A new generation of women scientists, many of whom benefitted from NSF's investments in research and education programs, has made long strides toward redefining the stereotype of the brilliant scientist as a thoughtful, white-coated man. Photo by Jeff Miller Women now make up a bigger percentage of American scientists and engineers than ever before. That priority was the focus of a December 1995 conference sponsored by NSF in Washington. NSF is working with women of all ages to meet that challenge.
Programs encourage schoolgirls to consider scientific careers.
For women faculty in colleges and universities, NSF's Visiting Professorships for Women provide a change of venue, an opportunity to meet new people, and the chance to be research-oriented role models. Penn State University engineer Barbara Shaw is trying to stop metals' aging processes by creating corrosion-resistant alloys. We really need the richness of a lot of ideas from a lot of perspectives. And that's one of the contributions women can make. Many who have benefitted from NSF programs have tried to work with their own institutions.