Women In STEM Research Articles

How Can We Move Advanced Methodology into Practice More Effectively?

Methodology serves an essential role in advancing psychological science. However, meta-science research points to a leaky translational pipeline in which substantive research often fails to utilize recommended methodological practices. Various explanations for this problem include valuing the development of methods over methodology (making tools over using tools), incentives for methodological research, incentives for promoting pedagogy in methodology, an insufficient number of quantitative methodologists in the discipline, and scarcity of resources for substantive researchers seeking more advanced methodological training. Policy makers might consider several recommendations that could mitigate extant leaks in the translational pipeline.

Breaking the Cycle: Women’s Experience in Postsecondary Agricultural and Extension Education

The “leaky educational pipeline” metaphor refers to the steady tapering off of women obtaining graduate degrees and reaching the level of a tenured faculty member, although the number of women earning college degrees has surpassed males since the 1980s. Women are disproportionately represented among faculty and leadership at land-grant institutions and in the agricultural education profession. The purpose of this study was to provide a synthesis of women’s experience in postsecondary agricultural and extension education (AEE) by describing the common and diverging challenges, opportunities, and mentoring experiences of women faculty and graduate students in the profession. The study was a textual narrative synthesis of two preliminary studies which provided an updated profile of the current organizational climate and mentoring experiences of women faculty and women graduate students in AEE. Three overarching themes with 11 categories emerged to summarize the experiences of women in AEE: (a) navigating a traditional academic system, (b) operating in a male-dominated discipline, and (c) influencing change in the profession. These findings challenge the AEE profession to critically acknowledge women’s experiences and begin looking outside academia for solutions to create a more inclusive organizational culture that values gender diversity.

Sexual Violence against Women in STEM: A Test of Backlash Theory Among Undergraduate Women.

It has been argued that increasing the number of women in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields could mitigate violence against women by advancing gender equality. However, some research points to a "backlash" effect wherein gains in gender equality are associated with heighted sexual violence (SV) against women. In this study, we compare SV against undergraduate women majoring in STEM disciplines to those majoring in non-STEM disciplines. Data were collected between July and October of 2020 from undergraduate women (N = 318) at five institutions of higher education in the United States. Sampling was stratified by STEM versus non-STEM majors and male-dominated versus gender-balanced majors. SV was measured using the revised Sexual Experiences Survey. Results indicated that women majoring in STEM disciplines that are gender balanced reported more SV victimization in the form of sexual coercion, attempted sexual coercion, attempted rape, and rape compared to their peers in both gender-balanced and male-dominated non-STEM and male-dominated STEM majors. These associations held even after controlling for age, race/ethnicity, victimization prior to college, sexual orientation, college binge drinking, and hard drug use during college. These data suggest that the risk of repeated SV victimization within STEM populations may be a threat to sustained gender parity in these fields and ultimately to gender equality and equity. Gender balance in STEM should not be furthered without addressing the potential use of SV as a potential means of social control over women.

Bye bye Ms. American Sci: Women and the leaky STEM pipeline

More than two-thirds of STEM jobs are held by men. In this paper, I provide a detailed analysis of the STEM pipeline from high school to mid-career in the United States, decomposing the gender gap in STEM into six stages. Women are lost from STEM before college, during college, and after college. Men are more likely to be STEM-ready before college, scoring higher on science tests and having taken more advanced math and science courses. This accounts for 35% of the overall gender gap in STEM careers. During college, men are far more likely than women to start in a STEM major, accounting for 26% of the gap. After college, male STEM graduates are more likely to enter STEM jobs, accounting for 41%. Men’s higher persistence in STEM majors is a smaller factor, while women attend college at higher rates than men, which works to reduce the final gender gap in STEM. The results show that there is no single stage to focus on in understanding the gender gap in STEM.

Gender imbalance in doctoral education: an analysis of the Spanish university system (1977–2021)

Doctoral education is a key feature of university systems, as well as a basic foundation of scientific practice. That period culminates in a dissertation and examination of the candidate that has been studied from several points of view. This paper reports the results of an analysis on the evolution and characteristics of gender imbalance of a complete doctoral system for a wide period of time. Data from the database Teseo was used in order to identify the individuals involved in the process, the scientific fields in which the dissertations where classified, and the institutions in which the examination took place. Results: the Spanish system shows a clear evolution towards gender balance, but also some concerning trends that are worth tracking. Seemingly, STEM disciplines look to be evolving more slowly than other branches of science in several aspects. A leaky pipeline is characterized in this system around the roles of supervisors, candidates, members and chairs of the dissertation committees. Gender assortativity is also studied and described, and its possible effects discussed around the academic relations that surround doctoral examination.

1-D convolution neural network based leak detection, location and size estimation in smart water grid

ABSTRACT Water is one of the essential natural resources for survival, but the water transportation system faces significant challenges because of huge water loss due to leaky pipeline systems. An IoT based novel SWG prototype has been developed and reported in this work. The SWG comprises sensors and devices that can continuously and remotely monitor the pressure, temperature, flow, pH, turbidity, etc., of the water being transported. Moreover, a novel 1-D CNN model has been developed by creating an artificial leak on the pipeline that takes input data points as a chunk of 5-minute time series to the network and gives output in leak detection, location and size estimation simultaneously. Further, the developed model is compared with other state of the art machine learning techniques and the proposed model is found better in terms of accuracy which is 94.32%, 91.91% and 89.85% for leak detection, size estimation and location respectively.

Advocacy for Diversity in Hand Surgery.

Diversity in the Hand Surgery workforce improves the quality of care delivered, advances a wider variety of innovation within the field and leads to higher patient satisfaction, greater access to care and patient adherence to advice. An understanding of the data makes a compelling argument for change. Advocacy is necessary to stop the "leaky pipeline" of the loss of diversity in more senior and leadership roles. Hand surgeons who are both women and from underrepresented minority groups are especially vulnerable to bias from the health-care system, with focused support and mentoring required throughout their training and career.

Accidental Scientists: How Undergraduate Research in Political Science Can Help to Patch the “Leaky Pipeline” in STEM Education

ABSTRACTEducation advocates lament the “leaky pipeline” in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), whereby students—especially minorities and women—drop out of STEM at successive stages of the educational system. Defining empirical political science as a branch of STEM, this article proposes that undergraduate research in political science can help to patch this leaky pipeline and expand access to scientific skills and habits of mind. I elaborate on three rationales to support my claim: (1) political science is a relatively diverse field of STEM; (2) college primes students to think like (political) scientists; and (3) students often encounter political science research opportunities for the first time as undergraduates, presenting an opportunity for faculty to “catch” those who selected out of STEM after high school. I substantiate my arguments by drawing on enrollment data, archival documents, the theories of John Dewey, and testimonials from former undergraduate researchers. I also recommend ways for political science departments to provide a meaningful STEM education by enhancing research programs.

Representation of Female Speakers at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meetings Over Time.

In the United States, women comprise 16% of orthopaedic surgery residents, 4% of fellows, and 6% of practicing orthopaedic surgeons. The underrepresentation of women in surgical subspecialties may be because of lack of early exposure to female mentors. Conference speaker roles are important for visibility. This study aims to evaluate the representation of women in speaker roles and responsibilities at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) meetings over time. The names of speakers and session titles at the annual AAOS meetings were obtained from conference programs for the years 2009, 2014, and 2019. Each speaker was classified based on sex and role. Sessions discussing scientific or surgical topics were classified as technical and those that did not were classified as nontechnical. Descriptive statistics are provided, as well as individual-year odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) examining sex versus technical session status and sex versus speaker role; combined results controlling for year are calculated using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel method. Overall, 3,980 speaking sessions were analyzed; 6.8% of speaking sessions were assigned to women. Women were more likely than men to participate in nontechnical speaking roles (OR 3.85; 95% CI, 2.79 to 4.78). Among talks given by women, the percentage that were nontechnical increased (25.5% in 2009, 24.3% in 2014, and 44.1% in 2019). Among moderator roles, the percentage assigned to women increased (4.5% in 2009, 6.0% in 2014, 14.5% in 2019). Our findings demonstrate an increase in female speakers at AAOS meetings from 2009 to 2019. The percentage of female moderators and nontechnical sessions given by women increased since 2009. A need for a shift in the distribution of speaker role exists, which promotes inclusivity and prevents professional marginalization. Representation of women as role models increases visibility and may address the leaky pipeline phenomenon and paucity of women in orthopaedics.

Transient wave-leak interaction analysis for improved leak detection in viscoelastic pipelines

Transient wave reflection methods (TWRMs) have exhibited favorable capability in leak detection for elastic pipelines, but applications have demonstrated their relatively low accuracy for viscoelastic pipelines. This paper investigates the transient wave behaviour, the principal tenet for leak detection by TWRMs, in a leaky viscoelastic pipeline to understand the mechanism of wave modification by leaks and viscoelasticity. Based on the correspondence principle, this research derives analytical formulations of the leak-induced wave reflection and phase difference at any measurement point in a viscoelastic pipe. According to the measured reflection coefficient, an optimization algorithm is further developed to detect the leak. The methodologies are then assessed and discussed through sinusoidal and sigmoid perturbations in numerical and laboratory tests. The extensive analyses indicate that measurement distance and leak ratio affect the magnitude of the reflected wave, yet, the wave phase shift is relatively independent of the leak ratio for practical applications.

PARTNERING THROUGH IT: CONFRONTING THE INSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES FACING DUAL-CAREER ACADEMIC COUPLES

Purpose: Meeting the needs of dual-career academic couples can be an important step in recruiting and retaining university faculty and researchers. The goal of this essay is to review the existing scholarship on dual-career hires and offer concrete recommendations for university administrators. Background/Motivation: Attending to dual-career needs is especially relevant to efforts at diversifying the academic workforce, as multiple studies have indicated that faculty appointments are a major contributor to the so-called leaky pipeline causing attrition of women and scholars of color, particularly in biomedical and STEM fields. We take it as a feminist imperative to confront institutional discrimination against dual-career scholars and to intervene in the service of collective praxis. Intended Audience: Scholars and administrators interested in understanding and overcoming institutional barriers to achieving diverse, inclusive, and family-friendly academic workplaces. Contribution: This essay synthesizes the recent literature on dual-career hires and offers recommendations for university administrators. Positionality: We approach this issue as a senior academic couple that has navigated dual-career job searches for close to twenty years and has held faculty positions together at three different academic institutions. We are a white, hetero dual-career academic couple interested in developing resources for individuals striving to activate change at their universities.

Women in STEM, Experiences of Mexican Women Scientists

From a gender perspective, it is important to recognize that sexual differences are distinguished from social constructions based on these differences and, like stereotypes, are learned and transmitted culturally and where, historically, women have gone from exclusion to segregation in the field of science and their contributions to scientific knowledge. Even today, women still constitute a minority in training and professional itineraries in the scientific-technical field. Therefore, a study was oriented to make visible through a transversal analysis, to understand the different forms of discrimination, harassment and violence against women in the scientific field. For this purpose, a data treatment was carried out, such as the self-perception of discrimination and violence, in a measurable way, as well as the domestic chores, where it was observed the tendency of particular tasks such as the support with the children continues to be a task of greater proportion for women, which gives space to the exercise of motherhood and the labor and social discrimination itself. Finally, there were anonymous testimonies of discrimination and violence, from the voice of women scientists. Thus, while recognizing the work of numerous institutions, civil associations, the creation of instruments and departments in universities on gender issues and women's own self-recognition, we know that the task that remains pending is to address from the initial stage of school, the visualization of girls in science, the elimination of barriers that are socially and culturally present, breaking those gender roles and stereotypes that interfere in their training, so that science is neutral, without sex and/or gender, and on equal terms.

INCLUSIVE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN U.S. STEM FIELDS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

This paper reviews the current landscape of inclusivity efforts within the United States' STEM workforce, focusing on the persistent challenges hindering diversity. The lack of diversity in the workforce, particularly among women, minorities, and marginalized groups, stifles innovation and hinders the nation's ability to tackle complex scientific and technological challenges. Despite numerous initiatives targeting different stages of the STEM education and career pipeline, such as early intervention programs in K-12 education, higher education interventions with scholarships and targeted recruitment, workplace diversity initiatives, and government support through policies and funding, significant challenges persist. Deep-rooted systemic barriers, including inequities in education and financial resources, disadvantage underrepresented groups. Stereotypes and implicit bias within STEM institutions create hostile environments, hindering career advancement. The "leaky pipeline" phenomenon indicates that underrepresentation persists at higher levels of the STEM workforce, emphasizing the need for sustained, comprehensive solutions. Inclusive workforce development in U.S. STEM fields has made substantial contributions, expanding the talent pool, fostering groundbreaking ideas, and positioning the U.S. for global competitiveness in a market where scientific and technological advancements are crucial for economic prosperity. To foster a truly inclusive STEM ecosystem, concerted efforts are required, including prioritizing early education, implementing effective diversity and inclusion training programs, strengthening support systems, and continuously collecting and analyzing data. In conclusion, building a truly inclusive STEM workforce requires a long-term commitment from individuals, institutions, and the government. Addressing systemic barriers, combating bias, and strengthening support systems are vital steps to leverage the full potential of the diverse population, driving innovation, enhancing national competitiveness, and addressing the pressing challenges of the 21st century. Keywords: STEM, Workforce, K-12, Innovation, USA.

Research performance, academic promotion, and gender disparities: Analysis of data on agricultural economists in Chinese higher education

AbstractThis paper provides an overall picture of women's representation and gender parity in the field of Agricultural Economics by constructing and analyzing a database of agricultural economists in China. We find that female scholars “occupy half the sky” in number, but not all the way up to the higher‐ranking academic positions. Women lag behind men in terms of research performance and academic promotion; even more so, gender disparity becomes more prominent when moving up the ranking ladder. A closer examination of agricultural economists of different age cohorts indicates that the gender gap, both in numbers engaged in the profession and academic performance measured by Chinese paper publications and nation‐level projects chaired, is narrowing. However, gaps in the number of high‐quality paper publications and the time span before promotion, alongside the phenomenon of a “leaky pipeline” in academia, are growing significantly over time. The representation of “star scientists” shows similar, yet steeper trends. In the absence of detailed studies, the paper explores possible explanations of the converging gender gap in scale but increasing gender disparity that is termed a “leaky pipeline.” It concludes that the Policy of Enrollment Expansion in Higher Education provides vulnerable young females with more opportunities to access higher education, which increases both the number and proportion of women in the profession.

Societal influences on career decision making: Perspectives of African women pursuing technology‐related professions

AbstractSeveral studies have explored the phenomenon of low participation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and careers. However, there remains very limited understanding of this phenomenon from an African woman's perspective. This is particularly concerning when considering the positionality of African women, in a form of deeply entrenched and systemic marginalization in relation to women from other parts of the world. It is these unique circumstances that warrant study specifically aimed at uncovering and elevating their experiences. This qualitative study has explored and highlighted the dynamics African women face when deciding to pursue a technology‐related profession or studies. An understanding of the experiences of African women can provide a different lens for examining the concept of a “leaky pipeline,” as a phenomenon that has been used to explain the shortage of women in STEM fields. The findings highlight both the motivations as well as challenges experienced by African women pursuing STEM profession and studies. Some of the motivations highlighted include personal interest or capability, as well as the family setting of an individual and status of STEM profession their contexts. The phenomenon of impostor syndrome was identified as one of the clear challenges experienced by African women. The findings also highlight the complexity of factors that act as both challenge as well as motivation. These include gender perception and stereotypes, access (or lack thereof) to role models, family influences, and exposure to technology at a young age. While the study accomplishes the aim of elevating experiences of African women pursuing STEM professions and studies, it is clear that further studies are necessary in this area in order to develop a rich understanding of these experiences in relation to the well‐known systemic issues confronting African women. This deep and nuanced understanding will play a crucial role in formulating meaningful and sustainable resolutions.

Scholarly Networks, Gender Sociology, and Knowledge Production in Aegean Survey and Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology

Scholarly Networks, Gender Sociology, and Knowledge Production in Aegean Survey and Eastern Mediterranean Archaeology

United in Patriarchy? A View from across the (Aegean) Pond

United in Patriarchy? A View from across the (Aegean) Pond

Do mothers get lost at the postdoc stage? Event history analysis of psychologists at German universities (1980–2019)

Women in academia are typically outnumbered by men, a phenomenon metaphorically known as “the leaky pipeline.” This study contributes by showing a motherhood penalty in the career pipeline at the postdoctoral stage in Germany—that is, during habilitation. Based on CV information and an email survey, the paper examines which factors are associated with being awarded a habilitation and whether these factors differ between women and men as well as mothers and fathers. Using Cox regressions of retrospective career trajectories of almost all psychologists at German universities in 2019 (2527 scientists with 37,423 publications), the study shows that SSCI/SCIE articles and having a PhD from abroad increase the habilitation risk more strongly for women and mothers than for men and fathers. Net of career factors observed by CVs, however, mothers have a 42% significantly lower habilitation risk.

A Descriptive Analysis of Pediatric Ophthalmology Fellowship Program Directors

There is limited literature on the characteristics of pediatric ophthalmology leadership. The authors examined the demographics, academic backgrounds, and scholarly output of pediatric ophthalmology fellowship program directors. Despite a positive trend in gender equity in this position, efforts remain to resolve the "leaky pipeline" of women into ophthalmology leadership. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2022;59(6):e69-e72.].

Navigating the academic ladder as an early career researcher in earth and environmental sciences

AbstractThere is growing concern in Higher Education around job security, work–life balance and inequalities, and early career researchers (ECRs) must make difficult trade‐offs and life choices. Literature confirms that women navigating academia face additional challenges compared to their male counterparts. Few studies connected contractual circumstances, employment priorities and their impacts on the life choices of individual academics. We report results from a survey exploring the experiences of 37 ECRs who completed PhDs in the United Kingdom (UK) navigating the academic ladder in geomorphology and earth/environmental science, and contextualize these findings by drawing on personal experiences and wider literature. We find evidence of multi‐directional pressures that have materially negative effects on individuals' life choices, including concern that academic employment is a barrier to living where and with whom one may want to. The level of precarity amongst survey respondents is stark in terms of number of years they have held fixed‐term contracts (maximum 10 years), the number of individual contracts held (maximum 14) and number of different institutions worked at (maximum six). Women respondents were less prepared to be employed on precarious contracts and put more emphasis on job security when applying for academic posts, with men being generally more satisfied by financial aspects of university employment; which will amplify the leaky pipeline and gender gaps at more senior levels. We also find that perceived institutional prestige was a surprisingly low priority for the majority of respondents, and there were notable divergences between career advice given by more senior colleagues and the priorities of ECRs seeking guidance. We put forward a set of key considerations: improving policies on parental leave and flexible working; formalizing and improving mentorship; more considerate recruitment procedures; reducing contract precarity; and, transparency on pay and promotion. We believe these are within the scope of action by departments, laboratories and research groups.