Gen Z Doctor Faces Backlash After PhD Announcement—Details Inside

UPDATE: A shocking wave of sexist backlash has erupted on social media following the announcement by Dr. Juliet Turner, a 27-year-old ecologist, that she has earned her Ph.D. from the University of Oxford, the world’s top-ranked university. Turner’s celebratory post, shared on November 14, 2023, has sparked outrage and highlighted persistent misogyny in online discourse.

In her post, which 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, instead of receiving universal congratulations, she was met with a barrage of cruel comments questioning her life choices and attacking her academic achievements.

Turner’s research focused on the evolution of cooperation and division of labor in insects, a significant contribution to the field of ecology. Yet, online trolls targeted her, with disturbing messages insinuating she was a failure for choosing academia over traditional family roles. One user crudely stated, “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! Very weird,” Turner told Newsweek.

Turner expressed her disbelief at the extent of the negative reactions, stating that she “never expected this response.” The backlash raises critical questions about societal views on women pursuing higher education and careers in STEM fields. A recent survey by Amnesty International revealed that 73 percent of Gen Z users in the U.K. have witnessed misogynistic content online, with 70 percent believing such language has increased.

Despite the hostility, many users rallied in support of Turner, viewing the backlash as “pure jealousy.” She noted that while she has faced challenges in academia, such as being underestimated, her personal experiences have not reflected the vitriol seen online.

As she begins her new role as a pollinator ecologist, Turner is focused on practical applications of her research, working on projects related to organic and regenerative farming across the U.K. She remains optimistic, saying, “It’s nice to do this kind of applied conservation research, but I’m always keen to be involved in exciting evolutionary projects and science communication efforts too.”

The incident has sparked broader discussions on the treatment of women in academia, emphasizing the need for change. Turner concluded, “The idea that doing a Ph.D. means you probably won’t have children is odd. I come from an academic family myself, so I’m living proof that academics are capable of self-replication!”

As this story develops, attention will likely remain on the social media responses and the ongoing dialogue about gender inequality in educational and professional environments. Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent topic.