Making the grade: Women scientists give pointers to girls considering careers in science Making the grade: Women scientists give pointers to girls considering careers in science (March 23, 2005)

By David Boyce

Almanac Staff Writer

Affirmative action that aimed at eliminating career barriers for women goes back decades. Strong evidence of success can be found in law and medical school enrollments, where the percentage of women has risen from single digits in 1970 to about 50 percent today.

Women remain underrepresented in science, engineering and math careers, however. The issue came to new prominence in January after a controversial speech by Harvard University President Lawrence Summers, who raised the question: Why are there so few women in the top jobs in these fields?

The Almanac asked eight local women scientists for advice for girls considering scientific careers.

Passion is a prerequisite, says Dr. Mary Lou Zoback, a senior research scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park and a member of the National Academy of Sciences. How do you know you have that passion? Recall your feelings about science when you were 5 years old, she says.

Volunteer for summer jobs in the field of your choice, says Dr. Kristien Mortelmans, a microbiologist at SRI International in Menlo Park. Ms. Mortelmans didn't take up science until well into college. She now has a DNA molecule named after her, is past president of a national microbiology society, and directs a lab at SRI.

"There's a saying that you should do what you love," says USGS seismologist Dr. Ruth Harris. "I think that's really true."

Dr. Allegra Scheirer, a USGS geophysicist, recommends high school calculus, participating in science fairs, and getting hands-on experience. It's easy to fall into a habit of memorizing, she says, but actually getting your hands dirty will sharpen your critical thinking skills. "Put your hands in the salt marsh and see what comes up," she says.

"If a girl doesn't do well, her tendency is to think that she's not good enough," says Dr. Nora Sabelli, a chemist and program director at SRI International. She recommends the book "They're not Dumb, They're Different," by Sheila Tobias.

A mentor can help you through the rough spots, says Caolionn O'Connell, a physics graduate student at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. And for a good understanding of how to solve scientific problems, she recommends a physics major in undergraduate school.

Boys and girls behave differently, notes USGS geochemist Marjorie Schulz, so it behooves girls to pay attention. A boy may bluff when he doesn't know an answer, which can be perceived as self-confidence, while a girl in the same situation may add too many qualifications to her answer. "It's a subtle thing, but it tells people you're not confident," she says.

Self-confidence is important, particularly when asking questions, says SRI computational physicist Dr. Marcy Berding. "Don't be afraid to be wrong," she says. "Don't be afraid to ask questions. The biggest thing I learned in graduate school is that the professors weren't all that smart. They're not these other beings."

"Go for it," says USGS hydrologist Dr. Hedeff Essaid. Find supportive teachers to help you through and make the effort to find friends to share your interests in science.

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