Personally Speaking - Hilary Bathgate

Being a scientist is more than just a career, it is a part of who I am. It is something inherent within me, a way of seeing the world around us; and a drive to explore, question and understand far beyond the constraints of education and employment. My career in science has allowed me to travel the world, help to develop new forensic analysis techniques and to meet and work with some truly inspirational people. It has also allowed me to enter into the world of Further Education, teaching a new generation of scientists, before moving into my current role leading the STEM provision at Stoke on Trent College .

Within the landscape of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the underrepresentation of women remains a persistent challenge. Despite significant strides in recent years, women still encounter various obstacles on their journey through STEM fields.

One of the primary hurdles faced by women in STEM is societal stereotypes and biases. From a young age, girls are often subtly discouraged from pursuing interests in science and engineering, with societal norms perpetuating the notion that these fields are better suited for boys. This ingrained bias can manifest in various ways, from subtle discouragement to outright discrimination, leading many girls to doubt their abilities and lose interest in STEM subjects. Whilst I was very lucky to have science teachers at school who wholeheartedly encouraged me to pursue a love of chemistry; entering into postgraduate research and employment the biases were ever present. From microaggressions through to simply not being offered the same opportunities, I quickly learnt I would always need to work that little bit harder to gain the same opportunities as male counterparts and to gain respect as a scientist.

The lack of visible female role models in STEM further exacerbates the problem. Without seeing women succeeding and thriving in these fields, many young girls may struggle to envision themselves pursuing similar paths. Representation matters, and increasing the visibility of women in STEM careers is essential for inspiring the next generation of female scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. This is something Stoke on Trent College is championing with female lecturers and technicians prominent throughout the STEM department in our classrooms, laboratories and in the motor vehicle, electrical and engineering workshops supporting all aspects of our curriculum delivery. Whilst we can encourage the next generation of scientists, engineers, electricians and mechanics, we can only hope they face less of the biases we have, but also equip them to challenge the stereotypes and to become trailblazers.

Many women report feeling isolated in their fields, lacking access to supportive networks and mentorship relationships that are instrumental for career growth and development. Without proper support systems in place, women may struggle to navigate the complexities of STEM fields and overcome the challenges they encounter along the way. To address these challenges and promote gender diversity in STEM, concerted efforts are needed at various levels. As an educational institution, we play a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive learning environment where all learners are encouraged to explore their interests in STEM subjects free from gender biases.

From the pioneering discoveries of Marie Curie to the ground-breaking research of Rosalind Franklin, women have made indelible marks on every field of science. Whilst in comparison, my contribution to science is minute, I am proud to play a tiny role in paving the way for future generations of females in STEM. As an advocate for females in STEM, but also fiercely passionate about STEM being a career for all, I will always champion, support and challenge the learners throughout our STEM courses to achieve and enter into an exciting, worthwhile, rewarding career. Ultimately, promoting women in STEM is not just about achieving gender parity; it's about unlocking the full potential of our society. By breaking down barriers and creating inclusive environments where women can thrive, we can harness the diverse perspectives and talents needed to tackle the complex challenges of the 21st century.

We are always keen to hear from anyone interested in a career in engineering or STEM plus learners who are interested in STEM - visit our website to find out more, www.stokecoll.ac.uk/course-areas/science.