Pioneering Women in STEM: Examining the Intersection of Gender, Bias, and

Innovation

PROBLEM STATEMENT
Despite the increasing number of women entering STEM fields, they continue to face
significant challenges that hinder their professional development. Research has shown
that gender bias and systemic inequalities in STEM often result in women being
overlooked for leadership roles, prestigious projects, and opportunities for career
advancement (Adams et al., 2021). These barriers are compounded by a lack of
mentorship, unconscious biases, and stereotypes about gender roles in STEM, which
collectively contribute to the underrepresentation of women in senior positions
(Thompson, 2020). This study aims to investigate these issues by examining the
personal and professional experiences of women in STEM, with a focus on their
encounters with gender bias, their strategies for overcoming challenges, and the
contributions they make to the field.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
The purpose of this study is to explore and understand the lived experiences of women
in STEM fields, focusing on the challenges they face, including gender bias and
underrepresentation, as well as the strategies they employ to navigate these obstacles.
Additionally, the study aims to examine the factors that influence women's career
choices in STEM, the contributions they make to their respective fields, and how their
presence can drive positive change and innovation in these traditionally male-
dominated areas.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What are the common problems/challenges faced by women under STEM fields.
2. How do women in STEM describe their experiences in male-dominated
environments?
3. To what extent do women in STEM experience gender bias? How frequently
does it occur, and in what forms?
4. What are the challenges they often encounter because of their gender?
5. What are the interesting facts about women in STEM?
6. How do women in STEM develop an interest in these fields, and what factors
influence their decision to pursue a career in STEM?
7. How can we encourage more women to consider a career in STEM?
8. Why is it important to have women in the STEM field?
9. How can the presence of women in STEM contribute to innovation and diversity
in the field?
10. Why there are many women in STEM field, yet despite their qualifications and
expertise, women in these fields are frequently overlooked for leadership roles or
prestigious projects.
 Exploring the impact of Family Dynamics and Career expectations on the career
choices of young adults
PROBLEM STATEMENT
The problem to be addressed through the study is the influence of family dynamics and
career expectations on the career choices of young adults. Research indicates that
family expectations can significantly shape the career paths of individuals, often
steering them toward specific professions based on traditional values or gender roles
(Johnson, 2019). Additionally, studies by Roberts and Lee (2022) highlight how young
adults may face pressure from their families to pursue careers that align with societal
expectations, limiting their ability to explore personal interests and leading to challenges
in career satisfaction and long-term success.
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
The purpose of this study is to explore how family dynamics and career expectations
influence the career choices of young adults. Specifically, the research aims to
understand the psychological, emotional, and social impacts of family-influenced career
decisions on young adults, as well as how these expectations may shape their long-
term career satisfaction, mental health, and overall sense of fulfillment.
RESEARCH QUESTION
1. What mental, emotional, or physical impacts do family expectations have on
young adults when choosing a career?
a. Here, the study will explore the psychological (e.g., anxiety, stress), emotional (e.g., guilt,
frustration), and physical (e.g., burnout, sleep disturbances) consequences of conforming or
rebelling against family career expectations.
2. What emotions do young adults experience when their family suggests or
initiates a specific career path for them?
a. This question will explore the emotional responses (e.g., stress, pressure, gratitude, or
resentment) young adults have when their career choices are influenced by family expectations.
3. What career paths do young adults truly desire to pursue, and how do these
choices differ from their family’s expectations?
a. This aims to identify the gap between the career choices young adults want to follow and those
their families envision for them.
4. Have young adults ever considered or acted on the desire to pursue a career that
goes against their family's expectations? If so, what factors influenced this
decision?
a. This question will examine whether young adults take any steps to resist or defy family
expectations and the factors that encourage them to make such decisions.
5. How do family expectations influence the long-term career satisfaction and
professional success of young adults?
a. This will focus on understanding the lasting effects of family-influenced career choices on an
individual’s career trajectory, job satisfaction, and personal fulfillment.
M Gendered Experiences in STEM Education: A Study of Female Students’
Journeys in Science and Technology

This study could explore how female students in STEM education navigate their academic
environments, deal with stereotypes, and experience support or barriers in their academic pursuit
of STEM fields.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Young-adults’ Perspectives on Self-Doubt in

This study could look at how imposter syndrome manifests in women within STEM fields,
exploring its psychological and emotional impact, and strategies used to overcome feelings of
inadequacy and self-doubt.