Are Women Underrepresented in the

Fields of Science and Engineering?

Lauryn Kabrich

Research

The how and why of women’s underrepresentation in these integral professions.

The Roots In advanced ancient civilizations, women’s

participation in science and engineering was accepted and respected.

By 1919, there had only been 139 female engineering students in U.S. history.

By 1947, a mere 0.3% of all U.S. engineers were women.

Reasons for this extreme underrepresentation included: › “Biological differences”› Sexism/stereotypes› Barriers to education

Underrepresentation Today Only 27% of those with careers in STEM are

female.› 13% female in engineering› 26% female in computer and mathematical

sciences› 51% female in biological and medical sciences

Between 1993-2008, the proportion of women whose highest degree was in science or engineering increased from 31% to 38%.

The proportion of women with a career in science and engineering increased from only 21% to 27%.

Reasons for Underrepresentation

Stereotypes/Sexism

Lack of Interest

Lack of role models/guidance

Domestic responsibilities

Lack of confidence

Potential Solutions Changes to cultural environment

Changes to working environment

Outreach programs for young girls and teens

Support programs for women at the university level

Product

•Volunteer Work at NCSU’s Imhotep Academy•Interning at SPX-Transformer Division

Imhotep Academy 21-year-old program dedicated to

educating, empowering, and inspiring underrepresented populations in the STEM fields

Programs for middle school-aged and high school-aged students

Conducted at NC State University’s Science House on Centennial Campus

Volunteering at Imhotep Academy

Assisted with set-up and preparations for two sessions (June 17th, 19th, 21st & July 3rd)

2 summer sessions› Investigating Renewable Energy

Applications: June 24th-28th › Everyday Applications of Algebra in a City:

July 8th-12th 70+ hours spent volunteering

My Roles Performed clerical work during camp

preparations› Made copies and name badges› Put together students’ binders› Prepared materials for camp activities

1st Session: Program Assistant› Helped with camp prep every morning› Took pictures for the newsletter› Assisted in science class

2nd Session: Promoted to Teacher Assistant › Assisted in science class full-time› Chaperoned field trip › Taught mini-lesson on water quality

Interning Experience July 30th, 9am-4:30 pm Interned with Lauren Bridgers

› Manufacturing Engineer for SPX-Transformer Division

› Degree in Mechanical Engineering from ECU Toured plant and learned about the

processes and equipment Ran errands Prepared cards for tool boards Attended meeting on OEE of Blast Booth

Mentor Heba Abdel-Rahman

› Senior Human Resources Generalist for SPX› Degree in Industrial Engineering from ECU

Provided support, advice, and guidance› Helped me with developing strategies to

increase the girls’ engagement and confidence at Imhotep

› Provided insight on what I will experience as a female engineering student in college

› Arranged my interning opportunity

Challenges & Successes

Challenges Finding a mentor Devoting 2+

weeks of my summer to Senior Project

Being viewed as professional due to my young age

Successes Making a positive

difference in children's lives

Networking connections

Discovering a passion

What I Learned The challenges that I will face, both in

college and the workplace, as a female engineer

The resources available for females in STEM

How to write a formal research paper

My aptitude in working with children in an academic setting

Thank you for your time!

Any Questions?