The Future Is Female (and Smart!)
In a world where women have long been underrepresented in the sciences, The Curie Society brings forth a new generation of brilliant, courageous young women ready to take on the world. Through the stories of Simone, Maya, and Taj, this powerful group of recruits proves that the future of science—and the future of our world—belongs to them. These three young women may come from completely different backgrounds, but they are united by a singular mission: to break barriers, solve complex problems, and protect groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
Simone: The Science Prodigy
Simone is a science prodigy who leaves her home in Los Angeles to pursue her dreams at Edmonds University. Driven by her passion for biology, Simone is determined to prove herself, excited to embark on this new academic chapter. But Simone isn’t just any typical college freshman—she’s already lightyears ahead of her peers in terms of scientific ability. Motivated by a strong independent streak and a desire to be seen as more than a child, she’s always looking to challenge herself and learn.
Though Simone’s intelligence and courage are undeniable, she faces her own internal struggles. She tends to rely on herself when things get tough, which sometimes causes her to shut down when overwhelmed. Throughout her journey, Simone learns that being part of a team and trusting in others is just as important as self-reliance. Her growth, both as a scientist and as a team player, serves as a reminder that collaboration can unlock even greater potential.
Maya: The Tech-Savvy Math Whiz
Maya, passionate about applied mathematics, brings a competitive edge to the team. Growing up in Silicon Valley, Seattle, and Boston, she is no stranger to pressure, with achievement-focused parents who have always set the bar high for her. Her sharp intellect and social skills help her navigate the competitive world of academia and science, but her background sometimes causes her to view the world through a lens of privilege.
As Maya adjusts to life at Edmonds University, she undergoes a journey of self-discovery. She must learn to step outside her comfort zone and recognize that not everyone shares her background. While her brilliance is unquestionable, she learns that true growth comes when she balances her competitiveness with empathy and humility. Maya’s character highlights that success isn’t just about intelligence; it’s also about seeing the world through the eyes of others and learning from diverse perspectives.
Taj: The Rebellious Hacker with a Heart of Gold
Taj’s journey to Edmonds University has been anything but conventional. After earning her high school GED early, she spent time working for community organizations in Detroit while immersing herself in the underground hip-hop scene. With a talent for computer science and a love for both technology and creative expression, Taj is resourceful and rebellious. Her skills extend far beyond the classroom—she’s also a self-taught parkour expert and has dabbled in graffiti and hacking into networks to offer free internet to underserved communities.
Taj’s journey isn’t just about hacking the system, though—it’s about learning to channel her creative and rebellious spirit for good. While her unconventional approach can sometimes be seen as a challenge, it’s ultimately this creative thinking that helps the team overcome difficult obstacles. Taj shows readers that intelligence isn’t one-size-fits-all, and thinking outside the box often leads to the most meaningful breakthroughs.
Mentors and Role Models: The Guiding Forces Behind The Curie Society
The recruits are not alone in their journey. They are mentored by a diverse group of women who have forged their own paths in the world of science and technology. Dr. Jolene Burkhart, a seasoned nuclear physicist with a sharp mind and a history in intelligence, is one of the guiding forces behind the Curie Society. Alongside her is Dr. Ruun Warsame, a multidisciplinary engineer who loves to create innovative gadgets and think on her feet. The final mentor is Emma Quiñones, an aerospace engineer with a military background who is as skilled in the sky as she is on the ground. Together, they offer invaluable guidance to the recruits, teaching them not just the technical skills they need, but also how to handle the ethical dilemmas that often arise in the pursuit of science.
Through their mentors, the girls learn that science isn’t just about experimentation and discoveries—it’s about making tough decisions and standing by your principles, even when the world doesn’t always agree with you. The Curie Society is about creating not just brilliant scientists, but ethical, responsible leaders who are ready to take on the world and shape it for the better.
The Power of Women in Science
At its core, The Curie Society is about showing young women that they have the power to shape the future of science and technology. Simone, Maya, and Taj—each with distinct personalities, life experiences, and passions—come together to form an unstoppable team. Their story is proof that diversity, collaboration, and a shared mission are the driving forces behind real change. The series reminds us that the future is not only female, but that female scientists are already solving problems and reshaping the world.These themes resonate beyond fiction. Real-world scientists like Danbee “Tauntaun” Kim, Dr. Ritu Raman, Dr. Jane Zelikova, Dr. Raychelle Burks, Deborah Blum, and Kasia Chmielinski—who all contributed to The Curie Society universe—are redefining what it means to be a scientist, engineer, and innovator. They’ve fought through adversity, broken barriers, and shown that science thrives when diverse voices are not only heard, but amplified. Much like the characters of Simone, Maya, and Taj, these trailblazers prove that being smart is just the beginning. To make a real impact, you also need to be brave, curious, compassionate, and relentless.
