Science by Women: Stories From Careers in STEM (Women in Engineering and Science)

This book provides a roadmap for those embarking on a career in STEM, whether in the research or industry realms. Focusing on paths taken by women, the contributors lend their stories, tips and tricks, and hardships they faced entering into fields historically dominated by men. The authors provide practical advice, highlighting soft skills that are not often taught as modules in the classroom. Topics include research collaborations, performance enhancement, the gender lens in research design and development, imposter syndrome felt by many women in science, ethics in science, scaling feminine leadership, being an influencer as a science leader, and time and resources optimization for career advancement in science from resource-poor settings. Others interested in science and its impacts on society will also find the book informative and timely. As an important part of the Organization for Women in Science in the Developing World (OWSD), University of Port Harcourt Branch Book project, the work hopes to inspire women and men, girls and boys to enter and apply themselves to secure the future in STEM. Provides unique insight into women's experiences, challenges, and accomplishments in STEM, presenting a blueprint for those entering research or industry; Presents information from academia, research, and industry into STEM careers from multidisciplinary perspectives; Beneficial to professionals, researchers, and graduate students looking to hone their skills as STEM champions. · Foreword Acknowledgements Contents Contributors About the Author Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Science Education: A Veritable Tool for Development 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Content of Science to Non-traditional Scientists 2.3 The Concept of Development 2.4 Sustainable Development 2.5 Development Indices Gross National Product Index Human Development Framework Social Development Framework Sustainable Development Framework 2.6 Nexus Between Education and Development Science Education and National Development Application of Science Education (Engineering) and Development Ways in Which Application of Science Education (Engineering) Contributes to Economic Development 2.7 Current and Future Role of the Application of Science (Engineering) References Chapter 3: Taking Research Outcomes to Target Beneficiaries: Research Uptake, Meaning and Benefits 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Research: Concept and Purpose Concept Purpose 3.3 Research Uptake: Meaning and Benefits 3.4 Brief Guide on Implementing Research Uptake Activity When Do We Begin to Plan Our Research Uptake Programme? Defining Objectives and Type of Research Objective Activity to Hold Identifying Stakeholders in Research Uptake Programme (Stakeholder Mapping) Developing Research Uptake Message Identifying Effective Communication Channel and Produce Materials Hold Team Meeting to Assess Preparedness 3.5 Conclusion References Chapter 4: Research Collaborations for Enhanced Performance and Visibility of Women Scientists 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Purposeful Collaboration and Collaborators 4.3 Types of Collaboration 4.4 Factors to Be Considered Before Initiating Research Collaborations 4.5 Role of Scientific Organizations in Fostering and Funding Collaborations 4.6 Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Research Collaboration in STEMM: Pathways to Survival for Women in Science 4.7 Creativity and Innovation in Research Amidst the Pandemic 4.8 Managing the Virtual Space for Optimal Research Output Following Travel Restriction 4.9 Role of Professional Societies in Creating Beneficial Research Collaboration Professional Societies – General, Discipline- and Gender-Specific Societies Benefits Derivable from Active Participation in Professional Activities Professional Societies that Women Scientists Can Join to Enhance Their Careers 4.10 Utilization of Research Resources to Enhance Performance and Visibility Publishing research data: What, Where and with who to publish Career-Enhancing Web Resources Role of Active Researcher Profile Databases in the Projection of Women Scientists’ Achievements (African Scientists Directory) Registration and Active Presence on Professional Social Media Platforms 4.11 Mentoring as a Tool for Career Growth and Development Importance of Mentoring for Women Scientists Mentoring Strategies for Career Performance Improvement Benefits of Mentoring for Women Scientists Across Sectors and Career Stages 4.12 Conclusion References Chapter 5: Archiving Tool for Science and Scientist 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Archive: The Meaning and Types 5.3 Types of Archives Government Archive Academic Archive Business (For-Profit) Archive Church Non-profit Archive Web Archive Individual/Personal Archive 5.4 The Concept of Science 5.5 Branches of Science 5.6 Impacts of Science 5.7 Scientists 5.8 Archive Roles/Tool for Science and Scientists 5.9 Protecting Authenticity 5.10 Providing Context 5.11 Preserving the Scientific Heritage 5.12 Cataloguing 5.13 Preservation 5.14 Transfer of Knowledge/Bridging the Gap 5.15 Conclusion 5.16 General Suggestions References Chapter 6: Wearing Our Gender Lens in Research Design and Development 6.1 Introduction 6.2 What Is Gender? 6.3 Gender-Responsive Research 6.4 What Is Gender Mainstreaming? 6.5 Why Is It Important to Wear a Gender Lens When Designing and Developing Our Research? 6.6 How to Properly Wear the Gender Lens? 6.7 Gender Analysis 6.8 When Should Gender Analysis Be Used? 6.9 Gender Analysis Tools References Chapter 7: Impostor Syndrome with Women in Science 7.1 Introduction 7.2 What Impostor Syndrome Is Not 7.3 Types of Impostor Syndrome 7.4 Summary of the Simplest Way the Different Types Measure Their Accomplishments 7.5 Possible Causes and Treatment of Impostor Syndrome 7.6 Measurement Scale for Impostor Syndrome 7.7 Sufferers of Impostor Phenomenon 7.8 Potential Characteristics of Impostor Phenomenon 7.9 Consequences of Impostor Phenomenon 7.10 How to Harness the Inner Impostor 7.11 Tips for Harnessing Impostor Syndrome (Cuncic, 2021; Sobara, 2020) 7.12 Conclusion References Chapter 8: The Beauty of Research Data in an Information-Driven World 8.1 Introduction 8.2 What Is Research Data? 8.3 Forms of Research Data 8.4 Sources of Research Data Primary Source Secondary Source 8.5 Categories of Research Data Quantitative Data Qualitative Data 8.6 Research Data Collection Techniques Primary Data Collection Techniques Secondary Data Collection Techniques 8.7 Guidelines for Generating Research Data 8.8 Research Data Life Cycle 8.9 Research Data Management The Need to Manage Research Data 8.10 Why Research Data? 8.11 Conclusion References Chapter 9: Women in Academia: Developing Self-Confidence and Assertiveness 9.1 Introduction 9.2 What Are Self-Confidence and Assertiveness? Self-Confidence Assertiveness 9.3 Benefits of Being Assertive 9.4 Developing Self-Confidence 9.5 Developing Assertiveness 9.6 A Note of Caution References Chapter 10: The Secret to Being an Influencer as a Science Leader 10.1 Introduction 10.2 It Is Important to Know Your Values 10.3 A Science Leader Must Have Confidence 10.4 Maximize Your Potentials or Influential Opportunity 10.5 Effective Communication Skills to Effective Communication 10.6 Build Connections 10.7 Listen Before You Try to Persuade 10.8 Mind Your Body Language (and Your Tone) 10.9 Develop Expertise 10.10 Map a Strategy 10.11 Best Practices of a Successful Influencer 10.12 Conclusion References Chapter 11: Ethics in Science Through the Lens of COVID-19 Pandemic 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Duty to Society 11.3 Beneficence 11.4 Integrity 11.5 Nondiscrimination Ethics 11.6 Privacy and Confidentiality 11.7 Conclusion References Chapter 12: Time and Resource Optimization for Career Advancement by Women Scientists from Resource-Poor Settings 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Peculiarities of Women Scientists in Resource-Poor Settings 12.3 Approaches to Time Optimization for Career Advancement 12.4 Ideas on Resource Optimization Money Support Network Engage and Get Involved Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF) Identify and Maximize Opportunities 12.5 Aiming for Global Impact and Relevance as Women in Science Town and Gown Interaction – Translational Research Demand-Driven Research Capacity Building Identifying Mentors and Being a Mentor Project Yourself to the World (Research(er) Visibility) 12.6 Case Study 12.7 Conclusion References Chapter 13: The Urgent Need to Scale Enlightened Feminine Leadership for Conscious Evolution 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Confidence Versus Competence 13.3 The Great Reset 13.4 Our Ancestors Are Forever Part of Us 13.5 Conclusion References Correction to: Research Collaborations for Enhanced Performance and Visibility of Women Scientists Index