My presentation is here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1aqI-3rd-cJ5vv_CVEBmNRKl4KDY8Zl_OElpBUo1Rxco/edit?usp=sharing

My topic is on the various factors that cause the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields. I chose this topic because despite the gains women have made in STEM fields and in the workforce in general, there continues to be a gender disparity. The STEM pipeline helps students enter and thrive in STEM fields, starting from early education and extending into the workforce. However, this pipeline is said to be “leaking” in regards to representation of women. I found that this pipeline “leaks” at almost every level due to the obstacles women face.

My presentation highlights a few obstacles from each level I believed to be significant, such as those in secondary education, higher education, and the workforce. I chose to share these obstacles because I found them to be the most prominent and the most deleterious. For example, I include sexual harassment in both school and work settings. This obstacle is not specific to STEM fields, as it affects women in almost all fields at a higher rate than it affects men, which is why I believe it is worth discussing.

I found that an overall theme was isolation. Underrepresentation of women in the STEM workforce results in a disproportionate amount of women leaders and mentors. This negatively affects how girls in early and secondary education view the STEM careers they are interested in. Like a cycle, underrepresentation causes discouragement which creates underrepresentation.