Women in STEM

Written by Allison Liu
Edited by Kathy Lu
Cover Image by Angelina Tseng

It’s that time of year again. Christmas break is over, we’ve been back to school and it’s time to think about the future, especially our future courses. As we all know, course selection deadline is right around the corner. Havergal encourages students to pursue their passions and interests. But what are our passions? Maybe you already know exactly what you want. Or perhaps you are feeling adventurous and want to experiment with new subjects. Either way, the goal of this article is to inspire all of us to dip our toe (figuratively) in any courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (a.k.a. ‘STEM’). To do that, we will correct some common misconceptions about STEM, emphasize the importance of encouraging women in STEM, and get acquainted with some inspiring women in STEM. 

The idea of pursuing or studying STEM can be intimidating to students. However, many things you may have heard about STEM are far from the truth and it’s time to debunk the myths. First, it’s a common misconception that STEM programs are super-expensive. Program costs actually depend on a variety of factors: what school you attend and the location of your program. Depending on your experience and situation, a STEM program may or may not be more costly than a non-STEM program. Don’t let generalizations like this myth stop you from pursuing an interest in STEM. Next, it’s believed by some that STEM professionals aren’t creative. STEM is for everyone, and plenty of STEM-related careers require creative innovation and artistic expression. Whether you’re designing solar-powered homes or translating scientific findings into sculpture, students can always channel artistic passions into STEM studies. Lastly, one major misconception is that you have to be really good at math and/or science to succeed in STEM. Obviously, mathematics and science professionals have their place in the STEM field, but STEM involves problem-solving, critical thinking, and research capabilities, all of which are skills that being “good at math and science” don’t necessarily give you. There are plenty of STEM-related degrees in technology and engineering that need big-picture, mission-driven thinkers.

We live in a rapidly changing world where technological and digital advancement are at the forefront of human development. This is a time of great opportunity and excitement for the future. That is why, as we move forward with STEM industries leading the way, we must ensure that women and girls are no longer a minority, but instead are widely represented in their respective STEM fields as a means of challenging stereotypical prejudices in engineering while also supporting young girls who wish to study in STEM fields is crucial. 

Only 27% of STEM workers are women. This degree of underrepresentation is a serious issue, primarily because it shows that women are both overtly and covertly discouraged from pursuing STEM careers. In fact, women who do pursue these careers are more likely to leave them than men: 91% of women in STEM careers cited gender discrimination as a career obstacle, and 73% cited sexual harassment as an obstacle during their careers. Educating, hiring, and encouraging more women and other underrepresented groups in STEM can lead to better scientific and financial outcomes because more diversity in the workforce means gaining a variety of perspectives and ideas. In the end, increasing the number of women in STEM careers is the only way to move forward in a more integrated and inclusive way. 

While women do make up the minority of the STEM field, there are numerous inspiring female figures in STEM who helped eliminate stereotypes and pave the way for a future generation of STEM enthusiasts. No one could have predicted the magnitude of the impact Barbara Askins’s invention would have on the technological world. While a working, married woman was typically looked down upon, this social stigma didn’t stop Askins from leaving a prolific impact on society. In 1975, space exploration was a budding field, and although photos contained a wealth of information about the composition of galaxies and planets, they were hindered by their quality. Barbara Askins created a method of using radioactive sources to enhance under-exposed areas. Askins’ invention revolutionized space exploration, as it made the invisible aspects of current images visible. She was one of the first people, and the first woman, to receive the title of ‘National Inventor of the Year.’ Atkins proves to be an exceptional role model, showcasing the talent and impact women can bring to the scientific community.

At present, women in STEM continue to make a huge impact on our world and help find solutions to major current issues. Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett is leading the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) search for a COVID-19 vaccine. She is a viral immunologist and research fellow at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Recently, Dr. Corbett has participated in several interviews where she shared some insights regarding her experiences as a woman of colour in STEM and about advancements in her COVID-19 vaccine research. Kizzmekia Corbett is one of USA TodayODAY’s Women of the Year, a recognition of women across the country who have made a significant impact in their communities and beyond. Her vaccine research team at the National Institutes of Health developed and evaluated the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine. Corbett is yet another prime example of the widespread impact women in STEM have had on the rest of the world. 

As you consider your future during course selection time, it’s a great opportunity to remind yourself of the abundant resources Havergal offers and to feel encouraged to pursue what interests you. Don’t let what you hear about something mislead you. As this article on STEM has shown, there are no limitations to what you can achieve and although there may be obstacles, it is important to consider the impact you can make as a woman in STEM and other fields.

References

Hackney, S. (2022, March 13). COVID vaccines: Meet the NIH scientist who developed the Moderna shot. USA Today. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/opinion/2022/03/13/kizzmekia-corbett-north-carolina-usa-today-women-of-the-year/6946408001/

Jewsbury, L. (2022, June 25). Barbara Askins, Physical Chemist & First Woman 'National Inventor of the Year'. Medium. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://medium.com/rediscover-steam/barbara-askins-physical-chemist-first-woman-national-inventor-of-the-year-cf369a23cfd1

Quance, S. (2022, August 15). 7 STEM Myths – Debunked. West Virginia University. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://blog.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu/the-summit-ahead/7-stem-myths-debunked

STEM gender equality can support a sustainable economy | World Economic Forum. (2023, January 4). The World Economic Forum. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/01/davos23-gender-equality-stem-support-sustainable-economy/

Why Do We Need Women in STEM? (2022, February 3). First Citizens Bank. Retrieved January 16, 2023, from https://www.firstcitizens.com/commercial/insights/industry-expertise/why-do-we-need-women-in-stem