Creating a diverse engineering environment at ASU
Arizona State University is “…measured not by whom we exclude, but rather by whom we include and how they succeed.” This statement not only is part of our identity, it is part of the commitment of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering toward creating an environment that is inclusive and advances a diverse engineering workforce of the future.
At ASU and the Fulton Schools, women can expect to thrive and succeed in graduate school with amazing mentoring, opportunities to excel and be recognized as scholars, and unique engagement in transdisciplinary research.
“Women in engineering still lack representation. If we want to develop newer and better technologies for future generations in any area, we require the creativity and talent of both men AND women. However, women still lack representation in obtaining engineering degrees, and most importantly, in the workforce. I feel it is important to encourage young women to pursue a career in STEM because the workforce — whether it is academia, government or industry — needs to open up to the opportunity of a more diverse mindset. We need to acknowledge that women and men can both perform as equals and that we bring in as much knowledge and technical training. We need to increase women’s representation in STEM to break barriers, biases and misconceptions that have been placed over generations. We need to bridge those generational gaps by creating the same opportunities for everyone.”
Ana Barrios
’21 PhD in environmental engineering
National Research Council postdoctoral fellow, National Institute of Standards and Technology
“The world is at a disadvantage without our perspective.”
“It is important for women to pursue PhDs in STEM because we have the ability to contribute a unique point of view that is necessary as we solve the grand challenges that the world is facing.”
’20 PhD in environmental engineering
Postdoctoral researcher, University of South Florida
“Women should pursue the career that they find fulfilling. However, if STEM is something they want to learn more about or get involved in, there are so, so many different paths they could take. A career in STEM doesn’t mean just one thing and there are a lot of potential options that can lead to a fulfilling career.”
Caitlyn Hall
’21 PhD in environmental engineering
Assistant professor of practice, University of Arizona
“An engineering degree can set you down an incredible career path. When I started in civil engineering, I expected to be working on projects in the community where I grew up. I never expected to travel around the world …
… to be part of projects where we had to build ice roads for site access or go offshore on a ship to survey geotechnical conditions at the bottom of the ocean with an autonomous underwater vehicle. The fun is that there are so many opportunities in engineering that you have the option to work locally or to work globally. Opportunity is the main reason I suggest young women go into engineering — opportunity to research, design, lead, be part of a strong technical community, travel, make a positive difference in the world and make a great salary. I do not want any young woman to miss out on this field because they simply do not know about it, because they feel they are not smart enough, because they are not treated equitably at school or in the workplace, or because they do not see representation in leadership in this field. The engineering profession and, frankly, the world benefit greatly from the diverse perspective women bring to engineering and there is room and a need to inspire as many women as we can to join.”
Kimberly Martin
’21 PhD in civil engineering
Senior engineer of innovation and sustainability, Keller
“Science and engineering touch every aspect of every individual’s life, from the water we drink to the buildings we work in. Women should pursue STEM because we, along with every other individual in society, will be interacting with these systems and technologies daily. Being able to create something that you know will be used by someone like you is empowering. It promotes a culture and environment for building technologies that will be inclusive for all.”
Anjali Mulchandani
’20 PhD in environmental engineering
Assistant professor, University of New Mexico
“…the diversity of thought emerging from differences in gender, race, ethnicity, age and other demographics is frequently overlooked.”
“Solving the complex problems of today’s world requires diverse perspectives, and while project teams often consider technical diversity (for example, bringing together knowledge and skills from multiple disciplines), the diversity of thought emerging from differences in gender, race, ethnicity, age and other demographics is frequently overlooked. Another reason it’s important for women to pursue STEM careers is to close the wage gap. Because STEM fields traditionally have higher salaries, if women remain underrepresented in these fields, the average lifetime earning potential for women will remain lower than men across all fields.”
Laurel Passantino
’21 PhD environmental engineering
Assistant Dean for Research, The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
“Our commitment to embracing a more diverse and inclusive future of engineering research and education is exemplified by this outstanding group of female PhD students who have graduated with their doctoral degree in the past few years,” says Professor Ram Pendyala, director of the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, one of the six Fulton Schools. “These graduates are highly accomplished scholars who serve as outstanding role models for women in STEM, and will undoubtedly contribute to advancing their chosen profession in significant and meaningful ways.”
Ram Pendyala
Director and Professor, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment
Time to make your impact
Follow in the footsteps of these women and make your contribution to the future of the world. Pursue your Fulton Schools graduate degree today.