How Do We Encourage More Women in STEM?

Everyday Einstein talks to Rep. Lois Frankel about women in STEM

Last week the Women’s Congressional Policy Institute hosted the Fifth Annual Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Fair in Washington, D.C. A theme of the bipartisan event is encouraging more participation in science and technology fields from women at all career stages, a topic near and dear to my heart.

The fair has both nonprofit and private sector partners in attendance that give science demos, offer information on programs they have to promote women in STEAM fields, as well as provide examples of careers available to those interested in pursuing a science-based education. I was there with L’Oreal USA to discuss their grants program for early career women scientists which has funded my research in the past as well as to give science demonstrations with my infrared camera.

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

Also supporting the fair was the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues, including Caucus Co-Chairs Representative Susan Brooks and Representative Lois Frankel and Caucus Vice-Chairs Representative Mimi Walters and Representative Brenda Lawrence. I got a chance to sit down with Representative Lois Frankel before the event to get her advice on how we can increase the participation of women in science-related fields.

»Continue reading on QuickAndDirtyTips.com

Subscribe to Support Independent Journalism

Great science journalism requires human expertise, time, effort and creativity. And it costs money. That’s why I and the journalists here at Scientific American hope you’ll join our community.

When you subscribe, you are supporting staff and freelance journalists who are passionate about telling science stories that are true, important and compelling. Our editors and reporters are often experts in their fields, which means they understand the nuances of big discoveries and can untangle the breakthroughs from the hype. With a subscription, you are also supporting rigorous fact-checking to ensure the words we publish are precise and accurate. And you’re supporting original illustrations, graphics and photos that bring you closer to an advanced laboratory, an ice sheet in Antarctica or a space mission in orbit. You’re helping us craft other types of high-quality journalism as well: Our newsletters are carefully written, edited and curated by staffers you have or will come to know and love. Our Science Quickly podcast is based on original reporting, collaboration with editors and scientists and exacting production.

Subscriptions keep this engine running so we can continue to deliver thoughtful, rigorous and independent science journalism to you. In an era of viral misinformation, this work is crucial. If you value what we do, I hope you’ll consider joining us as a subscriber

Thank you,

Jeanna Bryner, Editor in Chief, Scientific American