.... If we want to attract the best and brightest minds into the fields that will move us forward, we can no longer look to only half of the population. More women can contribute to our field and we can help make that happen.
Read more here
One of my career goals is to be an inspiration to young girls who are interested in science. I believe that young people, especially girls, are such an important demographic to target for this industry that is overrun by men. Girls need to feel empowered as well, and often they are intimidated by the male-dominated fields of science. I hope to somehow assist this movement by showing girls that women scientists are out there; they are strong, powerful, and intelligent. I also think it is important to kill the misconceptions about scientists, including that science is all labcoats and test tubes. While these qualities are also held by intelligent women scientists, you can be the kind of scientist who explores the world, studies plants and animals, and never has to put on a lab coat once (though they are fun.... :)).
Most of the students in my science classes find it hard to believe that I'm a "real scientist." They think my entire life is just teaching them about how batteries or gravity works (when in fact, I only teach class one day a week after school!). During our "show & tell" class one term, I brought in a stuffed baboon and talked to the kids about primates. We talked about what they eat, who they play with, how to tell a monkey from an ape, etc. I then told them that I often go to Africa to follow and learn about monkeys. They thought that was great! But then.... one little girl raised her hand and said, "I think it's really interesting you do this, but how is THIS science???" She was 7. I kid you not, that was one of the defining moments where I knew I had to get across to the children what science actually is.
One of the first steps - I've joined a new website called FabFems. The website allows career scientists to sign up, explain themselves and their job and posts this info to a search engine. Young girls can use the website to find role models using keywords, and then send them a private message. I think the concept is great, and I hope my involvement expands.
I've only received one message so far, that said this:
"Hi I am B* I am almost in middle school and looking for an online role
model who likes acting and I think its pretty cool that your a bioligist"
