Studying Stereotypes: Examining Why Many Women Do Not Pursue STEM Careers [The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly: Engineering FACTS]

Dr. Sapna Cheryan, assistant professor at the University of Washington, has spent the last 12 years researching cultural and gender stereotypes, paying particular attention to the reasons many women do not pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, such as computer science. Here she explains why she started researching this area, how these stereotypes are perpetuated, and what can be done to help future generations of women battle any preconceived notions that might keep them from pursuing their desired paths.