STEM Moms Represent
Occasionally in our newsletter, we feature alumni spotlights of the STEM Programs of the Joint Educational Project (JEP). They usually include the professional careers that many of our alumni transition into including: doctors, science performers, teachers and more! This time, we are featuring another important role many women in STEM come to assume during their lifetime–the role of motherhood. Motherhood can manifest in various ways, including, pregnancy, surrogacy, fostering/adopting kids under the age of 18 and many more. Many also struggle with fertility issues and treatments for years in attempts to gain this role. Women are still highly underrepresented in STEM fields even in 2021. Studies show there is “substantial attrition of new mothers–43% of women leave full-time STEM employment after their first child.These gender differences hold irrespective of variation by discipline, race, and other demographic factors” (Cech & Blair-Loy 2019). Representation, support, and flexibility with work responsibilities and caregiving are crucial in retaining new parents in the STEM fields.
It is important for us to highlight and celebrate the work of women in STEM and to be representative of them in their roles not only in the STEM fields, but also as moms. To that respect, we have three new moms within a year’s time: Cecily Pulver, Anupam Singh, and Dieuwertje “DJ” Kast.
Cecily Pulver (left photo), a former YSP coordinator and instructor (2017-2019), currently works as an Upper School Chemistry and Biology Instructor at Worcester Academy. Cecily gave birth to Daniella Irene Tapper, at 11:28 pm on July 10, 2020. She weighed in at 7lbs 1oz, and measured 19 inches.
Anupam Singh (right photo), a graduate student in molecular and computational biology, is the current coordinator of the USC Medical STEM Program (MSP) at JEP. Her little one is due June 2021.
Last, but not least, Dr. Dieuwertje “DJ” Kast (left Photo), Director of STEM Education Programs of JEP, is expecting her first, and long anticipated bundle of joy, August 8th, 2021.
We look forward to seeing these STEM moms flourish in their new roles and stand as examples to show that moms can be powerhouse scientists, and simultaneously raise and nurture our STEM program’s class of 2040.