Challenges Facing Women In STEM: Recognizing and Managing Bias and Identity Threat

The stereotype of most science, technology, engineering, and math fields is that “STEM is for men.” Additionally, men are over-represented at almost every level of STEM participation, both inside and outside of academia.  Together, this gender imbalance in scientific environments and the gendered nature of science stereotypes signal to women that STEM isn’t for them.  Importantly, these issues may be exacerbated for women from racial groups that are under-represented in STEM fields.  This talk will identify some of the specific psychological challenges facing women in STEM and explore different ways to manage them.