Guest Blog: Ada Barlatt, Rutgers-Xi Alumna

Hello everyone. We continue our guest blog series with a note from Ada Barlatt, a Rutgers-Xi Alpha class founder.

Hi Phi Rhos!

It was a pleasant surprise to be invited to give a guest blog. I have
many fond memories of Phi Sigma Rho at Rutgers. I am very proud to be
a member of this Sorority - it is amazing how much Xi Chapter has
grown and how the Sorority has expanded across the United States!

At first I was uncertain what I should include in my blog message, but
when I received the message below I knew I had to share it with all of
you! On April 27, the National Girls Collaborative Project will be
hosting a webcast titled: "Why So Few? Women in Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics". I think that this webcast discusses a
topic that is relevant to each one of us -- both for the future of our
profession, but also for the future of Phi Sigma Rho.

I encourage each one of you learn more about the nation-wide
conversation regarding Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM), perhaps you could attend the webcast or read the
report. With our perspective as female professionals and students in
STEM fields we are uniquely positioned to express our views and share
our experiences. There are many perspectives on this topic, some I
agree with, some I do not. Nevertheless, I am sure that the Sisters of
Phi Sigma Rho will continue to play a significant role in encouraging
more women to pursue careers in engineering and the engineering
profession will be better because of it.

Keep up the good work!

PRL always!
Ada Barlatt
Rutgers-Xi Alpha Class


National Girls Collaborative Project April Webcast: Why So Few? Women
in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 2:00 - 3:00 Eastern Standard Time.

In an era when women are increasingly prominent in medicine, law and
business, why are so few women in science and engineering fields? A
new research report by AAUW (the American Association of University
Women) funded by the National Science Foundation, presents compelling
evidence that can help to explain this question. Join us to hear a
presentation of eight recent research findings profiled in Why So Few?
Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics that point
to important environmental and social barriers - including
stereotypes, gender bias and the climate of science and engineering
departments in colleges and universities- that continue to block
women's participation and progress in science, technology,
engineering, and math. The presentation will include ideas for what
each of us can do to open scientific and engineering fields more fully
to girls and women.

A free copy of the report is available for download at:
http://www.aauw.org/learn/research/whysofew.cfm.


The goal of the National Girls Collaborative Project is to maximize
access to shared resources within projects and with public and private
sector organizations and institutions interested in expanding girls'
participation in STEM. Webcasts are offered throughout the year
addressing research-based strategies in informal learning and
evaluation and assessment. Webcasts and resources are archived and
available for viewing.

"Why So Few" Article on Women in Science

An interesting article was published recently on work done compiling and sharing results of research from several studies on women in STEM, "Why So Few." This study talks a little about what needs to be done to help grow interest in STEM fields amongst women.

What is interesting about this is some of the suggestions they make for supporting women in science:

• Provide exposure of successful female role models in math and science for girls and communicate their achievements
• Provide an outlet for departmental social activities
• Actively recruit women into STEM majors and encourage high school girls to take math, science, and engineering based classes as available
• Help girls recognize their skills and capabilities in STEM related fields
• Take proactive steps to support women in engineering

These are just some of the recommendations made in the article, check out the article for more information!

Barbie goes Computer Engineering!

After 50 years and 125 dolls, Mattel has finally come out with Computer Engineer Barbie!  It's an exciting day for engineers interested in Barbie, and a great opportunity to show girls a little insight into engineering.

It appears that young girls weren't the ones that voted for computer engineer, but this is still a great way to encourage them to look at engineering. Remember when Barbie once talked about how Math is tough?  Glad to see she's come a long way in just a few years.

Great job to the Society of Women Engineers and National Academy of Engineering for working with Mattel to make this happen!  I know I'm looking forward picking up on when it comes out in the fall.

"Educate to Innovate"

Another exciting new STEM related initiative from the White House: "Educate to Innovate." The purpose of this one is to help educate math and science teachers prepared to help us increase the number of students in STEM.

What do you think of this new initiative?

The Next Generation of Innovators

Up to this point, this blog has primarily been geared towards what's going on with Phi Rho. But it has always been a goal of ours to make it a forum to discuss issues that relate to PSR - women's issues, STEM, etc. I thought that highlighting the recent announcement of the White House initiative "Educate to Innovate" would be a great way to start that!

Check out the White House website for the details here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2009/11/23/next-generation-innovators

How exciting! The President wants to make engineering and science "cool" for students in the U.S.!

How does this affect us Phi Rhos? Or better, how can PSR help affect the image of science and engineering and help future students get excited about engineering?