Gen Z Scientist Dr. Juliet Turner Faces Sexist Backlash Online

UPDATE: Dr. Juliet Turner, a 27-year-old ecologist, has become the target of shocking online harassment following her announcement of earning a Ph.D. from the University of Oxford, ranked as the top university globally. This incident underscores a disturbing trend of misogyny in response to women’s achievements in academia.

Turner celebrated her milestone on November 14, 2023, sharing a post that read, “I passed my viva exam! After ~4 years of research, I successfully defended my thesis. You can call me Doctor.” The post quickly gained traction, amassing over 51,000 likes. However, the joy of her achievement was overshadowed by a wave of sexist comments from online trolls.

Many of these comments were not only derogatory but also targeted her personal choices, with some users questioning her decision to pursue an academic career instead of starting a family. One user remarked, “She’s got a Ph.D. in Biology, but failed miserably in Biology—30 years old and zero kids,” despite Turner being only 27.

“Every time I open the app, I’m flooded by new posts of strangers weighing in on either the validity of my thesis topic, the health of my eggs, or the wisdom of my life choices!” Turner expressed.

Turner, who completed her thesis on the evolution of cooperation and division of labor in insects, noted that she had not anticipated such a negative response. “It’s really hard to process the scale of it,” she added, emphasizing that the discourse around women in STEM fields is increasingly toxic.

According to a recent survey by Amnesty International, 73 percent of Gen Z users in the U.K. reported witnessing misogynistic content online. The survey indicated a rising trend of misogynistic and divisive language, particularly on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

Despite the backlash, Turner remains focused on her research. She is currently working as a pollinator ecologist, engaging in fieldwork and contributing to projects on organic and regenerative farming across the U.K. Her dedication to science and the environment continues to inspire many.

As the conversation around women in academia evolves, Turner’s experience highlights the urgent need for a cultural shift. “It’s much more likely for women to have their private life and reproduction become a public conversation or something you need to justify,” she stated.

As this story develops, many are rallying behind Turner, calling for an end to the misogyny that permeates online discussions about women’s achievements. Her case serves as a reminder of the challenges women face in academia and beyond, as they strive for recognition and equality in their fields.

What happens next will be watched closely as Turner continues to advocate for her research and address the very real implications of these societal attitudes.