Description
Book SynopsisWhy is it that, while women in the United States have generally made great strides in establishing parity with their male counterparts in educational attainment, they remain substantially underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)? Why is it that, in proportion to the PhDs they obtain in STEM, they attain fewer administrative and managerial positions in academia and industry than their numbers warrant and, moreover, are more likely leave the field once started in their careers? In the culture and context of women’s advancement and satisfaction with careers in STEM, the data show that many challenges and obstacles remain.By showcasing the stories of eight women scientists who have achieved successful careers in the academy, industry and government, Breaking In offers vivid insights into the challenges and barriers that women face in entering STEM while also describing these women’s motivations, the choices they made along their paths, and the intellectual satisfactions and excitement of scientific discovery they derive from their work.Breaking In underscores issues aspiring women scientists will encounter on their journeys and what they can do to forestall potential obstacles, advocate for change, and fulfill their ambitions. And it speaks to the question: What can be done to encourage more women to specialize in science, mathematics, and engineering? In doctoral granting institutions, where women must start if they hope to earn advanced degrees, Breaking In can serve both as a student text and as guide for department chairs and deans who are concerned about organizational climate and culture and their impact on retention in STEM fields. At a broader level, this book offers advice and inspiration to women contemplating entering STEM fields, as well to the teachers, researchers, and administrators responsible for nurturing these women, growing enrollments in their disciplines, and developing creative and intellectual capital that the nation needs to compete in the global marketplace.
Trade Review“Today, in the culture and context of women’s advancement and satisfaction with careers in STEM, the data show that many challenges and obstacles remain.
The women profiled here describe how they developed essential conflict handling skills, understanding of the organizational cultures, customs, and structures in which they work(ed), and how their own beliefs, attitudes, and values influenced their decision making. Each chose her battles carefully, was tolerant of her own missteps, kept her sense of humor, practiced good stress management techniques, and let her own deeply felt principles guide her choices. They are saying to every reader of this book ‘You can do it too!'"
Donna J. Dean, Executive Consultant, Association for Women in Science; Career Consultant, American Chemical Society
National President, Association for Women in Science, 2006-2007; and Senior Federal Executive (retired), National Institutes of Health
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments 1. The Realities of Breaking In 2. Fascination, Fun, and Flexibility—Cynthia Barnhart 3. A Curious Mind—Linda S. Birnbaum 4. The Consummate Professor—Susan Blessing 5. Academia. A Good Fit—Teresa D. Golden 6. A Life Full of Serendipitous Options—Sharon Hays 7. Enjoying a Life That Fits—Angela Hessler 8. An Ardent Adventurer—Bonnie F. Jacobs 9. Just Happened To Be In the Right Place at the Right Time, and Incredibly Bright—Radia Perlman 10. The Realities of Choice 11. Is the Past the Present? 12. Hidden Choices 13. Choices. Is The Past the Future? Appendix. Web-Based STEM-Related Resources for Girls and Women Index
