Underrepresentation and Discrimination in STEM Fields
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Underrepresentat ion and Discrimination in STEM Fields Emily King (Mathematics) Jaymie Strecker (Computer Science) Michelle Zimmermann (Physics) October 29, 2008
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Underrepresentation and Discrimination in STEM Fields. Emily King (Mathematics) Jaymie Strecker (Computer Science) Michelle Zimmermann (Physics) October 29, 2008. Who works in STEM fields?. Who works in STEM fields?. Who works in STEM fields?. Who works in STEM fields?. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of Underrepresentation and Discrimination in STEM Fields
Underrepresentation and Discrimination in STEM FieldsEmily King (Mathematics)Jaymie Strecker (Computer Science)Michelle Zimmermann (Physics)
October 29, 2008
Who works in STEM fields?
Who works in STEM fields?
Who works in STEM fields?
Who works in STEM fields?
“I like to solve simple problems like extra dimensions in space. Everyone thinks[women in science] is a simpler issue, but itis so much more complicated.”
- Lisa Randall
“How It Works” (xkcd)
Causes of underrepresentation Misconception of field Mentoring and role models
Euro-centric story of science historyPointing out minorities = affirmative action?
Self-confidence (impostor syndrome) Balancing work and family Outright racism or sexism
Perceived ability to report and change it
Sexism does still exist Examples
Initials or first names on published papersPostdoc committeesOur stories
Perception of women: competent vs. nice Unintentional sexism still counts
(and we do it too)
Data analysis
Data analysis
Data analysis
Cultural differences Malaysia
More female than male CS/IT students "Our findings lead us to conclude there is no gender bias with
regard to how CS/IT is perceived by young Malaysians." Othman& Latih. Communications of the ACM. 49(3):111-114.
Afghanistan Kabul: 33% women in CS, but 25% women in university overall
Italy “Italy's record in awarding a large number of advanced science
degrees to women is partly attributed to Italy's educational policyof mandatory math and science classes for all students.”
Turkey “…A similar policy is found in Turkey, where the same level of
math and science are taught to both girls and boys at the pre-college level. These courses are then a critical part of the competition for the few places in the university, so all students are required to take them.” (Margolis, Fisher & Miller, work in progress)
What to take away Be aware of and reflect
on your assumptions Notice the assumptions
others are making Speak up if you or
someone else is being treated unfairly
Make friends! You’re not alone
Groups on campus Mathematics
Women in Mathematics Computer Science
Association for Women in Computing CS Latino Group
Engineering Women's Community at Clark School of Engineering National Society of Black Engineers
Physics Women in Physics
SCORE (Student Community for Outreach, Retention & Excellence)
