Differences that Strengthen STEM
STEM Careers can be challenging, intense, and may require several hours of critical think just to solve one part of the puzzle. However, it is differences that bring humanity closer together. By having different backgrounds and perspectives, scientists are able to approach their fields of STEM with more understanding than ever before. STEM is such a diverse field that is in so much of our everyday lives, and it helps us to comprehend the beauty of being unique. In nature, the alpha diversity is critical to the stability of an ecosystem, just like diversity is necessary in a strong team. I encourage you to follow your passions in STEM and know that even though you are such a unique individual, there are similar women in STEM fields who are cheering you on.
Making an Impact
Females in STEM Careers Who are Advocating for Uniqueness
Male vs Female Treatment in STEM
In 1997, Dr. Barbara Barres transitioned from female to male and lived the remainder of his life as Ben Barres. I read a number of the articles that Dr. Barres wrote and came across one that particularly caught my attention. In 2006 in response to several statements blaming gender imbalance in STEM fields on women’s innate in-aptitude, Ben wrote a Commentary in Nature that touched on his experience as a female scientist versus how he was treated as a male scientist. I highly recommend reading the linked article and Dr. Barres's commentary to increase your awareness, but also how diversity is so important to have perspective.
Diversity in STEM, Important for Society, Good for Business
GlobalMindED Technology Track speaker Dr. Patty Lopez, a Computer Scientist of Latina descent, is a first generation to college student who got her Ph.D. in 1989 from New Mexico State University. She has been such an inspiration and pioneer for women in STEM, and all diverse people, that Brawny recently featured her in an advert for their #StrengthHasNoGender campaign. Dr. Lopez is a role model for women and anyone else who wants to pursue an education in STEM.
The Power of Inclusive Environments
Rather than focusing on specific attributes, building a diverse team starts with providing an inclusive environment. Inclusion allows us to bring together different people with different strengths and different weaknesses; people that complement each other and make a stronger team. We need diversity; diversity drives innovation, and diversity is key to our growth as individuals and as organizations. STEM is no exception.
