Native american role models1/15/2024 Among my friends, who are also members of minority groups, they share similar experiences. I am repeatedly humbled by the number and volume of people who congratulate me, or my family, for completing college, studying science and obtaining my doctorate. Who can resist celebrating the local kid who came up, so to speak?įor one, such stories are inspiring but more specifically, for members of groups that have been historically disenfranchised or marginalized, it is also about pride. In fact, within the African-American community, there is strong interest in celebrating role models of achievement: African-American history programs at schools and churches, Most Influential African-Americans lists in national magazines, featured stories in the press of African-American Firsts. Moreover, when it comes to attracting more minorities to study and pursue careers in STEM, the same formula works equally well. However, I still can't emphasize enough how profoundly powerful it has been to me (and other female students) knowing these women. The environment I experienced in graduate school is not the norm. As I was preparing to apply for postdoc and teaching positions elsewhere, I was reminded to fully appreciate the beauty and support of a gender-balanced science department. All of them are heavy-hitters in their own right, which made it easier for me to envision myself as a scientist and professor. My dissertation advisor was female, as well as nearly half of the other members of the Biology Department. I can certainly relate to this role model effect as an early career professional. The role models enhance their perceptions of such careers and boost their confidence in studying such subjects. For girls and young women studying these subjects in school, being able to identify female role models helps them imagine themselves as STEM professionals. A recent University of Massachusetts Amherst study found having academic contact with female professionals in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) can have positive influences on students-female students in particular.
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