Brain Science Podcast Forum

Brain Science Podcast Forum
Books and Ideas Podcast

» Forum Index » Books and Ideas Podcast » Topic: Women In Science

Posted on 02/12/08 9:53:43 PM

Neuromancer
***
Posts: 55

Reply

Women In Science

After reading "Molecules of Emotion" by Dr. Candace Pert, developing a deep admiration for her, then being crushed by learning that she seems to have embraced New Age philosophies in recent years, and then listening to Dr. Campbell's interview with one of my favorite podcast hosts, Dr. Pamela Gay of Astronomy Cast, I was left with the idea of promoting a discussion about Women In Science.

What I would like to see and hear are stories about women scientists, their accomplishments, and how they overcame the difficulties being women in a traditionally male dominated realm. I understand that the problems of the past are not quite as pronounced, but many still exist. I have many male science "heroes" but few women and I would like to balance the scales.

I must admit my interest is as much to inspire my daughter to consider the sciences by presenting her with inspirational women in science as it is to satisfy my own curiosity. But I don't want to tell my daughter stories about how women scientists have been picked on and left out so much as I would like to teach her how those problems were overcome. I want to inspire her, not scare her.

So I guess the reason I believe this topic is so important is not only so that I, as a male, can understand and try not to repeat the mistakes that have been made in the past, but also so that I can inspire the next generation.

Posted on 02/21/08 05:57:59 AM

KentLeung
*
Posts: 6

Reply

Re: Women In Science

I am male and work in the field of nuclear/particle physics. I still see many obstacles for women in our field. I am sure that this is true for many other fields in physics also. I also have friends who work in computer science who feel the same way.

In order to survive in such a hostile environment, I have noticed the women seem become over-defensive about their work and it certainly flows onto everyday life. They are always under lots of stress because of it. I really don't want to scare your daughter away from such a career path if it's her passion. The only way the current situation can be changed is if more (very brave) women enter the field.

In my lab there are many biologists & chemists. From my observations, these fields are a lot more open to women.

Posted on 02/22/08 1:13:06 PM

docartemis
Administrator
Posts: 688

Reply

Re: Women In Science

KentLeung wrote:
I am male and work in the field of nuclear/particle physics. I still see many obstacles for women in our field. I am sure that this is true for many other fields in physics also. I also have friends who work in computer science who feel the same way.

In order to survive in such a hostile environment, I have noticed the women seem become over-defensive about their work and it certainly flows onto everyday life. They are always under lots of stress because of it. I really don't want to scare your daughter away from such a career path if it's her passion. The only way the current situation can be changed is if more (very brave) women enter the field.

In my lab there are many biologists & chemists. From my observations, these fields are a lot more open to women.

Kent,

Why do you think there are fewer women in certain fields of science? We see the same thing in medicine, but it seems that once a certain critical mass is reached it becomes easier. For example, there are lots more women in engineering now than there were when I started college in 1974. (My graduating class had 3 women.)

_________________
Dr. Ginger Campbell (aka. docartemis)
Forum Creator and Administrator
the Brain Science Podcast

Posted on 02/22/08 1:14:35 PM

docartemis
Administrator
Posts: 688

Reply

Re: Women In Science

Neuromancer,

This is a great idea and I am looking forward to seeing what others have to say.

_________________
Dr. Ginger Campbell (aka. docartemis)
Forum Creator and Administrator
the Brain Science Podcast

Posted on 02/22/08 4:37:38 PM