The feminine side of engineering: It´s way more than just “Girl Talk!”

Historically, engineering has been widely thought of as a field of study best suited for men. In fact, the masculine face that engineering often assumes has overshadowed, and in some respects, continues to overshadow the concept of the engineer in many people\´s minds. While this conception has prevailed historically, in recent decades, the feminine face of the engineer has slowly emerged. This paper will examine some of the barriers common to women considering a career in engineering along with a discussion of how these barriers have been, and continue to be surpassed. The "glass ceiling,” a metaphorical barrier that is often seen to prevent qualified women from advancing to leadership positions in science and engineering, will be discussed. Effective methods and strategies that have been developed by various professional organizations will be shared. This sharing will include a conversation with Eleanor Baum, the first female dean of engineering in the United States. This conversation provides an example of one woman\´s efforts to help crack the glass ceiling. Directions for future research that will explore factors that could explicate the low numbers of women in science and engineering will be summarized.