Shattering Barriers: Emerging as a Female Undergraduate Researcher
Supporting Women-Identifying Undergraduate Students in Research at Princeton University
Princeton University is taking steps to ensure a supportive environment for women-identifying undergraduate students in research. The Center for Career Development provides a guide on crafting specific and attainable goals, with a focus on SMART goals that cover field exploration, research skills, and research opportunities.
One of the key elements of support is mentorship and role models. Given Princeton’s history of advancing women’s education since undergraduate coeducation in 1969 and the achievements of women scholars, establishing mentorship programs connecting women undergraduates with women faculty and senior researchers is critical.
Recognition and encouragement are also crucial. Highlighting accomplishments of women-identifying students through awards, scholarships, and fellowships can empower and encourage continued research engagement.
Access to research opportunities is another important factor. Encouraging participation in undergraduate research journals, summer research programs, and interdisciplinary projects, and facilitating collaborations across departments and external partners, broadens research exposure and networking for women-identifying students.
Creating inclusive spaces is another key element. Supporting student groups, research collectives, and conferences celebrating women researchers fosters community and visibility, reducing gender isolation in STEM and other fields.
Providing information and workshops on navigating research funding, publishing, and leadership roles tailored to women’s experiences can help address structural barriers to advancement.
While there may not be a formalized, centralized program exclusively for women-identifying undergraduate researchers at Princeton, integrating these best practices aligns with Princeton’s commitment to coeducation and research excellence. Students can consult Princeton’s Office of Undergraduate Research and diversity offices, which offer programs and guidance supporting underrepresented groups in academia.
It's important for women-identifying undergraduates to recognize that they are capable and deserving of research opportunities. Students are encouraged to voice their passion for research and their goals to professors in their courses, as many courses offer final projects that provide additional support for more ambitious research.
In addition, it's important for managers and hiring staff to check their subconscious bias and actively realize the potential and qualifications of women applicants. Women are underrepresented in leadership and committee positions, and it is crucial to address this imbalance.
Together, we can support the next generation of women researchers. By following these best practices, we can create an inclusive and equitable research environment at Princeton University.
- To further enhance their research skills, women-identifying undergraduate students can consider working on a senior thesis in fields like science, health-and-wellness, or women's health.
- In the pursuit of careers in business, finance, or education-and-self-development, developing and showcasing research skills through a junior paper could be a significant advantage.
- Encouragement and recognition for women-identifying students can be found through various scholarships, fellowships, and awards, highlighting their achievements in research.
- As they aspire for leadership roles, it's crucial for women-identifying students to attend workshops on navigating research funding, publishing, and leadership positions, tailored to their unique experiences.
- To bridge the gap in diversity-and-inclusion, particularly in the areas of STEM, it's essential for managers and hiring staff to actively recognize and address their subconscious biases, ensuring that women applicants are given fair consideration for research opportunities and careers.
