Campus News

UK Students Celebrate Women in STEM

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 22, 2017) — In fall 2015, University of Kentucky faculty, staff and students created a new movement called #IAmAWomanInSTEM to support undergraduate women in majors or minors that rely primarily on the sciences, technologies and mathematics (STEM), including engineering and health care professions.

This semester, UK freshmen biology majors Hannah Thompson, Caylyn Railey and Morgan Moses with computer science junior Destiny Luttrell recently introduced a new initiative they hope will inform and inspire young women to investigate STEM careers. Their “STEM Woman of the Week” social media campaign highlights UK women role models in the sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines, and the health care professions.

“I am very passionate about women's empowerment and my love for science,” Thompson said. “However, I never expected to find at UK an organization dedicated to both. #IAmAWomanInSTEM has provided me with opportunities for leadership, networking and service. As a freshman, I am very thankful to have found such a great organization.”

She explained that the new photographic and interview series features individuals who encourage and empower the studies of STEM students and raise awareness of their experiences. The interviews allow honorees to share their experiences as a female working in a male-dominated industry and what it means to be a woman in STEM.

“I was blessed to grow up in a family that valued STEM and always encouraged me to pursue biology,” Thompson said. “However, I know this isn't the reality for many girls across the country. I think it’s important to make sure schools are reaching out to their female students because if they're not encouraged at home or school, where will they be encouraged?”

Although more and more girls and young women focus on STEM study and careers, working women in STEM careers still face formidable challenges. According to research conducted by the American Association of University Women, women in engineering, for example, are paid only about 80 percent of what their male co-workers are paid.

“Many individuals believe there is no longer bias or discrimination in STEM fields in terms of gender,” Thompson said. “There is much more than the wage gap that is concerning to young women like me who are studying STEM (subjects) and planning on going into the field. The social stigma, that some say doesn't exist, is very much still present.

“I remember reading a recent article that described the different biases that were pushing women out of STEM. Two of them in particular stood out to me. The women interviewed felt as if they had to prove themselves — their capability and intellect — over and over in comparison to others. They also felt as if they had to act masculine enough for their male peers to recognize them as equals or even capable, but were expected to act feminine as well. This creates a gray area for women working in this field.”

Thompson hopes the current campaign not only highlights the efforts of women in STEM, but women, in general, who are pursuing careers and passions that may not be traditional.

"My long term goal for this project,” she said, “is to have an online platform where people from across the country and different universities can submit photos and interviews/quotes from women passionate about STEM.

“I believe this program provides the University of Kentucky with an opportunity to educate the students and faculty about the reality women in STEM face and bring attention to issues on our own campus.”

Finally, Thompson has a dare for her fellow students. “I challenge my female peers to take difficult classes, study hard and make their dreams their reality. Hopefully, this series will prove that many successful women have walked this path before us and we can be (successful), too.”

A new female STEM professional is featured every week. So far, the group has honored:

The series is published on all of the #IAmAWomanInSTEM social media, including Facebook, Google+, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr and other websites.

www.uky.edu/UGE/women-in-STEM

www.google.com/+IamaWomanInSTEM

www.facebook.com/iamawomaninstem

www.twitter.com/IAmAWomanInSTEM

www.instagram.com/iamawomaninstem

www.iamawomaninstemuky.tumblr.com

www.youtube.com/c/IamaWomanInSTEM

To nominate a woman for the series, email your nominations to womanoftheweekuky@gmail.com or complete the web form at https://goo.gl/forms/KnhhrkMzLv41Ze573.

“We are always looking for support in various ways to help encourage female undergraduate students to persist in STEM+H majors and minors here at UK,” said Assistant Provost Randolph Hollingsworth. “Partnerships with existing groups with similar goals are gladly welcome.”

Hollingsworth encourages other interested groups or individuals to contact the steering team at iamawomaninstem@gmail.com or call 859-257-0047.