Historically dominated by men, STEM continues to have a gender imbalance in education and the workforce. However, Professor Carole Yauk from the University of Ottawa Department of Biology believes that with the right encouragement, resources and mentorship, women can thrive in STEM careers.
Encouragement from mentors, family and peers is crucial to women’s success in STEM. Professor Yauk emphasizes that positive reinforcement, starting from high school and continuing in university, is key. Women who get support from role models in their fields are more likely to pursue and remain in these disciplines. A common challenge, however, is the shortage of female mentors in STEM, particularly in chemistry and physics. This lack of representation can make women feel isolated. So, fostering mentorship networks is essential for supporting women so they can overcome barriers and remain in these fields of study and careers.
It’s encouraging to see that many male mentors in STEM advocate for gender equality. Professor Yauk’s own experience highlights this. She notes that many of her male mentors — supervisors, co-workers and supporters — helped her succeed in the field despite the lack of female representation in her early career. “I strongly encourage my colleagues to be feminists, regardless of their gender! I was fortunate to be mentored by men who were. Their support and encouragement were instrumental in me pursuing graduate studies in science and, ultimately, a career in STEM,” shares Yauk.
“I strongly encourage my colleagues to be feminists, regardless of their gender! I was fortunate to be mentored by men who were.”
Professor Carole Yauk, Department of Biology
Networking is another key element for women to succeed in STEM careers. By connecting with other scientists and professionals, women can share insights and overcome common challenges. Conferences, professional groups and informal discussions offer safe spaces for women to talk about personal and professional struggles, such as balancing competing priorities or dealing with gender disparities.
At the University of Ottawa, Professor Yauk facilitates a monthly “Women in Biology” gathering. It creates a supportive community where people can share their experiences and advocate for women in STEM. The group on discussing challenges like health issues, gender disparities and the underrepresentation of women of colour in academia. There is still a long way to go to have a faculty that is as diverse as its student population.
Imposter syndrome is another common challenge faced by women in STEM. Imposter syndrome is where people feel undeserving of their achievements or are less likely to self-promote because of a lack of confidence. Professor Yauk suggests reframing imposter syndrome as a tool for self-reflection, helping women to build resilience, enhance their skills and gain confidence to tackle challenges.
Diversity in STEM is not just a goal: it’s also a real advantage. Women bring unique perspectives, creativity and leadership skills to the workplace. These assets are increasingly valued. Women tend to be generous with their time and often volunteer for service roles that support the institution’s strategic goals, such as committees or administrative tasks. This work is underappreciated but essential, and its importance should be recognized.
Gender-diverse science teams outperform single-gender teams at producing high-impact, novel work across various fields (Yang et al. 2022). This diversity enhances innovation and resilience, which are crucial for overcoming academic challenges like funding constraints or resource scarcity. “Recognizing these benefits, our faculty is working to increase its representation of gender diversity and foster inclusive excellence in our research environment,” says Alexandre Poulain, vice-dean of research and infrastructure.
To overcome challenges, women can share and exchange personal experiences with peers. These exchanges help them normalize their shared challenges and greatly help to keep them engaged in pursuing STEM careers. By seeking mentorship and networking opportunities, women can get better at self-promotion, cultivating a growth mindset and believing in their abilities. With continued support from both male and female allies, women will be more resilient and persistent in their academic and career journeys. This means they can make significant contributions to the advancement of science.
Carole Yauk wins award
Professor Carole Yauk was awarded the prestigious 2025 Alexander Hollander Award for her exceptional contribution to the field of environmental mutagenesis and genomics, particularly in relation to environmental pollutants and human health, by Environmental Mutagenesis and Genomics Society (EMGS). Prior to pursuing her research at the University of Ottawa, she spent 17 years as a research scientist at Health Canada focusing on how environmental pollutants and stresses induce heritable genetic mutations in organisms. Professor Yauk is a recognized international leader in promoting the development of the Adverse Outcome Pathway framework (AOP), which outlines how toxic substances contribute to health effects. She has served on numerous prestigious committees both locally and internationally.