When young children are asked what they want to be when they grow up, there is typically a clear divide in the answers based on gender. Little girls often say they would like to be a teacher, a baker, a mom or other predominantly female-dominated fields. The little boys tend to stick to doctors, policemen, athletes, etc.. But how much do those interests really evolve while children are growing? Do the little girls ever grow up to work in male-dominated fields or do they stick to their childhood fantasies?

The STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) field encompasses a wide array of occupations that lack female presence. According to a study by the National Girls Collaborative Project, women make up only 28 percent of the science and engineering workforce. Technology and industrial arts teacher Jeanne Dolson defied that statistic in a profession that is predominantly male.

“I think as one of the first female industrial arts teachers in Michigan, when I would go to a professional conference, I would be one of four or five women,” Dolson said. “I do think that women in male-dominated fields just have to be more confident about their skills and really learn from others, too.”

Elizabeth Rooney ’18, a current sophomore at the University of Michigan, notices the same male to female differences in her STEM courses, and how the female minority makes her feel uncertain towards the field.

“Studying in a male-dominated field definitely makes me feel less confident,” Rooney said. “(I definitely second-guess (myself) because I’m not like what you (normally) see.”

Eastern Michigan University Technology Management professor and UN speaker Pamela Becker, has been studying STEM for 30 years. She said the field is “considered non-traditional for many females,” but a female presence allows for a different perspective.

“It is difficult to get women interested in these fields, but once you get there, I think women find so many opportunities open up for them,” Becker said. “The technology field (benefits) from women because they have a tendency to look at the bigger picture. I think women focus more on solutions, not as much on the problem.”

Rooney, along with studying neuroscience and pre-med, is minoring in African American studies and in music.

“There’s definitely more of a minority crisis in races in science courses, and in Michigan in total, I think that’s pretty clear,” Rooney said. “And I think there’s also a lot of people doing a lot of stuff about that, lots of permanent action happening to close the gap.”

In a presentation given to the United Nations by Becker and two other female associates titled “Creating a Roadmap for Education Women and Girls”, Becker highlighted the health benefits of introducing STEM education to women.

When girls get an education, it can decrease mortality rates -- adding a year of grade school education can increase life expectancy by 20 percent,” Becker said. “Increasing longevity, increasing choices, increasing economic well-being, increasing well-being for women.”

If STEM courses are good for female well-being, why aren’t more women reaching for these occupations? According to Dolson, it’s because of the stereotype that STEM classes are for boys, not girls.

“You don’t want to choose a career just because it’s a safe or traditional female career,” Dolson said. “Don’t limit yourself just because your friends aren’t taking it-- really look into an elective and find what interests you and try things.”

Despite the lack of girls in her classes, Dolson does think that South adequately prepares its female students to go into primarily male-dominated fields.

“Any student who goes to South with their good core classes and their good, broad selection of electives is prepared to study whatever they want in a college,” Dolson said.

But perseverance against peer pressure and gender-stereotyping starts in early childhood, with the environment girls grow up in. Becker is a prime example of that, as from a young age she was told: “Women can do anything men can do”.

“My father was in the automotive industry, as an engineer. I learned how to use tools,” Becker said. “I probably have more tools than most anyone I know, including my brother.”

Rooney believes that despite the struggles that may come with STEM, it’s a non-inclusive field as long as you work hard and persevere.

“Everybody can do this. STEM is really hard but it’s not like some people can and some people can’t-- it’s just if you work hard enough, then you can do it,” Rooney said. “As long as you have the stamina and the endurance and you are willing to put in the effort, it can be done. It’s a great field to be in, and it’s really rewarding.”