Number 34, June 2002

Into Focus:

Thoughts on a Developing Career as a Woman in Science

I never really think of my status as a woman when I'm acting as a scientist. Just like I don't think about air pollution while shoe shopping. It is difficult to extract which aspects of my life are unique to my status as a woman, as a scientist, as any of the other categories I fit. Or, unique just to me. I am 28, female, unmarried. I just finished my Ph.D. in atmospheric and oceanic sciences. I have a good post-doc in New York City, and a pending offer for a faculty position. I travel a lot, work with people I like, and study exactly what interests me. Science has been good to me; in most respects independent of gender.

Not all of my experiences have been entirely unisex. I have seen my communication methods adapt to a professional culture shaped by men. On a number of occasions early in grad school, I refrained from jumping into heated debates among my male peers. But over time, I found a balance between strength and geniality that fits. Still, this balance is not appropriate for most social interactions. The same force that aids in persuasive professional communication can seem rather unfeminine when applied in the personal sphere. One friend even labeled the two voices. "Watch out," he would say "now Serious Tracey is talking."

While I seek advice and feedback from a range of trusted confidantes, there are certain topics reserved for my women-in-science friends. These conversations often pertain to personalities affecting research, or professional demands straining personal interactions. For example, it is not uncommon for us to strategize about how to build better working relationships with colleagues, or discuss the importance of positive feedback in effective advising.

These concerns are not unique to women nor to scientists, but I cannot recall once when a male friend has said that he wished his advisor gave more "positive feedback." Nor, for that matter, do I hear many guys talking about their "relationship" with their advisors at all. A guy may find his advisor likeable, annoying, overbearing, or invisible, but rarely does he solicit advice on how to improve communication, or how to reach out for support.

Reflecting back on my as-yet brief career, these communication challenges have been minor. The real difficulty was simply deciding what I wanted to do. I have always had many interests, and have envisioned myself in many careers: mayor of Chicago, artist, attorney, teacher. I could see myself campaigning in the Windy City. I could see myself painting on the streets of Paris. But it took a while to develop a clear picture of life as a scientist-and how I would fit into that picture.

For an undergraduate deciding whether to pursue science, the picture of life as a scientist may be determined by just a few key professors or graduate students. Are these people like me? For women, this "like me" feeling can be harder to find.

In my case, the picture of life as a scientist developed between my junior and senior year in college. I had decided to major in applied math, but I still had no plans to pursue an advanced degree or research career. Then in one pivotal year, I met a few people "like me" who were happy scientists. Maybe I could be happy in science, too?

The most influential person was my undergraduate advisor. He was friendly and funny and would drum-roll his fingers on the desk as he helped hunt for bugs in my code. When he found the error, he would lean back with a smile and a few conclusive beats. "Ah ha!" he would exclaim, "Isn't this fun?" He got me excited about my research. And, I could think of lots of ways he was "like me," but right now all I remember is that we were both from the Midwest.

While gender is one obvious characteristic of "like me," it is not a requirement by any means. It is, however, one more trait, along with national background, race, or even a common sense of humor, that can make the difference between students identifying with a career in science or not. Diversity within the scientific community may create broader appeal to the next generation of scientists. A wider array of potential role models will be available for students considering this career path.

I feel lucky to fall in a group that is often "encouraged to apply" for jobs and funding. But, I am just an individual pursuing my interests. Hopefully in time, there will be no need for "women in science" to be a cause. We can just be scientists who dress well.

Tracey Holloway
Earth Institute
Columbia University
th2024@columbia.edu