What can be done to increase diversity in STEM fields?
Nuclear security lacks diversity due to its hyper male-dominated past. Through proactive recruitment efforts and safe, non-committal exposure opportunities, like internships, women with apt technical skills can be exposed to this exciting world. This vessel of introduction is leveraged by my employer but isn’t taken advantage of enough for nuclear security. Reaching out to nuclear engineering programs nationwide and creating portholes into nuclear security engineering sciences through seminars, career fairs, and internship opportunities provides a level of career opportunity awareness. It also demonstrates to young women that these positions need more women who are willing to voice their opinions based on sound technical knowledge and education. Internships provide the opportunity for women to begin building a professional network, contribute to projects in meaningful ways, gain confidence in themselves and their knowledge, and develop a close relationship with a quality mentor (or two or three!). These skills aren’t taught in books. It is up to the industry to make sure we are providing these pathways to success for our future female nuclear security experts!
What can be done to move women forward in STEM?
I see more women in leadership roles internally at my company and in our customers’ hierarchy. However, I am often still the only woman with a technical degree or expertise in many working meetings. It is encouraging to see that women are being chosen for higher-level roles, but it does not address the challenge of being the only woman in a boots-on-the-ground working environment where peers can be dismissive or ignorant of your opinion and knowledge. This dynamic can be challenging to break and can sometimes be fostered by female leadership. Encouraging women to pursue more technical, rigorous, and challenging academic programs can assist in building a more representative foundation for STEM and nuclear security. When leadership meetings occur, leaders should listen carefully and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak. If they do that, then team members will have more respect for all opinions.
Describe your experiences as a woman in a STEM career.
My career path has been more dynamic than I expected, leading me to the field of nuclear security. I was fortunate to have role models along the way, both male and female, who encouraged me to continue my education and pursue non-traditional research avenues in my profession. While there have been challenges gaining traction in a non-academic and traditionally male dominated expertise, I refused to allow any arguments regarding my gender to play a role in my success. Lack of accepting such trivial excuses as to why I mattered less or my opinions were less important led to my ability to confidently repeat myself when spoken over, ignored, or silenced. I have also found that asking to meet other experts, getting exposed to new subtopics within nuclear security, and being an active listener has enhanced my situational awareness about the content area while simultaneously leading to more name and face recognition. Never underestimate the power of being remembered when you are the only woman in the room.
