For All the Curious Girls: Stories of Wonder, Exploration, and Scientific Discovery

For young women who are intrigued by the world around them and the science that explains it, a collection of stories by women scientists that shares what it’s like to pursue a passion for science--even when that path isn’t always straightforward.

Have you ever wondered how an insect flies or why a curveball curves? What about why waves make bubbles when they break on the beach or how blood flows through your veins? If these wonders spark your curiosity, For All the Curious Girls is your invitation to explore the fascinating world of fluid dynamics.

The girls in these stories are just like you--curious and eager to understand the science of the world around them. In these pages, women scientists bring to life the journeys of girls from different cultures and backgrounds as they uncover the secrets of fluid dynamics--and demonstrate how your own questions and passions have the potential to lead to a rewarding career.

From the graceful swirl of smoke rising above a power plant to the way wind shapes the leaves on trees, fluid dynamics is everywhere, waiting to be noticed, explored, and understood. No matter what you dream of becoming, let these tales inspire you to follow your curiosity--it just might take you farther than you ever imagined.

The Stories of Women in Fluids (SOWIF) Initiative began with a simple but powerful belief: that sharing our stories could spark change. As a collective of women in fluid dynamics, we aim to make our scientific community more inclusive, welcoming, and representative of the diverse world we live in by using our voices to uplift and amplify the experiences of others in our field. Through written narratives and community-driven engagement, SOWIF is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists and reminding those already in the field that they are not alone. At our heart, this initiative is about connection - connecting across generations, disciplines, and identities to build a future in science where everyone has a seat at the table.

Kelli Hendrickson, ScD, PCC is a fluid dynamicist, coach, and storyteller at heart. As the founder and principal instigator of the Stories of Women in Fluids (SOWIF) Initiative, she created a platform to uplift and celebrate the journeys of women--especially women of color--in fluid dynamics. Her career path began in ocean engineering at MIT and continues today as a Research Associate Professor at UNC-Chapel Hill. Alongside her research, Kelli works as a career and leadership coach, supporting women with STEM PhDs in building careers that are purposeful, balanced, and deeply fulfilling. Through SOWIF and coaching, she’s committed to changing the narrative--and the future--for women in science.