Author: Trisha Gonzales
Gender Equity in Education: Progress and Challenges The quest for gender equity in education remains a focal point of modern feminism, advocating for female representation to reach at least 50% in roles historically dominated by men. In several disciplines, women have made remarkable progress; for instance, they now account for 50.7% of new medical students in the United States, a significant increase from just 9% in 1965. Additionally, women now represent 80% of veterinary students. Despite these achievements, many fields, especially within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) areas, lag behind, with female enrollment at only around 20%. Understanding…
Trailblazing Women Innovators in Science and Engineering Compiled by the Smithsonian collaboration featuring various experts including Sara Cohen and Caitlyn Dittmeier. 1. Dr. Patricia Cowings: Combatting Space Sickness Research psychologist Dr. Patricia Cowings, affiliated with NASA’s Ames Research Center, pioneered methods to address space sickness, a common issue among astronauts. By inducing simulated sickness during trials, she developed a rapid six-hour training program that combined biofeedback techniques to teach astronauts control over their physiological responses. Cowings successfully instructed astronauts on managing autonomic functions such as heart rate and muscle relaxation, utilizing visual feedback on oscilloscopes to aid their training. 2.…
The Legacy of Marie Curie: Pioneer of Radioactivity Growing up in Poland, NIST researcher Justyna Zwolak was inspired by the legacy of Nobel Prize-winner Maria Skłodowska-Curie (commonly known as Marie Curie). Introduction: A Personal Reflection on Marie Curie In a previous article, I delved into the accomplishments of Ada Lovelace, widely acknowledged as the world’s first computer programmer. However, another scientist, Maria Skłodowska-Curie, resonates more deeply with me as a personal icon. Curie has left an indelible mark on the scientific landscape and persists as a source of inspiration. Early Inspirations My appreciation for Curie began in elementary school in…
Advancing Gender Equality in Science and Technology at UTalca Introduction to the InES Gender Project The University of Talca (UTalca) has been recognized as one of the 13 universities in Chile that won the inaugural Innovation in Higher Education in Gender (InES Gender) competition. Launched in 2021, this initiative aims to equip universities with the capacity to develop plans that significantly reduce gender disparities in research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) sectors. Objectives of UTalca’s InES Gender Initiative The main objective of UTalca’s InES Gender project is to strengthen institutional practices to confront barriers affecting women’s participation and leadership in science…
The Impact of WiSE at USC: Advancing Women in STEM In the year 2000, the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences housed merely a dozen female tenure-track faculty members in its six science departments. Similarly, the USC Viterbi School of Engineering noted only three women among its faculty. Fast forward two decades, and the landscape has dramatically changed, with the tally of women faculty members rising to 70 across these two institutions. This significant transformation can be largely attributed to the initiatives of the Women and Science in Engineering (WiSE) program, which is supported by the university’s Office…
Women in Technology: A Look at Their Impact and Challenges While stereotypes persist around individuals in the tech industry, such as the archetype of the socially awkward “computer geek,” the reality is far more complex. The landscape of technology today is diverse, necessitating a broader understanding of the myriad roles available that cannot be defined by appearance alone. A Mosaic of Talent at BBVA Within BBVA’s Engineering and Organization unit, four remarkable women exemplify this diversity: Jennifer Sesmero: A computer engineer leading training and talent attraction in Corporate Security. Natalia Heredia: A telecommunications engineer managing cross-functional network projects in Architecture.…
Empowering Women in STEM: A Focus on Mentorship and Community Engagement Building Connections in Physics Abby Corrigan, a physics major and recipient of the Clare Boothe Luce scholarship, began her journey in STEM at Holy Cross during her freshman year. She took an introductory course in physics with Professor Janine Shertzer, and the two formed a strong academic relationship that led Corrigan to enroll in five additional courses under Shertzer’s mentorship. This year, Corrigan had the opportunity to engage in research alongside Shertzer, examining variations of the 1D Finite Well. She emphasized the importance of this mentorship, saying, “Having that…
President Biden Announces Historic Diversity in New PCAST On [insert date], President Biden introduced a groundbreaking assembly of thirty prominent leaders in science and technology as part of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). This council, a successor to the advisory committee formed by President Eisenhower post-Sputnik in 1957, serves as a crucial source of external guidance on science, technology, and innovation policies. A Key Resource for National Leadership PCAST’s role is to provide recommendations and insights to the President and the White House on essential policy decisions affecting the nation. With members that include twenty…
Empowering Women in STEM at McGill University Since its inception in 2015, the United Nations General Assembly has designated a special day to underscore the importance of gender equality in science and technology. This initiative aims to enhance participation and recognize the vital contributions of women and girls, who play a crucial role in advancing innovation and shaping a sustainable future. Trailblazers at McGill University McGill University has been at the forefront of promoting women in science. Notable figures include: Dr. Carrie Derick – The first female professor in Canada and founder of McGill’s Genetics Department. Dr. Nada Jabado –…
Women and Girls in Science: Inspiring Future Generations From February 1 to 5, 2021, local schools will be hosting a series of presentations led by female scientists and engineers as part of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrations. This initiative aims to inspire students and encourage girls to pursue careers in scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) fields. Event Overview This annual event marks its fifth consecutive year with collaboration among CERN, the University of Geneva’s Scienscope, and EPFL. Over the course of the week, a diverse group of women will share insights about their professional…