Leslie Dietz

Leslie has a molecular biology and chemistry background. She’s done a lot of genetic sequencing work with soil and has researched bacteria, fungi, and hypertension. Not only is she a scientist, but she’s also a mom, weightlifter, wildland firefighter and avid feminist who works to empower women in and out of the scientific field. Leslie is a Pod coordinator for Eugene’s 500 Women Scientists, and the Eugene chapter leader for the Bold Betties, a women’s outdoor pursuits group. She’s been fighting fires for 11 years and is currently thinking about going into competitive weightlifting.