The Importance of Representation in STEM: A Personal Reflection
For MLK Day, I wanted to share some thoughts on my journey as a Black woman in STEM, and reflect on how representation, opportunity, and ongoing challenges continue to shape my experience.
I have taken a math or science class every year since Pre-K. Now, at 23, I can count on one hand the number of Black women I’ve had as STEM teachers—two: my 4th grade math teacher and my current professor at Northwestern University.
My 4th grade teacher’s name was Callista, and she taught me how to simplify fractions. It was a small but rowdy class of about 15 students, and I was especially bad at math. I vividly remember struggling to convert decimals to percentages, often nearly in tears as I lagged 10 minutes behind everyone else. And just when I’d finally figure it out, I’d realize I had to turn that percentage into a fraction. For 9-year-old me, it was a nightmare. But Callista was there every step of the way. She even asked me to stay late for “Math Games,” the teachers’ creative way of framing extra help. During those sessions, she patiently guided me through fractions, decimals, percentages, and even square roots. Her support made a huge difference.
Yet, as meaningful as her guidance was, it’s disheartening to realize that my only memory of someone who looked like me teaching STEM was from nearly 15 years ago—until now. Nearly 15 years later, I have another Black woman teaching me—my professor for Imperfections in Materials. It's a long way from fractions, but I’ve only recently begun to feel comfortable in my classrooms. I often wonder how different my confidence in STEM would have been if I’d had more teachers like Callista—if seeing someone who looked like me had been the norm, not the exception
However, my experience isn’t unique—students of color, especially Black students and other marginalized groups, often struggle to find role models who look like them in STEM fields. According to a 2021 report by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Black and Hispanic women make up just 5% of the workforce in STEM occupations. The disparity isn’t just about numbers; it’s about opportunities, mentorship, and, importantly, visibility.
Representation in STEM matters more than just a sense of belonging—it has measurable impacts on student success. Research shows that when students have teachers from similar backgrounds, their academic outcomes improve. A study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that Black students who had at least one Black teacher from grades K-3 were 13% more likely to graduate from high school and 19% more likely to pursue college. Imagine the long-term impact if students had teachers and mentors who reflected the diversity of their communities across all subjects, including math and science.
But the need for representation goes beyond just having teachers who look like us—it extends to the scientists, engineers, and innovators we see in textbooks, research papers, and media. A lack of visible role models in STEM can lead to students doubting their potential. Without seeing someone who looks like them succeed in a field, students may internalize the misconception that STEM is not for them. This is not just an individual challenge—it’s a systemic issue that keeps diverse voices out of vital industries.
For example, while there have been 17 Black Nobel laureates in peace, literature, and economics,
a Black scientist has never won a Nobel in physiology/medicine, physics, or chemistry.
This stark disparity reflects a quiet yet pervasive bias that has historically overlooked Black scientists and their contributions. This is not just an oversight; it’s a reflection of a broader issue of exclusion and the systemic barriers that Black scientists face when trying to achieve recognition in their fields. It is a reminder that true representation in science is not just about the presence of diverse scientists but also about recognizing their groundbreaking work.
Diverse perspectives lead to better innovation. The idea is simple: different experiences shape different ways of thinking. Studies are continually published where researchers found that diverse teams are more innovative because they bring a broader range of ideas and problem-solving approaches. This is particularly critical in STEM fields, where innovation is essential for solving the world’s most pressing problems—climate change, healthcare disparities, technological advancement, and beyond.
If we want to close the representation gap, we need to actively support initiatives that promote diversity in STEM education and careers. That means recruiting more teachers from diverse backgrounds, implementing mentorship programs, and encouraging students of all identities to pursue STEM fields. Companies and educational institutions must invest in policies that remove barriers to entry and create inclusive environments where everyone feels welcome.
At a grassroots level, it’s also important to highlight the contributions of underrepresented figures in STEM, celebrating figures like Katherine Johnson, whose calculations were critical to NASA’s early space missions, and Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson, a theoretical physicist and the first Black woman to earn a PhD from MIT, shows the profound impact of representation. More recently, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett’s leadership in the development of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine serves as a powerful example of diversity in science today. Sharing these stories honors their contributions and encourages young people to envision their own possibilities in STEM. When students see someone who shares their background achieving greatness, it sends a message that their dreams are valid.
As someone who was once a 9-year-old girl in a math class full of self-doubt, I know firsthand how transformative it is to have someone who believes in you, especially when they understand your experiences. I hope to be that advocate through words and action—by creating pathways for more women of color to thrive in STEM. The world needs new ideas and fresh perspectives, and it’s time we ensure that every voice has the opportunity to make a difference.
These are just some thoughts I’ve been reflecting on today. I hope you found something meaningful in them. If you or someone you know wants to chat about ways to increase diversity or any related programs, I’d be happy to connect. Happy MLK Day!
I’ll talk to you next time,
Dylan :)