Empowering the Next Generation of Women in STEM with Laura Carter

Helping Families Be Happy

On today's episode of the "Helping Families Be Happy" podcast, host Christopher Robbins, co-founder of Familius Publishing, husband, father of nine, author, fisherman, backpacker, and aspirational musician based in the Central Valley of California, talks to Laura Carter, about influential women who have influenced science, technology, engineering, and math, and even art. Laura Carter is an Oxford, AL native with a Bachelor of History and a Master of Education from the University of Montevallo. Laura, a high school history teacher since 2013, is also certified in English language arts. She is an accomplished author in children's literature, starting with "The Elect and Restoration" in 2013.

Episode Highlights:

• 02:15: Laura shares the inspiration behind her exploration of women in STEM, referencing the term "feminist" and her experience teaching at a STEM magnet high school in Huntsville, AL.
• 04:09: The discussion delves into the various STEM disciplines covered in Laura's book, highlighting mathematicians, programmers, astronauts, physicists, therapists, physicians, and more.
• 05:19: The conversation introduces notable women, starting with Dorothy Vaughn, known for her role as NASA's human calculator, featured in the film and book "Hidden Figures."
• 07:13: Laura advocates for increased recognition of women in STEM fields, expressing the importance of acknowledging the accomplishments of female professionals in various STEM disciplines. Laura also shares surprising statistics about the representation of women in professional STEM fields, revealing that around 30-34% of professionals in STEM are women.
• 08:18: Laura reflects on Mary Shelley's ground breaking role in science fiction, noting her significance as a woman in a male-dominated field.
• 09:35: Laura emphasizes the significant involvement of women in education, citing Maria Montessori's student-led approach and the prevalence of women majoring in education in college.
• 10:44: Christopher acknowledges the holistic nature of STEM education, incorporating STEM-related fields into a comprehensive educational experience.
• 11:29: Laura discusses the changing landscape of computer science, noting the increasing participation of women in tech companies and the start-up scene. She highlights the evolving opportunities in the field.
• 12:05: Laura emphasizes the changing dynamics in computer science and expresses awe at the remarkable programming skills demonstrated by her students, reflecting on missed opportunities in her own educational choices.
• 14:06 Laura mentions Phyllis Wheatley, the first published African American woman, known for her support of George Washington. Also, Rachel Carson, an environmentalist who authored "Silent Spring" and initiated the environmental movement.
• 15:34 Laura expresses the desire for families and kids to recognize that entering STEM fields is achievable, emphasizing the integration of STEM with humanities and arts. Encourages children not to be afraid and to realize the world is open to them.
• 17:05 Laura encourages young women to believe that STEM is possible for them, emphasizing that the only barrier is oneself. She urges them to read, discuss with teachers, parents, or friends, and find an area of interest to explore, promoting the idea of being a lifelong learner.

Key Points:

1. Laura Carter, author of "STEMinist Force," discussed her book on a podcast, emphasizing the importance of showcasing diverse women in STEM.
2. The book aims to inspire girls to explore STEM fields, particularly addressing the underrepresentation in computer science.
3. Laura encourages a lifelong learning mindset and highlights the diverse range of STEM fields beyond the commonly associated ones, such as mathematicians, programmers, astronauts, physicists, therapists, teachers, and more.

Tweetable Quotes:

• "Laura Carter highlights the fascinating blend of feminism and STEM, encouraging young minds to explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and math.” - Laura Carter
• "STEM is a quiet but powerful force shaping our world, extending beyond computer desks and laboratories. Laura Carter emphasizes the importance of recognizing STEM in our everyday lives.” - Laura Carter
• "Aspiring to be a lifelong learner is the key takeaway from Laura Carter's insights. She encourages young minds to find their interests, dive into STEM, and realize the potential to make a difference.” - Laura Carter

Resources Mentioned:

• Helping Families Be Happy Podcast Apple
• https://laurawcarter.com/author/laurawcarter/
• Podcast Editing