A shockingly low percentage of women scientists are appointed to governing bodies and leading academic institutions, according to a new report.
Women in STEM
DEADLINE PASSED: Nominate a Trailblazer for Our ‘Cutting-Edge Women in Science’ List
If you’re a member of the scientific community, tell us who deserves the spotlight. Deadline: Sept. 15.
Dr. Sally Ride, the Queer Woman Icon Who Was Never Allowed to Be One
As a new National Geographic documentary highlights, the history-making astronaut was never given space in homophobic American society to feel comfortable living as her true self.
Do Clouds Contribute to Climate Change? This Scientist Wants to Find Out
At Columbia University, Juliet Pilewskie is studying how clouds and the environment exchange energy, a longtime mystery.
Investigating Extreme Heat in Salt Lake City
In Utah, Heather Holmes is working on better forecasting models, especially when heat waves mix with wildfire smoke in rural communities.
Beyond Fire and Smoke, Wildfires Might Just Spread Disease, Too
In California, Onja Davidson Raoelison is studying how extreme events like wildfires may spread pathogens through the water and air, a potential threat to human health.
The Founder of Afghanistan’s First All-Girls Coding School
Fereshteh Forough opened Afghanistan’s first coding school for girls and women – but the Taliban’s ban on education prevents students from learning in-person.
Inviting Girls to Code the Characters They Want to See In Games
The new platform Girls Who Code Girls allows girls to create avatars that reflect themselves outside of the male gaze.
She’ll Be the First Indigenous Woman to Take to the Stars
NASA astronaut Nicole Aunapu Mann is set to fly to space this week with SpaceX’s Crew-5 mission.
RIP ‘Star Trek’s’ Nichelle Nichols, Pioneer for Representation
The actress and activist passed away, but her legacy lives on among women on-screen – and women in STEM.
Women in STEM to Get Life-Sized Orange Statues Outside Smithsonian
A sprawling new exhibit will showcase inspiring women making a mark in science-related fields.
NASA Astronaut to Be First Black Woman on Extended Space Mission
Once she launches, Jessica Watkins will photograph the Earth’s surface and conduct a host of scientific studies.
Apply for $25,000 Award for Women in Science Working on Water Crisis
The Story Exchange will award $5,000 incentive prizes to 5 female scientists addressing climate change. NOTE: Application deadline is now closed.
Women in AI, Part 1: Ugly Sexist AI
Yes, artificial intelligence has incredible potential. But it’s also reproducing all the gender bias and inequality that currently exists in the world. (Part 1)
This New PBS Documentary Shines a Light on an Unsung Woman Hero
Similar to ‘Hidden Figures,’ the story of history-making cryptanalyst Elizebeth Smith has gone largely untold.
For the First Time, an All-Women Team Wins the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna created a tool to alter genes. It earned them the top scientific distinction.
9 Women in STEM Who Might Just Save Us All
From vaccine developments to vital testing kits, women in the science world are making critical strides in helping humanity combat the novel coronavirus.
Remembering Katherine Johnson, ‘Hidden Figures’ Mathematician
Mathematician Katherine Johnson passed away. She’s remembered fondly as both a brilliant mind at NASA and a trailblazer for fellow women in science, tech, engineering and math.
Latin America Is the New Hub for Female STEM Entrepreneurs
Female founders across Latin America are putting down business roots in their home countries, thanks to an abundance of accelerator programs.
The First All-Female Spacewalk is Finally Scheduled to Happen
Astronauts Jessica Meir and Christian Koch will make history at the International Space Station.
She Understands the Importance of Getting Women Involved in Tech
Kalai Sankar started Shiva Robotics Academy to get moms and their daughters involved in robotics competitions
The Unusual Item That Inspired This Science Entrepreneur’s Career Path
Like many young women, Tish Scolnik initially rejected engineering as “nerdy.” Now she’s running a social enterprise that designs wheelchairs for rough terrains.
Friday Four
Inspired reading, listening and viewing for discerning women entrepreneurs, curated from around the web.
Inspiration from a Young Woman on the Rise in Tech
An up-and-coming woman in STEM encourages us to unleash our potential by living confidently.
Hacking the UK’s STEM Representation Problem
Stemettes is dedicated to eliminating the gender-based “skills gaps” in science, tech, engineering and math across the pond.
Coming Together to Make an Impact
The National Girls Collaborative Project brings together organizations in support of girls in STEM.
Why We Need Women in STEM
Female scientists are starting to get more attention – and that’s good for society as a whole.
The New Empowering Kid on the Block
With “Miss Possible,” two female entrepreneurs hope to inspire girls to dream big through playtime.
The Especially Thick Glass Ceiling of the Tech World
A report looks at the issues women face while climbing the corporate ladder in the technology industry.
Playing STEM
LEGO announces plans to launch a series of female scientist figurines.
10 Resources for Encouraging STEM Girls
A list of supportive spaces — physical and virtual — for future female employees and entrepreneurs.
2 STEM Business Success Stories
Need inspiration? Check out these videos of women in engineering and computer forensics.
7 Inspiring Women in Engineering
Guest author Jenny Beswick, an engineer who encourages women to join the field, shares this list of pioneers.
Creating a Supportive Space for Women in Tech
Lawrence, executive director of the New York Tech Meetup, explains why conversations about women in STEM must continue.
Focusing on the Science – Not the Gender of the Scientist
The woman behind Wibi+Works talks about the importance of perseverance.
Engineering a Career Path in the Modern STEM World
Durham, of Chic G.E.E.K.S., discusses racial representation and damaging stereotypes.
STEM Entrepreneurship – Where are the Women?
How can we bridge this seemingly insurmountable gap?
Why Aren’t Women in Tech? Job Discrimination
One study shows that employers’ tendencies to hire men over women for STEM jobs could contribute to shrinking female candidate pool.
Experts Talk, Encourage in #STEMforHer Twitter Chat
The Small Business Association and the National Women’s Business Council hosted the interactive discussion.
Women in Space: Space for Women
When reading this I was touched by what Mae Jemison – the first African-American female astronaut – had to say. She grew up during NASA’s Apollo era of space travel and as a child was irritated by the lack of women involved, who could have been role models for her.