In our ongoing series “Embracing intersectionality in science, the key to innovation and sustainability,” we’ve explored the remarkable journeys of women who have defied expectations and transformed their fields.
We’ve delved into the life of Wangari Maathai (Chapter 4), whose work in environmental conservation earned her the Nobel Peace Prize. We’ve celebrated Susan McKinney Steward (Chapter 1), the first African American woman to earn a medical degree in New York State. We’ve marveled at the contributions of Chien-Shiung Wu (Chapter 2), whose experiments in nuclear physics shook the foundations of her field. And we’ve been inspired by Patricia Bath (Chapter 3), whose innovations in ophthalmology have restored sight to millions.
Today, we turn our gaze to the stars, to a woman who has quite literally changed how we perceive the cosmos.
Wanda Díaz-Merced, an astrophysicist from Puerto Rico, embodies the spirit of innovation that arises when diverse voices are empowered in scientific fields. Her story is not just one of personal triumph over adversity, but a powerful illustration of how embracing intersectionality in science can drive us toward a more innovative and sustainable future.
Becoming blind
Her upbringing
Dr Wanda Díaz-Merced grew up in Gurabo, Puerto Rico, where her family values and economic struggles shaped her childhood. Despite the challenges, she had a happy upbringing, with her parents working hard to keep her childhood carefree and full of joy. Her father worked at a government-run supermarket, which was the only source of income for the family, while her sister faced serious health issues and had to stay in a full-body cast for most of their early years. To deal with their situation, Wanda and her sister often engaged in imaginative play, dreaming of space exploration and using a metallic walker as a makeshift spaceship. [1]
Diabetic retinopathy
Dr Wanda Díaz-Merced has loved science since she was young and wanted to be a doctor. But her path changed when she started losing her sight as a teenager because of diabetic retinopathy. This condition progressed rapidly, ultimately leading to complete blindness by the time she was pursuing her degree in physics at the University of Puerto Rico. Despite these challenges, Wanda's determination remained strong; she repeated classes to earn her degree over six years.[2]
What is diabetic retinopathy?
Imagine your eye as a tiny house with a special window called the retina that lets you see the world. This window needs a constant supply of nutrients and oxygen to work properly provided via the blood vessels.
When someone has diabetes, there's too much sugar in their blood. Over time, this excess sugar can damage the delicate blood vessels in the eye. This damage is what we call diabetic retinopathy, and it can slowly affect how well you can see.
Damaged blood vessels may not sufficient oxygen to all parts of the retina. It's like some areas of the window aren't getting the supplies they need, so they start to work poorly or stop working altogether. This can create dark spots in your vision where you can't see clearly.
The damaged blood vessels can also become leaky. When this happens, it's like having tiny water droplets on the window of your eye-house. These droplets make everything look blurry and harder to see.
To try and fix the problem, your eye might start growing new blood vessels. But these new vessels are weak and don't work well. They're more like tangled vines growing across the window. Not only do they not help, but they can also cause more problems. They might bleed easily or block your vision.
As your eye tries to heal from all this damage, it might form scars. These scars are like stickers stuck on different parts of your eye's window, blocking bits of your view. In serious cases, these changes can cause the retina to pull away from the back of the eye, which can lead to sudden blindness if not treated quickly.
All of these problems together can also cause pressure to build up inside your eye. This pressure can damage the all-important nerves that sends the pictures from the eye to the brain.
Over time, if these issues aren't taken care of, they add up. It's like the window of your eye-house gets more and more covered until you can't see through it anymore. This is how diabetic retinopathy can eventually cause blindness.
But there's hope! Doctors have ways to help if they catch these problems early. They can use special treatments to stop the damage and sometimes even improve vision. That's why it's very important for people with diabetes to have their eyes checked regularly. By taking good care of their overall health and getting their eyes examined often, many people with diabetes can protect their vision and continue to see the world clearly.[3]
Why has Dr Wanda Diaz-Merced become blind?
While significant progress have been made in treating diabetic retinopathy, the outcome can vary greatly from person to person due to a complex interplay of factors.
The timing of diagnosis plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of treatment. When caught in its early stages, diabetic retinopathy is often more manageable, and interventions can be more successful in preserving vision. However, the insidious nature of the condition means it can sometimes progress substantially before noticeable symptoms prompt a diagnosis, making treatment more challenging.
The severity and rate of progression of diabetic retinopathy also significantly impact treatment outcomes. Some individuals may experience a more aggressive form of the disease, where damage to the retina occurs rapidly. In such cases, even with prompt intervention, halting or reversing the condition becomes increasingly difficult.
Moreover, the effectiveness of treatment can vary from person to person. The human body is complex, and individual responses to medical interventions can differ widely. Some patients may respond well to standard therapies, while others might experience complications or find that available treatments provide limited benefits.
Access to healthcare is another critical factor that can influence the course of diabetic retinopathy. Depending on geographical location, socioeconomic status, and other circumstances, some individuals may face barriers in accessing the most advanced or appropriate treatments when they are most needed. This disparity in healthcare access can lead to differences in outcomes among patients with similar conditions.
It's also important to consider the state of medical knowledge and available treatments at the time of diagnosis. Medical understanding and treatment options for diabetic retinopathy continue to advance. The therapies available today may be more sophisticated and effective than those accessible in the past.
In the case of Wanda Díaz Merced, despite the existence of treatments for diabetic retinopathy, her vision loss unfortunately progressed to blindness. This underscores the reality that while hope exists in the form of improving treatments and early intervention, diabetic retinopathy can still lead to severe vision loss in some cases, highlighting the ongoing need for research, early detection, and comprehensive diabetes management.[3]
A non altered passion
Despite this life-altering challenge, Díaz-Merced persevered. In 2005, she joined a NASA summer program that would change the course of her career. It was here that she began developing her groundbreaking technique of sonification – converting light and radio waves from stars and galaxies into sound.[4]
This innovative method not only allowed her to continue her work but opened up new avenues for data analysis in astrophysics. By 2013, Díaz-Merced had earned her PhD in computer science from the University of Glasgow, focusing on the use of sound to analyze astronomical data.
Sonification: Listening to the universe
After losing her sight, Díaz Merced was determined to continue her work in astrophysics, a field that traditionally relies heavily on visual data analysis.
The idea for sonification came from Díaz Merced's realization that she could leverage her other senses, particularly hearing, to interpret scientific data. She recognized that astronomical phenomena often produce various types of waves and emissions that, while typically represented visually, could potentially be translated into sound.
What is sonification?
Imagine you’re at a party. You can see people dancing, but you can’t hear the music. Now, picture someone describing the music to you – the beat, the melody, the rhythm. Suddenly, you have a new way to understand what’s happening. This is similar to what sonification does with scientific data.
Sonification is the process of translating data into sound. In Díaz-Merced’s case, she converts the light and radio waves from stars and galaxies into audio signals. It’s like turning the universe’s visual symphony into an aural symphony we can hear.
Dr Wanda Diaz-Merced's work
Dr Wanda Diaz-Merced began experimenting with converting visual data from telescopes and other astronomical instruments into audio formats. She worked on developing computer programs that could take the numerical data from astronomical observations and convert them into sound waves.
Different types of cosmic phenomena would produce distinct sounds, allowing her to "hear" the data rather than see it.
This method proved to be not just a workaround for her visual impairment, but a valuable new tool in astrophysics.
Sonification allowed for the detection of patterns and anomalies in data that might be missed in visual representations. For example, subtle variations in stellar radiation or the detection of distant cosmic events could be more easily perceived when listened to rather than viewed in graphic form.
Díaz Merced's innovative approach opened up new possibilities in data analysis, not just for herself but for the entire field of astrophysics. Her work demonstrated that incorporating multiple senses in scientific observation can lead to new insights and discoveries.
The development of this method was not just a personal triumph for Díaz Merced, but it also highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in scientific fields. Her unique perspective as a blind scientist led to an innovative approach that has benefited the entire astronomical community. Her method has expanded the boundaries of how we perceive and understand the universe.
Why is it ground breaking?
Sonification has revolutionized the way scientists perceive and analyze celestial phenomena. This innovative approach offers a fresh perspective on astronomical data.
As suggested earlier, if you can compare it to the difference between listening to music and watching a dance performance, each method offers a unique experience, revealing aspects of the art that might be missed through a single sensory channel.
Similarly, sonification unveils patterns and phenomena in astronomical data that visual analysis alone might overlook, enriching our understanding of the cosmos.
The groundbreaking nature of sonification extends beyond its analytical capabilities, making significant strides in fostering inclusivity within the scientific community. By translating visual data into audible formats, this technique breaks down barriers for individuals with visual impairments, allowing them to engage fully with astronomical research. This inclusivity not only opens doors for a diverse range of talented scientists but also brings fresh perspectives and ideas to the field, driving innovation and discovery.
Furthermore, sonification enhances the depth and accuracy of data analysis by tapping into the unique capabilities of human aural perception. Our ears possess a remarkable ability to detect subtle changes and patterns, often surpassing the discriminatory power of our visual system in certain contexts. By combining auditory and visual analysis, scientists can conduct a more comprehensive examination of astronomical data, potentially uncovering insights that might have remained hidden in traditional visual representations alone.
This multi-sensory approach to data interpretation represents a paradigm shift in scientific methodology, challenging conventional notions of how we interact with and understand complex information. Sonification not only expands the toolset available to astronomers but also prompts a re-evaluation of how we can leverage different sensory modalities to push the boundaries of scientific exploration. As this technique continues to evolve and find applications across various scientific disciplines, it stands as a testament to the power of innovative thinking in overcoming challenges and advancing our understanding of the universe.
And what about sustainability?
Wanda Díaz-Merced’s work with sonification provides valuable insights into environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Environmental sustainability
"Hearing" climate change data couldreveal hidden patterns similar to those found in astro-physical data. By converting complex datasets, such as ocean temperatures or forest densities, into sound, we could make these intricate issues more intuitive and accessible. This approach could facilitate the early detection of critical environmental changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Social sustainability
Sonification is a powerful tool for inclusion, much like ramps for wheelchairs or closed captions for videos. This highlights the importance of designing our world to be accessible to everyone, ultimately leading to solutions that benefit all. In the business context, fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces will drive innovation by incorporating varied perspectives.
Economic sustainability
Data plays a crucial role in business decision-making.
But not all data is easily understood through charts and graphs. Sonification has the potential to transform our understanding of market trends and consumer behaviour by allowing us to "listen" to stock market data or customer engagement metrics. This innovative approach could lead to new insights and more sustainable business strategies.
Interdisciplinary Innovation
Díaz-Merced’s work shows how breakthroughs often happen at the intersection of different fields – in her case, astronomy and audio engineering. Similarly, sustainable solutions often emerge when we combine insights from various disciplines, such as ecology, economics, and social sciences.
Through her ability to translate starlight into sound, Díaz-Merced has not only overcome personal challenges but has also opened new frontiers in our understanding and interaction with data. Her work serves as a powerful reminder that sustainability - whether in science or other areas - often emerges from unexpected places and diverse perspectives. As we confront global challenges that demand innovative thinking, Díaz-Merced’s story encourages us to listen more attentively - to the universe, to one another, and to the subtle signals that may hold the key to a more sustainable future.
An ongoing ground-breaking work
After the invention of sonification, Dr Wanda Díaz-Merced made significant strides in her field, particularly during her tenure at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. There, she applied her innovative sonification techniques to analyse vast amounts of data collected from space telescopes. This approach allowed her to uncover patterns in stellar and solar radio bursts that had previously gone unnoticed through conventional visual analysis methods. Her work demonstrated that sonification could serve as a valuable complement to traditional visual techniques, potentially leading to new astronomical discoveries.
Dr Wanda Díaz-Merced's contributions took on even greater significance during her time at the South African Astronomical Observatory, where she focused on expanding accessibility for scientists with visual impairments. She developed tools and methodologies that made astronomical data more accessible, thereby opening the field to a wider range of researchers. This initiative not only benefited visually impaired scientists but also enhanced data interpretation techniques for all astronomers, fostering a more inclusive scientific community.
One of her most notable achievements was her involvement in the detection and analysis of gravitational waves. By converting signals from colliding black holes into sound, Dr Wanda Díaz-Merced and her colleagues were able to identify patterns that confirmed the existence of these elusive waves. This extraordinary work contributed to one of the most significant astronomical discoveries of the 21st century.[5]
Dr Wanda Díaz-Merced also pioneered the concept of multimodal data analysis in astrophysics. By integrating auditory and visual analysis, she demonstrated that scientists could achieve a more comprehensive understanding of complex astronomical phenomena. This innovative approach has since been adopted by other researchers, leading to new insights across various areas of astrophysics.[6]
In addition to her research contributions, Dr Wanda Díaz-Merced played a crucial role in developing software tools that implement her sonification techniques. These tools have been made available to the broader scientific community, enabling other researchers to apply sonification in their own data analyses. This extension of her work has significantly impacted the field, allowing for greater collaboration and exploration of data.
Through her pioneering efforts, Díaz-Merced has not only advanced our understanding of the cosmos but has also transformed how astronomical research is conducted. By making data analysis more inclusive and comprehensive, she has opened up new possibilities for discovery and innovation in astrophysics, inspiring future generations of scientists to embrace diverse methodologies in their work.
Gender and disability in STEM
As one of the few women in the male-dominated field of astrophysics, where women constitute only about 20% of professionals in the U.S., Wanda Díaz-Merced has navigated significant gender biases throughout her career.
In Europe, the situation is similarly challenging; while women make up approximately 40-60% of PhD students in astrophysics, their representation diminishes significantly at more senior levels.[7]
Furthermore, the intersectionality of race and disability adds layers to these challenges.
For instance, Black women and women with disabilities are particularly underrepresented in STEM fields overall. In Europe, less than 5% of researchers in science and engineering are from minority ethnic backgrounds, and women with disabilities face even greater barriers, often experiencing compounded discrimination that hinders their participation and advancement in scientific careers.
These challenges underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to promote diversity and inclusion within STEM disciplines. [8]
Dr Wanda Díaz-Merced's journey exemplifies the resilience required to overcome these systemic obstacles and highlights the need for continued advocacy for diversity and inclusion within the scientific community.
Yet, Díaz-Merced’s perseverance and brilliance have turned these potential obstacles into unique strengths. Her ongoing ground-breaking work with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the South African Astronomical Observatory is remarkable.
Awards and recognition
Wanda Díaz-Merced has received several notable awards throughout her career. In 2011, she was honoured with one of Google's first annual European Scholarships for Students with Disabilities, recognizing her exceptional research as a Ph.D. student in computer science.
Additionally, in 2017, she was awarded the Estrella Luike trophy. These accolades highlight her significant contributions to the field of astronomy and her advocacy for accessibility and inclusion in science.
[6] Díaz-Merced, Wanda. "Making Astronomy Accessible for the Visually Impaired". Scientific American Blog Network. Retrieved 2020-07-12.
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