Southeast’s Environmental Science Association hosted its first Women in STEM gathering where a panel of women in science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) shared their experiences in the male-dominated industries Thursday, March 7, at the University Center.

The goal of the event was to provide supportive resources, promote networking and encourage open dialogue of the female experience in STEM.

Although the event was focused on women, the event was open to all genders.

The four-women panel was made up of: Southeast’s Department of Chemistry and Physics professor Margaret Hill and professor Pamela Mills; Katie Westby, a postdoctoral researcher in Tyson Research Center at Washington University in St. Louis; and Solný Adalsteinsson, a staff scientist in Tyson Research Center at Washington University in St. Louis.

A senior environmental science major Anahi Gamboa helped coordinate the event. Gamboa said she hoped to encourage and motivate students in the fields they desire to pursue.

“Tonight I want them to leave feeling inspired and network with one another,” Gamboa said.

Prior to the start of the event, senior chemistry and biochemistry major Katie Bunselmeyer said she was attending because it piqued her interest and was an opportunity for her to see the different paths she could take with her future career.

“I came out to see other women in STEM, where they are going with their careers, to hear what is happening to women in STEM and to get more awareness of women’s roles,” Bunselmeyer said.

Gamboa then began to ask the panel questions pertaining to women in STEM. She started the discussion by asking how they discovered their passion for STEM and why.

Mills said she had never imagined herself in this field but realized her passion for the industry in college.

After a series of questions and dialogue, Gamboa proposed the topic of “Imposter Syndrome,” its effects and asked if any of the women on the panel had ever experienced it.

Imposter Syndrome is the persistent inability to believe one’s success is deserved or has been legitimately achieved as a result of one's own efforts or skills, Gamboa explained.

Adalsteinsson shared that she had been surrounded by male professors while attending graduate school, and it affected her confidence in her own potential and ability. She said she was told by an advisor to “fake it until you make it” since she was in an environment that was not normally geared toward females.

The conversation carried into sexism and the stereotypes women endured in their time in STEM programs and in the industry.

Hill shared a similar experience, about how she never had a female mentor or professor in her learning years. She also said she was often stereotyped.

Hill said she still has not seen much of an increase in the number of women in STEM. The panel agreed that seeing other women doing what you aspire to do is enough encouragement for the next young girl.

Adalsteinsson said women are often told and stereotyped to look a certain way in a male-dominated field.

Mills agreed and said her love for science does not affect her love for makeup.

Following the panel, panelists and attendees were split into two groups for questions and discussions.

Department of engineering and technology professor Belinda McMurry attended and commented on how great it was to see successful women on the panel who can give good suggestions and recommendations for college students.

“It’s empowering for young women to see and know they are not alone in the process,” McMurry said.

Hill said she was happy the students in the room could make connections with other talented women.

“The women STEM majors I see here really give me hope for the future,” Hill said.