Art of Science Art of Science

The evolving world of women in STEM

Science and art seem to be two entirely separate categories, but STEM is not as simple as its acronym: science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The world of STEM encompasses growth and advancement. Both art and science require creativity in replicating the world in an effort to gain knowledge. So, why is a subject that requires a myriad of perspectives historically male-dominated?

Dr. Cheryl Kojima, an associate professor in the department of animal science, has been part of the research world since the early ’90s. She has always been drawn to science and physiology, but the support of her father, husband and the UT department heads has helped her succeed in this field.

Dr. Kojima recalled that when she was in graduate research in 1993, there were no women faculty at the University of Missouri.

“In fact, counting all eight of my graduate and undergraduate years, I never had a female instructor for any class besides English, Human Sexuality and Biological Basis of Sex Differences,” Dr. Kojima said.

It was common for people to walk into her office asking to see Dr. Kojima, assuming she was his secretary. This prejudice didn’t stop her but fueled her fire. Her love of the art of science and her support system helped her balance her career and family needs.

“Seeing natural processes at the cellular or molecular level is art to me. Watching technology unfold that allows more and more creative expression for everyone is exciting as well,” Dr. Kojima said.

Dr. Kojima is now a mentor to many students including graduate student of the animal sciences program Allyson Stokes. Focuing on reproductive physiology and genomics, Stokes said Dr. Kojima played an “instrumental role” in her success and was the first person that guided her back to the field.

Stokes’ struggles made her choose a career in STEM. She was told by several doctors she could not have a child naturally, but successfully brought her son into the world in 2017.

“My mom always told me I didn’t do well when people told me I couldn’t do something. Too many women hear the words ‘you can’t do this’ and I want to be involved in changing that,” Stokes said.

The start of her journey was not easy. Stokes quit her previous job to start her research, which led to doubt from others, especially on how she could still be a “good mom.”

Stokes recalls that even the people closest to her could not imagine her being successful in her education while caring for her son. On the other hand, Stokes’ husband never encountered questions of whether he could be a good father while he pursued his dreams.

“It was upsetting to still experience this antiquated idea that a woman’s role should center around motherhood, but I didn’t let it interfere with my plans. I shifted my mindset, made some adjustments in my relationships and kept going,” Stokes said.

Currently, her research focuses on in vitro production to produce embryos in a laboratory setting. This process illustrates the connection between the beginning stages of life and connecting it back to natural processes in animals. Each step has to be perfect to achieve a successful pregnancy.

“Science and art come together in moments like this, and I think that’s really beautiful,” Stokes said.

The Harvard Gazette reports that the representation of women in STEM has increased from 8% to 27% since the 1970s.

This means that an overwhelming 73% of the workforce is men, but each year more women join this field and we could soon reach equilibrium.

“I think the world of STEM is becoming a more popular place to be … It’s being introduced to kids as early as preschool,” Stokes said.

At UT, both Stokes and Dr. Kojima recommend finding women faculty as mentors and visiting the Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration to navigate career options and compete in the field. There are resources and experiences available for women to find their place and pursue their dream, and UT is part of that.

“I feel like I’ve gotten to experience a wide variety of opportunities in STEM over the past 20 years, and I know those are expanding even more for current and future generations,” Stokes said.

By expanding these opportunities, women can thrive in STEM and create a diverse, enhanced world. Motivating women to develop early science skills will bring about future opportunities for them.

“Being a woman and a mother in STEM is not only empowering for me personally, but I hope my experiences can provide similar feelings of encouragement and support that I’ve been fortunate to have along my journey,” Stokes said.

This, in and of itself, is the art of science.