What is it like for women who are outnumbered in their respective fields, and how do they reflect on their unique experiences?

Ruomeng Ding is studying Computer Science at Georgia Tech Shenzhen Institute, Tianjin University. As an introvert, she often finds herself at a loss for words when running into classmates on campus, simply nodding with a smile. Her reserved demeanor has led to her missing out on opportunities to participate in interesting projects during her undergraduate studies.

"If there is anything different about the experience of studying engineering as a female, it’s that we should constantly be stepping out of our comfort zone," Ding said. She started actively seeking research topics and internship opportunities, exploring and embracing more possibilities at the intersection of reality and her ideals.

After obtaining her Ph.D., Mengmeng Liu spent two years working as a data engineer in the United States before returning to China to teach at GTSI as an assistant professor. After experiencing diverse workplace cultures in both the U.S. and China, she has finally found a work-life balance that fits her aspirations. “I want to cultivate more interests to enrich my life.” As a professor, Liu believes that teaching academic subjects alone is not enough – that schools should do more to help students overcome their stress and anxieties from studies and work. "Too many people are busy telling you what you should or shouldn't do. Don't pay too much attention to them, and don't overburden and misjudge yourself. Just focus on being the best you can be." Being part of the minority as a woman still seems to be a characteristic of STEM programs, but it is also a convention worth breaking.

Source: China Youth On Line