.

    I'm similar to research scientist Elisabeth Kalko: I seem to have an interest in unraveling the secrets of the flying mammals of the night. Learn more about Elisabeth Kalko and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a botanist like
    Vinita Gowda

    Your persona is small and lively. Just like Smithsonian botanist Vinita Gowda, your research might take you to the Lesser Antilles, Caribbean islands where the small and mighty hummingbirds are your focus. These impressive birds have proven to be a great pollinator.

    I'm similar to Smithsonian botanist Vinita Gowda: I appreciate the finer things in life, like the flora and fauna of the Caribbean. Learn more about Vinita Gowda and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a field researcher specializing in condors like
    Judy Leden

    Soar into the air next to mountain peaks with your sense of adventure and passion for ornithology as you study one of the world's largest flying birds. World champion hang-glider Judy Leden might be your inspiration as she tackles extreme heights and dangerous air currents to get a closer look at the Andean condor. Check out "Flying with Condors."

    I'm similar to field researcher Judy Leden: My sense of adventure and curiosity could take me to new heights. Learn more about Judy Leden and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a microbiologist like
    Julie Hall

    You and microbiologist Julie Hall have two things in common: you're both at home in the ocean, and cold weather warms your hearts. Check out this super scientist in Smithsonian's "Into the Frozen Abyss," as she figures out the global implications of greenhouse gas affects on the tiniest creatures in the coldest seas.

    I'm similar to microbiologist Julie Hall: My sense of adventure and curiosity could take me to the icy-cold edges of our earth. Learn more about Julie Hall and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a marine biologist like
    Nan Hauser

    "Aquatic" and "nimble" are two words that could describe you. So, are you ready to save the world's largest and most graceful creatures of the sea? Get your passport stamped for the Cook Islands and meet Nan Hauser in the water where she swims with whales, studies their behavior and secures their future. "Footprints on the Water" is your window into this incredible field of conservation.

    I'm similar to whale researcher Nan Hauser: I have a strong interest in ocean conservation and the majestic creatures of the sea. Learn more about Nan Hauser and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a marine biologist like
    Carole Baldwin

    Much like Smithsonian's resident marine biologist Carole Baldwin, you want to travel the world to reveal the mysteries of our great blue ocean and its inhabitants. No fish is too deep, no island too far flung to study the diversity of marine life. A systematic ichthyologist, relationships among fishes is Baldwin's focus and in her spare time, she stars in IMAX movies like Galapagos. Not a bad gig.

    I'm similar to marine biologist Carole Baldwin: I have a strong interest in marine life and exploring the world's deep blue seas. Learn more about Carole Baldwin and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a biologist like
    Marion Pullman

    Fearless, your appetite for adventure and scientific discovery makes you a perfect candidate to learn more about the world's biggest snake. You might follow in biologist Marion Pullman's footsteps when you venture into Guyana to locate and examine what makes the anaconda so feared and respected. Watch Smithsonian Channel's "Wanted: Anaconda."

    I'm similar to biologist Marian Pullman: I share her sense of adventure and have no fear of this animal kingdom's largest reptiles. Learn more about Marion Pullman and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are an astronaut like
    Janet Kavandi

    Your destiny as a scientist could lie in space ... outer space. Join Janice Voss, Janet Kavandi and the crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavor as they collect important data about our planet from the ultimate bird's-eye view, giving us the most accurate topographical maps in history. Blast into science with Smithsonian Channel's "Oasis Earth."

    I'm similar to astronaut Janet Kavandi: My destiny in science could lie in space. Learn more about Janet Kavandi and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a planetary geologist like
    Maria Banks

    Just like Smithsonian planetary geologist Maria Banks, you're engineered to study the geology of celestial bodies. Banks spends her time at the Center for Earth and Planetary Studies snapping high-resolution images of the surface of Mars and the Moon. Looking up into the night sky is a treat, but finding out what lies beyond is magical. Join Banks as she unveils what lies on the surfaces of our solar system's biggest rocks.

    I'm similar to planetary geologist Maria Banks: I seem to be engineered to study the geology of celestial bodies. Learn more about Maria Banks and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a astronomy educator like
    Katie Moore

    Just like astronomy educator Katie Moore, on a clear day, you can see forever. Moore's job is not just stargazing at its finest; she's helping the public discover the wonders of our universe and inspiring future generations of astronomers. When the clouds disappear over the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, she aims her telescope and reveals a sight that mere mortals rarely see - Venus in the daytime. Studying the far-out planets with Moore can teach us a lot about our home planet.

    I'm similar to astronomy educator Katie Moore: I'm a stargazer with a knack for inspiring future generations of astronomers. Learn more about Katie Moore and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a chemist like
    Marie Curie

    You might be just like the Wonder Woman of scientists: Marie Curie. Her comfort with a microscope led her to discover new territories in physics, chemistry and molecular biology. You may not create the theory of radioactivity (Curie already took care of that), but you might be talked about in centuries to come for your contribution to science. You can't discover if you don't look.

    I'm similar to chemist Marie Curie: With an interest in the darker elements of life and a strong sense of curiosity I have a lot to contribute to science. Learn more about Marie Curie and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a geologist like
    Sharon Wilson Purdy

    The name "Martian Woman" just doesn't have a ring to it. But wouldn't you like to control the Mars Orbiter or Rover and collect extraterrestrial information about the red planet's rocks, craters and Martian surface? The Center for Earth and Planetary Studies geologist Sharon Wilson Purdy will be your guide. She knows more about Mars than her own backyard.

    I'm similar to geologist Sharon Wilson Purdy: I have an insatiable curiosity of the outer reaches our solar system. Learn more about Sharon Wilson Purdy and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a forensic ornithologist like
    Carla Dove

    Like forensic ornithologist Carla Dove, you enjoy the thrill of the unknown. Unidentified remains don't frighten you; they fascinate you. When aircraft and winged bird collide, Dove is on the case ready to identify the unfortunate species of bird. Knowing the type of bird allows scientists and engineers to prevent collisions in the future. A champion for our feathered friends, Dove will not rest until the case is solved.

    I'm similar to forensic ornithologist Carla Dove: I seem to be good at piecing together the clues and the unknown thrills me. Learn more about Carla Dove and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are an anthropologist like
    Jane Walsh

    You seem to be a real-life Indiana Jones. And just like scientist Jane Walsh, you're geared up for adventure, mystery and discovery. You could find it all when you explore enigmatic crystal skulls, said to have been created by an ancient civilization. Learn more about Jane Walsh's use of state-of-the-art technology to decode the "Legend of the Crystal Skulls."

    I'm similar to scientist Jane Walsh: I'm geared for adventure, mystery and discovery. Learn more about Jane Walsh and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a tropical research scientist like
    Elisabeth Kalko

    Blood-suckers don't scare you a bit. You might be found spelunking in bat-filled caves with the "Batwomen of Panama." Just like Smithsonian scientist Elisabeth Kalko, the super-sensory skills of these flying mammals peak your interest and your need to learn is revealing interesting facts about the circle of life.

    I'm similar to research scientist Elisabeth Kalko: I seem to have an interest in unraveling the secrets of the flying mammals of the night. Learn more about Elisabeth Kalko and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are a bone specialist like
    Carolyn Chenery

    Your chemistry interest leads you to uncommon subjects and areas of science. Clues to our past can come from the oddest of places. Did you know that oxygen levels in tooth enamel can tell you where a person once lived? It takes a savvy mind like bone specialist Carolyn Chenery to decrypt the data surrounding this amazing discovery.

    I'm similar to bone specialist Carolyn Chenery: My interest in chemistry could help be decrypt data from clues from the past. Learn more about Carolyn Chenery and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are an evolutionary scientist like
    Briana Pobiner

    We are what we eat. Sounds like your field might be the evolution of the human diet. Team up with Briana Pobiner of the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program to discover our prehistoric ancestors' diets. Pobiner is an evolutionary scientist who's always been curious about carnivores, herbivores and cannibals.

    I'm similar to evolutionary scientist Briana Pobiner: I seem to have a keen curiosity for the inner workings of our ancient ancestors. Learn more about Briana Pobiner and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com.

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  • You are an anthropologist like
    Margaret Mead

    Your ambition to enter science as a people person and anthropologist is most closely related to famed super scientist and anthropologist Margaret Mead. Mead's work in Samoa and New Guinea is internationally celebrated. With enough gusto and grace, one day you might enter the annals of science as well.

    I'm similar to anthropologist Margaret Mead: I seem to have an ambition to enter science as a people person. Learn more about Briana Pobiner and discover your inner superheroine at smithsonianchannel.com

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Female scientist unlocks secret to immortality
But with everlasting life comes a dangerous side-effect...

Would you take the risk to live forever?

Learn more about
Decoding Immortality

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