in advanced ancient civilizations, women’s participation in science and engineering was accepted...
TRANSCRIPT
The Roots In advanced ancient civilizations, women’s
participation in science and engineering was accepted and respected.
By 1919, there had only been 139 female engineering students in U.S. history.
By 1947, a mere 0.3% of all U.S. engineers were women.
Reasons for this extreme underrepresentation included: › “Biological differences”› Sexism/stereotypes› Barriers to education
Underrepresentation Today Only 27% of those with careers in STEM are
female.› 13% female in engineering› 26% female in computer and mathematical
sciences› 51% female in biological and medical sciences
Between 1993-2008, the proportion of women whose highest degree was in science or engineering increased from 31% to 38%.
The proportion of women with a career in science and engineering increased from only 21% to 27%.
Reasons for Underrepresentation
Stereotypes/Sexism
Lack of Interest
Lack of role models/guidance
Domestic responsibilities
Lack of confidence
Potential Solutions Changes to cultural environment
Changes to working environment
Outreach programs for young girls and teens
Support programs for women at the university level
Imhotep Academy 21-year-old program dedicated to
educating, empowering, and inspiring underrepresented populations in the STEM fields
Programs for middle school-aged and high school-aged students
Conducted at NC State University’s Science House on Centennial Campus
Volunteering at Imhotep Academy
Assisted with set-up and preparations for two sessions (June 17th, 19th, 21st & July 3rd)
2 summer sessions› Investigating Renewable Energy
Applications: June 24th-28th › Everyday Applications of Algebra in a City:
July 8th-12th 70+ hours spent volunteering
My Roles Performed clerical work during camp
preparations› Made copies and name badges› Put together students’ binders› Prepared materials for camp activities
1st Session: Program Assistant› Helped with camp prep every morning› Took pictures for the newsletter› Assisted in science class
2nd Session: Promoted to Teacher Assistant › Assisted in science class full-time› Chaperoned field trip › Taught mini-lesson on water quality
Interning Experience July 30th, 9am-4:30 pm Interned with Lauren Bridgers
› Manufacturing Engineer for SPX-Transformer Division
› Degree in Mechanical Engineering from ECU Toured plant and learned about the
processes and equipment Ran errands Prepared cards for tool boards Attended meeting on OEE of Blast Booth
Mentor Heba Abdel-Rahman
› Senior Human Resources Generalist for SPX› Degree in Industrial Engineering from ECU
Provided support, advice, and guidance› Helped me with developing strategies to
increase the girls’ engagement and confidence at Imhotep
› Provided insight on what I will experience as a female engineering student in college
› Arranged my interning opportunity
Challenges & Successes
Challenges Finding a mentor Devoting 2+
weeks of my summer to Senior Project
Being viewed as professional due to my young age
Successes Making a positive
difference in children's lives
Networking connections
Discovering a passion
What I Learned The challenges that I will face, both in
college and the workplace, as a female engineer
The resources available for females in STEM
How to write a formal research paper
My aptitude in working with children in an academic setting