To level the playing field for women in the science, technology and mathematics field, the Women in STEM 2015 event said education needs to be personalized.
Women in STEM is an effort by two University departments aimed to broaden students’ career pathways in STEM through a gender studies lens.
Women in STEM, an annual event sponsored by the College of Science, Women’s and Gender Studies, the Science Residential College, the Engineering Residential College and the College of Engineering, revamped its 2015 agenda enlisting Carol Colatrella, co-director of the Center for the Study of Women, Science and Technology and professor of literature and cultural studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology, as keynote speaker and panel emcee.
The convergence among departments came after Michelle Massé, English professor and director of graduate studies, approached the College of Science and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences to co-sponsor Colatrella’s lecture based on her gender in science specialty.
“[We thought it would be a] wonderful opportunity to ask her to share her expertise with us not only in a lecture setting, but also in a specialized panel discussion tailored very much to undergraduate students,” said College of Science Dean Cynthia Peterson.
Colatrella discussed during the lecture, based off of her article “Why STEM Students Need Gender Studies,” the importance of pointing out and understanding, working environments and conditions making diversity difficult in science fields.
“Choices cannot be made without perspective,” Colatrella said during the lecture.
When it comes to gender inequality in STEM, Colatrella said she believes universities must develop academic curriculum tailored to student culture, rather than a one-size-fits-all philosophy.
Colatrella said, while there are many opportunities for women, they are often discouraged by societal expectations. For example, she said women are expected to be friendly and nurturing in situations where one has to be assertive.
Colatrella also served as a keynote speaker and moderator for the Women in STEM panel, where University alumni shared their personal stories, career choices and tips for students.
Panelists included Karen Storthz, University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston professor, Rebecca Guidry, clinical medical physicist at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Pat Bodin, former chief information officer and vice president of global information for ExxonMobil, Judea Goins-Andrews, director of school engagement for Louisiana at Project Lead the Way’s STEM focused curriculum and Sorcha Clary, project engineer for Marathon Petroleum.
“Often students come into science with a pretty narrow understanding of what [it] is and I think it’s beneficial very early in people’s education to open up the world a little more broadly,” Peterson said. “It’s useful to meet people and hear personal stories because you realize there are lots of different ways to have a successful career in STEM.”

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Maria Fernanda Piña

Carol Colatrella, two-time Fulbright scholar and author, on Thursday talking about gender inequality race and other forms of opperssion in STEM fields at the Art + Commons in the Design Building.