Engineering - Where are the girls and why aren't they here?: Dr. Jenna Carpenter at TEDxMonroe

Dr. Jenna Carpenter is the Associate Dean for Administration and Strategic Initiatives and the Wayne and Juanita Spinks Professor of Mathematics in the College of Engineering and Science at Louisiana Tech University. She actively advises and speaks on diversity, mentoring, and professional development for a variety of programs and organizations at the national and state levels, encompassing K-12, collegiate, academic, and corporate audiences.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@x0northstar0x]

As a woman engineer, I agree that women in this field are at a disadvantage. But the math thing mostly exist in USA and third world countries. In Europe, i never heard of this. In my country, almost every time, it was girls who exceled at math and physics and chemestry, from elementary school all the way to high school.

[@200991602]

It's an infestation in the US. Every pop psychology book, has some bunk about ' girls are bad in math'. America is the most sexist country, when it comes to abilities.

[@danielmethner6847]

I wen to a STEM Grammar school in Germany. Although girls did indeed excel due to being significantly more amibitious, there were a lot less girls than boys in our school - due to a lack of interest in the subjects.

[@pascalef0]

Northstar "Third world"? Girls do extremely well in maths and science subjects in India and China. In Europe there are not that many women engineering students in the top schools either, despite girls doing well in the STEM subjects.

[@swordfish1986]

Success at school means nothing. It only means, that you're disciplined and can sit quiet and do what your superior wants you to do. Also school is biased against boys, there are more than enough studies regarding this.

[@bellakhanom]

@Semper Fortis I'm a female engineer. In my company there are two senior female engineers who are leading teams, both who are excellent as engineers and leaders. This is in my 6 years of experience...

[@tnekkc]

The universities crank out hundreds of engineering grads every year, but few of them can design anything. You have to want to do it and hit the books on your own to solve problems.

[@TheIkayumiChronicler]

I'm a girl studying Chemical and Nano-technological Engineering, although the girls in my class are a minority, they are as brilliant, dedicated and hard working as their male counterparts, if not more. I think that the societal constructs dictating what girls should enjoy, are the main obstacle towards more women in STEM disciplines. From a young age girls like pretending to be princesses or liking to play with impossibly thin, scantily clad glamour dolls, rather than think about constructing or deconstructing, or challenging their minds in what is traditionally seen as 'masculine' exploits. To combat less girls going into male dominated professions (and vice versa), we need to discard the draconian, outdated gender stereotypes which we inherently follow in society. That will not only solve this problem, but many others, such as the ability of males to express themselves emotionally without being labelled a 'wuss' and so on.

[@yasmincarpenter5784]

that is what feminism is all about (either you like it or not)! i agree with everything you said, and i specially like the two last lines of it!

[@TheIkayumiChronicler]

souzou1000 Funny that, just so happens I'm Muslim too. Good luck, Mech is a pretty awesome major!

[@TheIkayumiChronicler]

Yasmin Carpenter I agree, with equality I don't feel like we should be able to pick and choose. Feminism gets a bad rep because it's seen as aiming to accelerate the rise of the societal, economical and political position of women, without lifting that of non-stereotypical 'alpha' males (i.e. non-white, middle-lower class, non-heterosexual, non-'macho'). The system is very much in favour of very distinct gender roles, and that prevents the betterment of the lives of many groups of people, not just women. I do respond to the term feminist, but I think egalitarian more accurately defines any one who would like to see the success of this new civil rights movement. This is now a more nuanced issue than just male and female equality. Also. before any change can be made, I truly believe 'feminists' need to redefine what it means to be one! It's a very disjointed camp at the moment, with many sub-categories..

[@chriscodling6573]

its the chicken and the egg, those social constructs exist because girls instinctively are more in tuned with there emotions and are more aware of the environment from a very young age, and this is why girls play house or dress-up, because there brains gravitate towards that particular play style. On the other hand boys are more aggressive and tactile and tend to play more physically demanding games like tag or just play fighting. In short you are incorrect when you say that society dictates what girls should enjoy, because girls already think a particular way all society does is cater to that need.

[@240180cassie]

you are an idiot

[@lindaliang4333]

This is critical for the success of our country. The US was the leader in STEM knowledge, innovation and achievements. We must encourage and support all who go into the STEM fields, expecially girls and young women. Great talk. Thank you. Dr. Linda Liang

[@mr.struggle7648]

At my old prep school we were never led to believe that math and science were for boys. Different people just didn't like it. But I live in Jamaica and the U.S. has a completely different mindset than us, so I just can't relate.

[@sedsa097]

This is not a black and white issue. People have to understand that it is true that less women are going into engineering because it is a male dominated field, but that is not the only reason. It is uncomfortable being the only girl in your class and easier to study what your friends are studying or follow in your mother's footsteps. The doll argument is nonsensical, girls run around too and play with their brother's cars and legos.

[@delor3an12]

I have found that the most judgement toward me comes from other women.. every guy I’ve told that I’m doing mechanical engineering was impressed or happy for me. Women I’ve told were overly judgmental. In fact my FEMALE advisors told me repeatedly not to go into engineering because it wasn’t right for me. meanwhile I am still going strong in my senior year with a 4.0. Maybe it’s jealousy, maybe they are programmed to think women must be in a specific role.. idk.

[@MNanme1z4xs]

Very few people want to "do good" or build rockets, most people are very down to earth in term of STEM career, get a good grade and get a well paid job.

[@virginiahernandez541]

and there in lies the problem. Playin it safe instead of going for what you love man or woman.

[@MNanme1z4xs]

Virginia Hernandez If I want to not worry about practical matters I would become an artist. Idealized career is a luxury for the very few, if the world have to function like a society, we need majority of people down to earth.

[@mboiko]

In the late 70's and early 80's women had MANY fewer career choices in areas that paid well, compared to today. Back then close to 40% of ALL Computer Science majors were women. Now when women can do ANYTHING they want and have so MANY more career choices available to them ..there's only 17-18% women Computer Science graduates. You either respect women's current career choices or you don't. But one thing is for sure, you can't blame companies or men for choices women themselves have made...especially since they now dominate many fields that were once men only. Next time you take your dog/cat to a Vet notice how few men there are in a once "almost" male only profession. In a day and age when women make up an incredible 60-70%+ of most colleges...women could have taken over much of STEM if they really wanted to, a long time ago. But they don't because that is not where their interest truly lies...NOT because of their ability. This is an inconvenient truth society hates to admit...

[@TheJoelef]

sewage cleaning and oil rigging is also male dominated.... wheres the outrage>

[@pthegreat1104]

why would anyone want to do those things?

[@opopopopopopopopish]

When you are the only girl in class and the Professor stops every once in a while to ask you, if you can keep up with the others or if they are too fast and a fellow student comments: "Why do you even bother? You could just marry me." This happened in 2017, not 1917.

[@MrJoshinJosh]

Man. It really is upsetting that I have to wait until my niece turns 4 years old before I'm able to get her something from GoldieBlox. Until then, I gotta do a lot more than just my best to make sure that I get her the types of toys that are actually cool and far from lame. I wish the very best of luck to myself because I'm gonna need it.

[@MrJoshinJosh]

Thanks Sanjana.

[@MrJoshinJosh]

Thank You Raul.

[@jordanabarcelos3733]

👏

[@societyofwomenengineersind8973]

Be it STEM or engineering...its hurting to say that women are looked down... But many magnificent women have come up fighting ALL THE SOCIAL NORMS, TAUNTS, AND CONVENTIONAL BELIEFS. like them each of us,women, have struggled in our own ways to achieve what we are....THIS CHANNEL IS DEDICATED TO SUCH WOMEN. WHO ARE STRUGGLING FOR THEIR DREAMS IN MAN DOMINATED PROFESSION. THIS CHANNEL EMPOWERS YOU WITH A PLATFORM TO SHARE YOUR STORY AND INSPIRE OTHER HARD WORKING YET DISCRIMINATED WOMEN. SUBMIT YOUR VEDIOS TO THE CHANNEL AND PLAY YOUR ROLE AS A WOMEN.

[@catherineto]

Bow to your speech. If the birth rate between genders are 50/50. We should reflect that in every aspect of our life. Equality!

[@MadMe67]

She is RIGHT!! Discrimination against females is so ingrained in our society it is hard to see. Especially against middle aged mums. Few people take even their own mum's opinion seriously on anything outside of her "mum role". I was shocked when I realized I was doing it too. I befriended old lady with an accent at the Sunday markets selling junk, and it took me over a year to realize she knew a lot about geography and physics, and that fact surprised me. Now I know better, so do better.

[@Devildog-jl9ei]

Marena Subba: nothing is stopping you to be what you want.

[@TheBraceygirl]

She has done her research and can give you the references to all of the studies that have proven the facts she is presenting in this talk. Try not to be too judgmental of someone when you have only heard them speak for 12 minutes.

[@caribaez5711]

nah sometimes out high school sucks and don't prepare us well. our support is limited. is hard. i started with wanting a nurse, but now, i feel clueless. I want to invent. I want to build. I want to be an influence and do stuff for others. I need guidance. My mind is very broad and i want to do more than a nurse. I want to really want to work with my hand and work outdoors or something. I need guidance. I also need more math and etc.

[@delor3an12]

I’m a female. Will be graduating with a mechanical engineering degree in May 2024. Most of my teachers heavily expressed favoritism toward me. I think it’s because I am a girl.

[@JamieJenkins2001]

I'm currently pursuing my engineering degree, going to be graduating in May. I just hope I can get a job that fits my interests and skillset.

[@DimmedDiamond]

Note: micro insults = micro aggression. Minute aggressions that adds up and wears you down. Not just overt and blatant, but off the cuff and casual.

[@TheBraceygirl]

I don't completely disagree with what he said, its a very fine line to walk. I would be appalled if I were hired only because I am female and not because of my credentials/education. The fact is that this is a mans world and women need to learn how to thrive in it. Complaining about lack of equality will not create equality. Dr. Carpenter is not complaining here, however, she is trying to make women more aware of what is going on so that they can adapt appropriately.

[@meganj1439]

Im a girl and I'm an Engineer Some women just pick easy majors.

[@khshur2]

Go back to the kitchen !

[@user-go9kw6wf4m]

@@khshur2 go back to jungle

[@JeyJeyKing1]

Yeah so since when are engineers expected to cure cancer let alone anything?

[@dellheewey]

+JeyJeyKing1 Engineers are building computer platforms that hold bacteria that are being analyzed for any capability for curing diseases. The bacteria is spread on the small platforms and data is collected.

[@nickjohn2051]

Hi. If you learn standard P vs NP problem, you will find out some biological problem such as protein folding, dna structure and dna replication are about math and engineering. It literally need computer and algorithm to sort and find pattern in those fields.

[@JeyJeyKing1]

Nick John​ True but that is still theoretical Computer Science/Math not engineering, and proving it either way wouldn't be constructive to curing cancer since A: P=/=NP (expected) Protein folding can't be done in polynomial time, great B: P=NP (far less likely according to general consensus) You now have some O(n^10) polynomial reduction algorithm for protein folding which isn't practical.

[@JeyJeyKing1]

Dell Hewey Yes my original comment was very naive.

[@nickjohn2051]

JeyJeyKing1 Engineer just applied scientist. Same thing different approach. Why do you so angst about it?

[@audreysgoldfish]

This broke my heart and then put it back together again :)

[@michaelkincaid9582]

As an engineering student, I would prefer to build the faster rocket ship. Also as an engineering student: Yes, where are all the girls? :(

[@SepherStar]

The engineering department at my school occupies a building that has a few underground levels and poor ventilation. I was one of the few girls in the program. I was standing in the hallway one day near one of the computer labs and as two guys passed me, I overheard one complain to the other "Dude, I hate this place. It smells like guy." He was right. It did, lol. I think most of the guys would have loved more girls in the program.

[@user-og8gl5hf4d]

@@SepherStar Most? Not even close.

[@JohnnyForehead]

I agree with implicit bias but. it's been my observation that males are inherently more interested in how things work from a very early age. Both my brother and I would take anything and everything apart from an early age and build and do things. The females, completely not interested in any way shape or form. No one directed us this way, just the opposite, we'd get chastised for doing it but that wouldn't stop us. It's not a question of can they do it but of their inherent desire to do so.

[@cesareborgia9259]

Chick Bait Thank you. Finally some sanity on the topic.

[@pipersolanas3322]

That's not true. Every single child I've met, regardless of their gender is curious and likes to dismantle things. How many of us haven't broken multiple TV remotes just to figure out how tf that thing works

[@kynchan3332]

Read Honda's story. It is extremely inspiring. He was ridiculed and rejected many times and failed many more times than he succeeded. Hardship made him push harder with solutions to fuel shortages and renewing his determination when his factory was being bombed and eventually leveled by an earthquake. If needing acceptance is the extent of your competence and the problem to be solved is lost then engineering is not for you. You're not there for the right reason. Edison was not a university trained engineer but he has contributed so much to engineering. Most graduate engineers will not generate half the patents Edison filed. The market never cares whether the problem solver is male or female so long as the problem is solved. Only the politicians want the problem solvers to be all female. Its not going to happen to burst that deeply resentful bubble.

[@saifsaif8352]

are we all just going to ignore the fact that only 36% of college students are males that IS what we call bias

[@danielwait8555]

Is it possible that it can be true that women have equal ability, are affected by implicit bias to some extent, but also tend towards human-focused jobs? Like the girls with strong academics often tend towards medicine and guys go for engineering? I think there's fair points but some missing nuances...

[@emil1950]

Excellent.

[@DimmedDiamond]

Yeah, that sounded wrong. Unless, however, diversity means 'different experiences'. Having a group with various experiences to learn and compare with trumps a group with a single experience, albeit very understood and studied experience.

[@tuskinekinase]

As a girl in biomedical sciences, I've been so bothered by the influence the society put on me and my peer science and engineering girls. I feel so much power and inspiration from this talk. Thank you, Dr Carpenter.

[@louishollandjr]

What's cost Higher Engineering for homes.

[@chriscodling6573]

if your to busy victim blaming you'll never be able to solve your own problems.

[@jordanabarcelos3733]

Well said

[@DimmedDiamond]

Disregarding the irony in your post, the video presented real world examples and methods of disparity among the sexes - insistences of bias that result in deprivation on gender lines. Would you like to make a meaningful comment this time and claim that this video is lying in some way, and being able to back it? Or would you like to reaffirm that your belief that these disparities are in some way positive or the very least meaningless?

[@computerfraudandabuseactof43]

I'm sure that all the girls that only talk about makeup and getting alcohol are just crying out for help to become an engineer :P

[@PeaceLoveFairytales]

you can do your own research xD

[@peterclark4685]

Another political appointee no doubt. I agree with Bi-diversity (girls with boys brains) but diversity as Peterson so ably points out is a false, even unattainable goal. That accent! Urgh.

[@Something.Something]

so its another feminist

[@MNanme1z4xs]

Please keep in mind there have yet been a case for any diversity group out perform the Anglo Saxon in America. No diversity group out perform Germans in Europe. No diversity group out perform Japanese in Asia. Diversity is a fad of the century, some group are indeed superior to others statistically, there may be exception cases but in the course of long run, the statistical advantage of a collective cannot be altered by minor divination.

[@maodanz1672]

Not to bash women but twice more iq males at 140 ? 8 times at 170 iq ?

[@munnarahaman1894]

Crying baby.....u want special treatment for girls.....earn it......nobody's stopping you.

[@consultkeithyoung8982]

The words Math and Science don't need air quotes around them unless you're pointing out how these disciplines are being used in politics. The comment on rockets was incredibly absurd, on multiple levels. The fact is we need more Engineers, regardless of gender or any other sub category she wishes to assign to people. I don't tend to make negative comments, but this was pretty bad. I teach robotics to kids in my neighborhood for free. Regardless of categories such as gender. It just so happens at family beach day when I had a robot there I had 10 boys around me while all the girls were getting balloon animals. Let the kids do what they like. If I can raise any kids interest in Engineering, great! If not, well I'll just keep on trying. Regardless of gender.

[@jackhooper2839]

+Consult Keith Young We need more engineers regardless of gender. Men are more interested in engineering than women. It follows, therefore, that women more so than men should be the target demographic for incentives and encouragement. I mean, what's the point of encouraging a demographic that is already likely to go into engineering? Seems kind of redundant.

[@consultkeithyoung8982]

What sort of special incentives and encouragement do you think women should receive?

[@jackhooper2839]

Consult Keith Young Encouragement in general. If you want to get someone interested in mathematics or engineering you have to get them interested while they're young. Programs like Robogals do this, going around to classrooms trying to get girls more enthusiastic about engineering. What they do exactly and how effective it is, I can't say.

[@consultkeithyoung8982]

So you don't think we should encourage all kids to get in to Engineering? Only girls? It seems like you're disagreeing with me, and my stance is we should encourage all kids.

[@jackhooper2839]

Consult Keith Young Of course we should encourage all kids, I just convinced my younger brother to pick up pure math for his year 12 studies. That being said, women need more encouragement than men.

[@richardjafrate5124]

Dr. Carpenter, with all due respect, why don't you share your reasons for going into education rather than engineering?