By Charlotte Ormond

Dr. Janet Hering spoke to an audience of University of Maryland students, faculty and experts Wednesday during an informational seminar on the representation of women in academic leadership within the science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medical (STEMM) fields. 

Hering’s presentation, “Change the System, not the Women,” explored why universities and other research institutions should be more connected to societal issues, the multitude of barriers women in the STEMM field face and possible solutions to this expansive issue.

Hering acknowledged the underrepresentation of women in senior positions within academia. While women have earned at least 30% of doctorates for over two decades, which she described as “a pretty fair representation,” data indicates that men tend to advance in their careers more quickly.

Hering called for higher education to become more involved in “tackling the world’s most pressing issues.” To achieve this, she suggested that universities become more transdisciplinary and have a stronger presence in society.

Despite the extra barriers they face, Hering emphasized that women can still accomplish remarkable achievements in the field. According to Hering, in 2022, the United States had the most leading female scientists of any country.

“The bottom line is that women can and are extraordinarily successful in the existing system,” Hering said, acknowledging that the path is not always easy.

As the former director emerita of the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science & Technology (known as Eawag), Hering was the first woman to hold this position, allowing her to make significant progress toward advancing gender equality in the research industry. She specifically mentioned a program designed to bring women back to work after maternity leave. 

Hering discussed a few key actions she believes can lead to positive change. She cited the United Nations Global Solidarity Movement For Gender Equality, “HeforShe,” which encourages men to speak out about possible improvements for equality. 

“[Men] hold the majority of leadership positions in academia. It should not be all on the shoulders of women to change this,” Hering said.

Huan Zhou, a civil engineering doctorate student, attended Hering’s seminar because she felt it would empower her as a woman in STEMM. Zhou is from China, where she said that women are at a “lower level” and almost all leaders in the academic and scientific fields are male. 

Zhou said she has enjoyed learning from a more diverse group of professors at UMD.

Meena Toolaabee, a senior civil and environmental engineering major who also serves on the department’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, was relatively familiar with ‌the issue of female representation in STEMM prior to the seminar.

“It’s kind of an instinctive thing. We know that it’s hard for women, but it was really interesting to see how the difficulties for women in academia are very specific,” Toolaabee said, “Each industry has its own magical cocktail to make things difficult for certain people.”

To women aspiring to succeed in the STEMM field, Hering suggests being observant of the system and understanding the underlying connections. In addition, connect with women who have advanced in that system and have a solid understanding of it.

“It is a system, and there are certain ways in which it functions. If you understand those, you’ll probably do a better job of navigating through the field.”

Featured image by Charlotte Ormond, October 2, 2024.