With over 22,000 STEM majors on campus and a lack of female representation in the field, ASU has introduced a new center for women in STEM called the Center for Gender Equity in Science and Technology.
As of Jan. 11, Kimberly A. Scott of the School of Social Transformation led the launch of
Psychology and biology and society junior Megan Berry joined the
Berry gives credit to the CompuGirls program started by Scott, which gives young girls a chance to learn and apply skills for using the latest technologies with an emphasis in social justice. Berry is in the process of working with Scott and Patricia Garcia from
“We’re using data from past CompuGirls experiences and we’re seeing how these girls are interacting in a technology program like CompuGirls,” Berry said. “They (the girls) have so many different aspirations and it’s great to see how it’s come full circle.”
For women and minority females nervous about pursuing STEM because of their identity, Berry’s advice is simple — speak up and stick with it.
“Don’t be afraid,” Berry said. “In most cases, girls don’t really speak out in science classes. Go for it and don’t be discouraged. Keep with it.”
Biochemistry sophomore Helen Mitiku likes the fact that ASU has decided to support this kind of center for STEM majors like herself.
“I think ASU has done a good job,” Mitiku said. “A lot of women think it’s already hard to be a science major. This is a program good for women to come together and overcome their struggles.”
Along with Scott,
“I think what stands out most to me is what we are looking to accomplish and just knowing how many girls we could empower and create an impact for,” Escontrías said.
Related Links:
ASU joins Million Women Mentors Initiative, encourages women in STEM fields
ASU website serves as a mentor to women in STEM fields
Reach the reporter at sgreene6@asu.edu or follow @thesydneygreene on Twitter.
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