As a psychology major whose coursework leans toward a more social emphasis, I am always happy to enter classes on the first day of the semester with peers of all genders.
I never feel uncomfortable, surrounded by other women eager to learn, express their ideas and work hard together.
However, I’ve heard horror stories from friends majoring in computer science or chemistry enrolled at a variety of different universities, whether they are just beginning college or long since graduated.
Sometimes, they are one of three or four women in a course of 30 students. I’d hear about how they’d get ignored, overlooked or interrupted; how they carry the mental load in group projects but still receive less of the credit.
They explain how, over time, these experiences made them lose their confidence in such a male-dominated space, even when their accomplishments, effort and skills were some of the strongest in the room.
It isn’t the ability they lack, it’s a supportive environment to fully let their abilities shine. And these experiences aren’t just limited to my friends, they’re a global occurrence.
Women make up only 35% of the STEM workforce, and again, it isn’t because they’re not capable. An absence of powerful role models in the field, discrimination in both the classroom and workforce, and undermined confidence due to gender stereotypes are some examples of barriers to blame.
There’s still a long way to go before women can enjoy their education and work in peace, free from the limitations of gender bias.
But there are many women in STEM fields to look up to for mentorship and direction. I’d like to spotlight some of their research labs here at San Jose State University, highlighting the incredible work they’re doing and the ways in which they’re transforming their respective fields and the students they inspire.
Robotics, Sensing and Machine Intelligence (RSMI) Lab
Dr. Winncy Du of SJSU’s Mechanical Engineering department runs the RSMI Lab, which invites students to research and develop robotics technologies to fulfill rapidly growing security, healthcare, home, and industry needs.
Fire Ecology and Management Lab
Dr. Kate Wilkin conducts research on the interaction between fire and the natural world. She explores how the wilderness and plant communities are affected by, adapt to, and recover from wildfires within the context of climate change and management.
Chemical Education Research (CER)
Dr. Resa Kelly of SJSU’s Chemical Education department studies chemistry as a subject that is taught and learned.
She focuses specifically on molecular-level chemistry teachings, on animations and videos, and on how students receive chemistry information and how educators adjust their teaching methods.
Carr Lab Investigating Memory and the Brain (CLIMB)
Dr. Valerie Carr studies Cognitive Neuroscience, specifically researching episodic memory across adult development using structural and functional MRI. By analyzing the neural processes behind memory, her lab strategizes how to enhance cognitive and brain health.
Hurst Research Group
Dr. Hilary Hurst is part of the Physics department at SJSU, specializing in quantum and theoretical physics.
Her research focuses primarily on quantum control for open systems, investigating state engineering in quantum gases, weak measurement and feedback control, and quantum dissipation.
The deVries Lab
Dr. Maya deVries studies Marine Ecology, investigating trophic relationships, feeding behaviors, global climate change, ecosystem function and patterns, and more.
Currently, her lab’s current projects include explorations of how morphology, ecology, and environment intersect in reef predators, as well as cryptic coral reef habitats.
Who are some women in STEM researchers you admire? Let us know at @HerCampusSJSU!