Dr. Amber R. Abernathy is NSF’s featured woman in STEM this week. She is a psychologist who has published many studies on social dominance and wants to help increase people’s conscientiousness.
“Every human should have a physiological response when they feel empathy,” said Abernathy, the Mary-Charlotte Bayles Shealy Chair in Conscientious Psychology. This empathy is measured through electro dermal activity, similar to a lie detector test.
It is so important to help women in STEM remain in their careers. There are many obstacles that can push women out of scientific careers over time. Organizations like AWIS, the Association for Women in Science, work to help women in STEM have long, fulfilling careers.
AWIS was founded as a nonprofit in 1971. It was created by thirty-five women who had dealt with inequity and injustice in scientific fields and wanted a program to support women in science. In the years since, the organization has filed suits over gender discrimination, pushed legislation that promotes equity, and created events that give women in STEM opportunities to connect and be recognized for their work. Among many other important projects, AWIS launched the ARC Network in 2019, a “STEM equity brain trust” that works to create meaningful systemic change in STEM. They published a press release on their website announcing the new network. The establishment of the ARC Network is also marked on the timeline of their accomplishments on their history page.
In 2021, AWIS celebrated its 50th anniversary. Since 1971, the organization has had a massive positive impact, awarding scholarships, holding programs, and opposing all forms of inequity. AWIS and organizations like it are a wonderful resource for women and other underrepresented minorities in STEM to utilize.
Dr. Pam R. Sailors is this week’s featured woman in STEM. Dr. Sailors is the associate dean of MSU’s College of Humanities and Public Affairs, and she has conducted extensive research on the risks and morality of having children play football.
“Kids start playing football as soon as their little necks can support the helmets on top of their heads,” Sailors said. “By the time they are old enough to make the choice to play, a lot of the damage has already been done.”
