Author speaks about women in STEM
Jobs in STEM fields are growing 1.7 times the rate of jobs in any other field.
Because these jobs are dominated by men, Barbara Oakley, author of the recently published “A Mind for Numbers” was asked by Central Michigan University’s Teaching and Learning Collective to speak on the topic of women in STEM fields yesterday in the Bovee University Center.
“I used to be in the health professions field, but there are linkages across all fields,” said Pamela Gates, Dean of Humanities, Social and Behavioral Science. “We see less and less women in STEM fields, and we’re wondering how we can challenge women to go into these fields.”
Throughout her speech, Oakley questioned whether or not it was beneficial to follow people's passions.
“I think it’s not as important to follow your passions, but to broaden your passions,” Oakley said.
The majority of her speech included assisting students with how to study efficiently. Though students were not expecting to hear about this topic, they said it was very beneficial to them.
“She had really good things to say about how to study,” said Rochester sophomore Carolyn Beindorff. “I learned a lot of useful study tactics.”
Oakley’s speech was very interactive; she asked students to pair up and share their experiences several times. Professor Thomas Rohrer, Director of Great Lakes Institute for Sustainable Systems, mentioned that students in all majors, not just STEM fields, could use Oakley’s tips.
“Dr. Oakley shared interesting experiences and valuable techniques for improving learning,” he said. “It’s particularly valuable for students of all majors.”
Offering insight to being a woman in a STEM field, Oakley shared that she has experienced prejudice and bias because of her gender. However, she said most men she has worked with are very supportive of women in those fields.
“She did give us many tips for studying and learning,” said Brighton senior Shelby Raupp. “It was interesting to hear her perspectives and stories.”
Because Oakley is a successful woman in STEM fields and she has a family, Portland senior Mariah Arwood said it was great to see a woman with balance.
“She is extremely successful and she has a family, which is cool to see,” she said. “I liked hearing that she was able to keep everything balanced.”
Oakley will be speaking again today at 9 a.m. in the UC Terrace Room. The presentation is called Teaching Quantitative Reasoning: A Conversation with Faculty. Although the event is directed toward faculty, it is free and open to the public.
