Gen Z PhD Grad Dr. Juliet Turner Faces Sexist Backlash Online

UPDATE: Dr. Juliet Turner, a 27-year-old ecologist, is facing a wave of shocking sexist backlash after announcing her Ph.D. achievement on social media. The graduate from the University of Oxford, the world’s top-ranked university, shared her academic victory on November 14, 2023, but instead of celebration, she was met with disturbing comments questioning her life choices.

In a post that garnered over 51,000 likes, Turner proudly declared, “I passed my viva exam! After ~4 years of research, I successfully defended my thesis. You can call me Doctor.” However, the response took a dark turn as online trolls unleashed a barrage of misogynistic remarks. One user, echoing a common theme among the critics, remarked on her lack of children, stating, “30 years old and zero kids. Her ancestors are ashamed of her.”

This hostile reaction highlights a troubling trend of misogyny in online spaces, particularly affecting women in academia. A survey by Amnesty International found that 73 percent of Gen Z users in the U.K. reported witnessing misogynistic content online. Critics of Turner questioned her academic pursuits, with one user absurdly claiming, “If you follow an academic career, you will be unlikely to ever have or raise children.”

Turner expressed her disbelief at the scale of the negativity, telling Newsweek, “Every time I open the app, I’m flooded by new posts of strangers weighing in on either the validity of my thesis topic or the health of my eggs.” She emphasized that the notion of being an academic and not having children is outdated, stating, “I come from an academic family myself, so I’m living proof that academics are capable of self-replication!”

Despite the online attacks, Turner remains motivated to discuss her research, which focuses on the evolution of cooperation and division of labor in insects. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with those genuinely interested in her work.

This incident raises significant concerns about the treatment of women pursuing careers in STEM. Turner noted that while online attitudes may be extreme, she has not personally faced such blatant discrimination in real life. However, she acknowledged challenges academics encounter regarding maternity leave and balancing family responsibilities.

As Turner moves forward in her career as a pollinator ecologist, she is focused on practical applications of her research, working with insects and plants in organic farming projects across the U.K. She remains dedicated to engaging in impactful scientific communication and evolutionary research.

The backlash against Turner is not just a personal attack; it highlights a systemic issue within society regarding the perception of women in academia. As social media users continue to amplify their voices against misogyny, Turner stands as a testament to resilience in the face of adversity.

This developing story underscores the urgent need for a cultural shift in how we perceive and support women in higher education and STEM fields. The conversation is far from over, and many are watching closely to see how this issue unfolds.