Lately I have been trying to figure out how to incorporate more science related posts into my blog. After thinking about it for a while, I decided to start a series of spotlights involving women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). I started off interviewing my friends and I hope to expand this series to include professionals! I hope you enjoy this series!
For my first interview, I spoke with my friend Eileen!
Name: Eileen
Chen
Age: 20
Field of
STEM: Environmental Science
Eileen in her natural environment
Describe yourself in three words?
Big Tree Hugger
What sparked your interest in your field?
Growing up, I've always liked science subjects and playing
outside. I guess I just combined those two likes into a program. It’s really
something I always saw myself going into.
What would your dream job be?
My dream job would be to work with people and in the great
outdoors; a job that requires me to do half office work and half fieldwork.
What are the
best and worst parts about being a woman in STEM?
The best part about being a woman in STEM is the opportunity
to show people that science is for any gender. Everyone likes to think that
Engineering and Technology is filled with men, but in fact more and more women
go into these fields every year and it’s great to see. The worst part about
being a woman in STEM is that sometimes, there is still discrimination towards
women whether it is less pay or the fact that if you go on maternity leave, you
might not be guaranteed a job afterwards.
Who are your
biggest supporters?
My biggest supporters would have to be my parents and my
professors. My parents have always told me to do the stuff I like and are
interested in. The professors that I’ve had over the years at University of
Windsor have been great. They really care about their students and want to see
each and every one of them succeed.
What advice
would you give to girls who are intimidated to pursue a career in STEM?
I would say do whatever makes you happy despite when your
gender is. There are always going to be obstacles in any field you go into. As
long as the program is right for you and you know that you can make something
of it, then it shouldn't matter what the other people think. You must accept
yourself first before others can accept you.
When will you
know that you've made it?
When I am doing something meaningful and making changes in
the world, I will know I have made it.
Thanks Eileen!
