ASTC On Air is a new series in which we will interview fascinating individuals outside the museum field who are doing work that is relevant and interesting to informal science and museum professionals.
During the session, Johnson-Stempson discussed her just-completed study on how girls perceive the effort necessary to get them into or to stay in STEM studies and/or careers. These results are particularly relevant given that access for girls to STEM fields, and in particular computer science, is a prominent concern for ASTC and its members.
The Big Dream Movement, an initiative to connect STEM organizations, academia, and resources to girls around the world, was also discussed. Read more about the initiative and schedule a free screening of the film at your museum by visiting www.bigdreammovement.com.
Johnson-Stempson works with the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), the Anita Borg Institute, the American Association of University Women, the Computer Research Association’s Committee on the Status of Women in Computing Research (CRA-W), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Women in Engineering, Association for Computer Machinery (ACM) Women in Computing, and various research efforts to increase the number of women in STEM fields. In addition, she has been selected to serve on White House committees on using technology to end human trafficking and reaching youth from underrepresented minorities in STEM.
Watch the recording of ASTC On Air with… Rane Johnson-Stempson below. You can view her slide presentation here.
Have feedback or a suggestion for a future edition of ASTC On Air? Let us know! Email web@astc.org.
Be sure to keep an eye on ASTC communications for information about the next installment of ASTC On Air. Another exciting guest will be announced soon!