What Inspires Women to Study STEM?

There’s an old joke that talks about engineers having “the knack” for technology, almost a kind of gene that makes them want to deconstruct and reconstruct everything. Although this is obviously a slight exaggeration, it takes a special kind of person, regardless of gender, to spend years studying partial differential equations and playing with TIG welders.

This is also true for scientists and mathematicians, who pursue studies in highly technical topics that would bore or intimidate most people. Not everyone would want to travel to Madagascar to study the mating habits of jungle frogs, and most people would rather not contemplate the infinitely repeatable game that forms the set of all possible numbers… and infinities.

Where Does STEM Passion Come From?

Although every woman’s path is different, there are some common themes to what brings them to STEM. One of the most important factors is exposure to their passion in school, a testament to the work of decades past to ensure these opportunities existed. Another one is the presence of a role model or inspiration, which is a reminder of the importance of the trailblazing work that has been done, and that continues to happen.

Many of us had a family member, a family friend, a teacher, or a professor who helped us discover what we really wanted to do. And although we often think about all STEM representation as equal, the reality is that a diversity of topics is needed to spark a diverse range of passions.

Consider, for example, that a girl who discovers her passion for engineering through a rocketry activity might really dislike biology, or vice versa. Similarly, learning mathematics is not always a linear route, and sometimes requires exposure to different approaches, like visualization or memorization, to awaken the lifelong learner inside a young female scientist.

The Fun of Discovering and Fixing

Not only do STEM majors differ in their field of interest, but they also have unique reasons for pursuing those interests. For example, based on our review of the many interviews with women in STEM on the internet, it seems that scientists are geared slightly more towards discovering things, whereas engineers — like Dr. Donna Strickland, Nobel Laureate in physics — are passionate about building and inventing.

This means, for example, that if a girl displays artistic tendencies, they might need to see an optimistic film like Tomorrowland to have a chance to imagine themselves being creative with technology. Learning about the challenges and problems the world faces, such as the lack of clean water and electricity in many countries, or the pollution of Earth’s oceans, may spark a deeper passion in some girls as they discover not only a field of study or a career, but a mission.

Similarly, the opportunity to dissect animals in high school or watching a guest workshop led by female STEM professionals might lead to lifelong passion in biology or the consideration of a career in tech, respectively. Because the kinds of things that spark inspiration are so diverse, it’s important to make sure that we’re not just exposing girls to STEM influences, but a variety of different fields and practical applications. Only by understanding where STEM is today will girls be able to plan careers that blend their unique talents with what the world needs.

Finding Ways to Influence Positively

One of the best ways to make a difference is to be visible. Finding opportunities to provide mentorship and inspiration to young girls can be as simple as volunteering as a science fair judge or having a random conversation with another family at the park. Being proud of who you are and what you do is contagious and gives young women the impression that not only can they be in STEM, but they could enjoy being in STEM. Although there are certainly challenges that come with the field for women, Nobel Laureates like Dr. Donna Strickland project overwhelming positivity and optimism for their careers. As important as exposure is, young girls need to see genuine enthusiasm and joy from us in order to get truly excited about careers in STEM.

Who or What Inspired You?

We’d love to hear about what first got you thinking about STEM. How old were you, and what was the thing that got you so passionate?