Space Ace: How could more women go into careers in science?
ASK A SPACE SCIENTIST
Our universe if full of mysteries, and some of the most mind-boggling are in space. Curious kids asked questions, and we sent them to a space scientist. Have questions about space? Send them to us at brilliant@usbnc.org (with your name and age).
How could more women go into careers in science and space? — Natalie, age 12
Hi, Natalie,
That is a really good question that many people are trying to answer. It’s more broadly related to careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), as fewer than 25% of STEM jobs are held by women. Most astronauts have advanced degrees (master’s and doctorate) in a STEM area, but there are so many exciting and rewarding career choices available to anyone with a college degree in STEM.
You are at the age when many girls who are good at science and math start to lose interest for a variety of reasons, including people’s attitudes that girls shouldn’t be in STEM, lack of role models (knowing women in STEM), and lack of exposure to STEM activities. If you’re interested in STEM and want to pursue a career in space or another field, then go for it! Take as many math and science classes as you can, work hard, and don’t let anyone or anything discourage you. Seek out people who will help and encourage you—teachers, guidance counselors, and classmates with similar interests.
There are a lot of organizations and resources out there. Here are a few online resources: women.nasa.gov/a2i, www.engineergirl.org, and gc3.edc.org.
I wish you a wonderful future as a scientist or engineer. You could be the first astronaut to go to Mars!
—Kim
BACK IN TIME
In 2007, astronaut Sunita Williams did this while orbiting Earth on the International Space Station (ISS):
A) Ran a marathon
B) Wrote a novel
C) Drew a comic strip
D) Composed an opera
Answer: A) Ran a marathon!
Dr. Kim Bey, former NASA research engineer
Kim Bey, a guest contributor, is a research engineer who worked at NASA Langley Research Center. She developed computer methods to predict heating and temperature on hypersonic vehicles, worked on the Space Shuttle Columbia Accident Investigation, and worked on the Return-to-Flight program, developing repair methods for the space shuttle’s leading edge.
Images: NASA
Discover517 STEM261 Careers196 Science183 Equality of Women and Men52 Astronauts18 Space Ace50 Space Science34 Education52 Stars29 DrScotti50 STEAM43 STEAMS69