Swinging Bridge Magazine: February 2020

Page 16

CULTURE And this happens all the time within science education, including the lack of attention given to Rosalind Franklin and her contribution to the identification of DNA — usually Francis Crick and James Watson getting all the recognition for the discovery of DNA. However, it was Franklin’s “X-ray diffraction images of DNA” that Watson and Crick later observed to establish the double-helix structure. Junior applied health science major Miranda Chiang works at a physical therapy center. Her experience there has emphasized for her the importance for the inclusion of women in the science fields. Chiang said, “There’s a lot of times where there are patients that only want to see a female physical therapist. If there wasn’t any, then that would make them uncomfortable, so it’s really important to have a good mix.” Female inclusion is important because they can relate to and directly understand half of the population they are serving. Especially in science careers with patients or addressing certain health issues, sensitivity and insight are important for optimizing the patient’s care. Within these issues, Gabriella Chang also highlighted her experiences as a racial minority, as well as a female within the sciences. She expressed that many girls from her high school were interested in science. “A lot of them went off to predominately white schools,” Chang said. “I am the only girl that is still pursuing science…There’s not much [of] a community for you, and I understand why now historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) make so much sense,

WOMEN IN SCIENCE

STATISTICALLY, you should've dropped out."

especially if you’re African-American or black. It really is a community for you, where professors understand your struggle in a predominately white country and help you achieve.” Because of the community she grew up in, Chang’s high school did not offer the same kinds of opportunities that other schools may have given, so when she came to college, she felt less prepared than a lot of her peers. Chang attributes a lot of her success to the support she has received from female advisors and mentors in her life. She was encouraged by the Office of Disabilities Services when she was told, “Statistically, you should’ve dropped out, especially with your major and with your learning disability, you’re not supposed to be here at all.” People believed in her, and that made all the difference. Dr. Thomson had similar sentiments, “My advice to young women interested in entering into the sciences is to find yourself a female mentor. Women in science experience unique hurdles that are easier to navigate with the guidance of a woman who understands and has experienced these same challenges.” Chiang spoke about how she finds herself studying with other women for this very reason. “If you really do want to pursue science, it’s hard, whether you’re a guy or a girl,” Chiang said. “But you shouldn’t be discouraged just because it’s science.” Chang expressed how she hopes her experiences will encourage more girls to join the sciences, and said, “Don’t stop. If it’s your passion, keep going.”

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FEBRUARY 2020


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