Today’s guest blogger is Elizabeth Rivers. Elizabeth is a postdoc
on the NuSTAR team at Caltech, studying X-ray spectral properties of Active
Galactic Nuclei. Here, she responds to two questions that have come up
repeatedly in the wake of the New York Times article, Why Are There Still So Few Women in Science?
1) How are we supposed to
“demand equality” when we are only graduate students (or undergraduates, or
postdocs); we have no power; what can we possibly do?
2) Why should we keep at it when
we know from all these data that we are going to have to work twice as hard for
half as much recognition, less money, and fewer job opportunities?
In response to the first
question I have compiled a list of advice I have heard from other female
physicists and observed in my own life. It is by no means comprehensive,
but I hope to give you some strategies you can try. Don’t forget that
“demanding equality” doesn’t have to be aggressive, but sometimes you do need
to make yourself heard and, more importantly, understood.
Problem: Women are perceived as
less competent than men.
Solution: Give great talks. So
many scientists underestimate the importance of practicing public speaking.
You need to practice, do it in front of people, and then get feedback.
Repeatedly. If you still do not feel confident in your ability to
present your work, try a public speaking workshop or an improv acting class.
You will quickly learn that what all these things really give you is
confidence. When I was gearing up to
defend my thesis my advisor told me, “You are the expert on this topic. No one else in the room knows as much about
it as you do.” Which is a good thing to
remember, especially when you are being bombarded with questions. Don’t apologize, don’t let yourself be
bullied, and if someone is being truly obnoxious just move on. And don’t forget, most people form their
overall impression of you in the first few seconds, so start confident, dress
well, and if possible, make sure the person introducing you has material to
talk you up with.
