Johanna Varner, an assistant biology professor at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, was among 120 women recognized in a sculpture exhibit for their efforts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Varner was included in an exhibit of 120 life-size statutes of women as part of the IfThenSheCan — The Exhibit. The full exhibit opened in Dallas in 2021 and is now on display on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Varner is one of seven women from Colorado included in the exhibit.

“It’s absolutely incredible to be a part of something like this, and to see every kind of woman represented is truly remarkable,” Varner said.

The exhibit features 120 orange statutes created with three-dimensional printers to celebrate women pursuing STEM careers.

Varner studies pikas, a relative of the rabbit that inhabits alpine rockslides. Because of their sensitive to heat, pikas could offer an indicator of the effects of climate change on alpine ecosystems.

In 2019, Varner became an IF/THEN ambassador as part of an initiative sponsored by Lydia Hill Philanthropies. The initiative empowers women in STEM while also inspiring the next generation. Varner provides hands-on training and developed a pathway for Girl Scouts to receive their Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey badge.