For example, teachers may create a classroom atmosphere of neglect or, at worst, outright hostility, toward women, as well as lower expectation for women than men students. Women who encounter these experiences could lose confidence and ultimately lose interest in science. These small initial differences contribute to a larger impact of excluding women. Even in graduate school, women can continue to experience obstacles, such as lack of mentors and funding. For example, many women scientists may be socially isolated from mentors during graduate training.
Mentors are critical in guiding students through the politics of science.
They also provide contacts and connections with colleagues and assist with securing employment. Lack of support from mentors can discourage or divert women away from scientific careers. Once entering the workplace, if a woman successfully negotiates the academic pipeline and finds employment in science, she could experience other barriers such as less professional recognition, lower promotion rates, and lower salaries than males. ESA and the nation must tap talent more fully than we have. We must encourage aspirations to develop creative potential.