Challenges facing Women in STEM: Understanding and Overcoming Stereotypes and Bias
Wed, May 1st, 2019
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- This event has passed.
Women and Gender Minorities in Physics and Astronomy presents a talk by Dr. Kelsey Thiem of UMASS Amherst on the challenges facing women in STEM fields and what we can do to actively foster inclusion in our science communities. All are encouraged to attend. A short reception with refreshments will follow in the physics common room.
Challenges facing Women in STEM: Understanding and Overcoming Stereotypes and Bias
The stereotypes of most science, technology, engineering, and math fields is that “STEM is for men.” Additionally, men are over-represented at almost every level of STEM participation, both inside and outside of academia. Together, this gender imbalance in scientific environments and the gendered nature of science stereotypes signal to women that STEM isn’t for them. Importantly, these issues may be exacerbated for women from racial groups that are under-represented in STEM fields. The purpose of this presentation is to identify some of the specific psychological challenges facing women in STEM and identify specific actions that faculty and students can take to help women overcome these challenges.