The Importance of Female STEM Role Models for Young Girls

By: Grace Connolly

As a child, I never saw myself going into a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) related field. When asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would respond with an artist, an actress, an author. I dreaded my math and science classes and never saw myself doing anything with what I was learning. Looking back, I wonder if this was because of the biases and stereotypes I learned as a child, subtly being told that women can’t be scientists or mathematicians.

This may have even been further compounded by how I rarely saw a woman scientist or mathematician. Even in my high school years, I only had a few female math and science teachers. In college, I still have predominantly male professors teaching my physics and other STEM-related courses. In these courses, I am one of the few girls who make up about a quarter to a third of the class. If there were more female representation and role models in STEM for girls like myself, there may be more girls in my class, more women studying STEM, and maybe overall more confidence for girls in STEM.

As I mentioned, there is a relationship between gender stereotypes and the overall confidence of girls in STEM. “Gender stereotypes tend to place greater social value on men and evaluate men’s competence as greater than women’s. One specific area in which men are stereotypically deemed more competent than women is mathematics. Parents’ and teachers’ expectations for children’s mathematical achievement are often gender-biased and can influence children’s attitudes toward math” (Corbett & Hill). The lack of female role models in STEM only perpetuates these stereotypes – not only are young girls told they are not as competent in mathematics, but they are also shown through this lack of role models.

As a woman studying physics, I now realize more than ever how important having a role model is for young girls in STEM and how, one day, I hope to be that for a someone. I went into college fearing being one of the few women in my classes, but those female professors and peers have helped serve as my role models and help me along my academic journey. They show me that I can do this, too. It truly makes all the difference to see someone who looks like you, whether they identify as your same gender or sexuality, or even share the same race, ability, etc. Representation and role models matter, and it can truly make all the difference.

At CGEST, being that role model is one of our many goals. I am a part of the CompuGirls team where we introduce young girls, from 8th to 12th grade, to the world of technology and further enhance their skills and understanding of this field. Additionally, we discuss the biases of women and women of color in STEM fields. I hope that this camp will help serve as that representation and role model to help show these girls that they can do anything they set their mind to!

Written By: Grace Connolly

Grace Connolly is working towards receiving her Bachelor of Science in Physics at Arizona State University and Barrett the Honors College. She has an interest in astronomy and hopes to one day help conduct research on stars and galaxies. Along with space, Grace also has a passion for music and has played the flute for over nine years. Recently, at ASU, Grace has delved further into women and gender studies and wants to help make a difference for women in STEM like herself. As a Barrett Scholar, Grace is looking forward to learning more about diversity and inclusion for women in STEM and assisting in research with the CGEST team. Outside of school, Grace loves to spend time with her friends and family, – including her two pugs and one cat – watch movies, and bullet journal.