Dr. Stephanie Dingwall
I am the first in my extended family to pursue any sort of science degree. I originally considered medicine, but I had a wonderful biochemistry professor who influenced me to consider academia. After I graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Neuroscience and minor in French, I worked in test prep and tutoring for several years. I earned my M.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UCR, and taught at a community college for four years. I returned to UCR for a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, specializing in spectroscopic and kinetic analyses of molybdenum metalloenzymes. After earning my doctorate, I became faculty in the Department of Biochemistry at UCR.
In graduate school, my research focused on certain enzymes that contained the transition element molybdenum. One enzyme in particular - carbon monoxide dehydrogenase - converted the deadly molecule carbon monoxide into the more benign carbon dioxide. In a nutshell, this little bacterial enzyme keeps us humans alive by removing much of the carbon monoxide in Earth’s atmosphere! We wanted to see how this reaction occurred at the molecular level in these tiny enzymes.
I am currently the only Assistant Professor of Teaching in Biochemistry at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), which means that my focus has pivoted from lab-bench science to biochemistry pedagogy. My research centers on how to teach and learn biochemistry better. Quite a number of techniques developed by my students and I have made it into the courses I teach, which means that my students actively contribute to developing a collegiate course! Since I teach more classes than a typical research professor, I have the privilege of interacting with more students more frequently.
My experience as a woman in STEAM is definitely mixed. Some students are nervous or even outright defiant about having a younger professor, much less female, since the stereotypical “professor” conjures up images of usually older males. Others try to push because they believe that they can influence me one way or another, that I am a “softie.” However, the majority of students - especially women - have remarked that they feel more comfortable having me as a professor than a male because I tend to listen more to what they say, or are more approachable. As for my colleagues, the vast majority are men. I received support from many of my male colleagues, but not all. It was mixed from the women. Some of this was perhaps due to the fact that I was the only assistant professor of teaching; in other words, my research in biochemical education is not viewed the same (or lesser, even) as “lab-bench” research.
I have had various experiences where people in general tell me they are surprised I know so much about “hard sciences” (i.e. chemistry/biochemistry) because they tend to be male-dominated and “math-heavy” fields.
Advice for women pursuing careers in STEAM:
Go for it! Women are being increasingly recognized for not only their contributions but also blazing trails in fields traditionally dominated by men.
Seek a supportive mentor (or mentors). Mentors do not have to be women. Unfortunately, sometimes female mentors are harsher on their female students. Some mean well, others do not. However, they do tend to be more understanding with regards to non-academic life and work/life balance. My advisor was extremely understanding, and a true gem. He let me grow via trial and error, but also knew when to get involved and when to step back. He is a rarity, and I am fortunate to have a mentor and friend like him.
There are support groups - find them. For example, the Women’s Faculty Association helps guide young junior faculty in their academic progress, such as getting tenure and applying for grants.
Struggles are part of life...but be able to pick yourself up and learn from them. If something happens, try to look at it objectively first. However, if it is inappropriate, do speak up. We have all dealt with so much to get where we are, but we stay because we love what we do. We will not let anyone else dictate what “should be,” because we are where we are due to our hard work and effort.
Be aware of work/life balance. It is too easy to lose yourself in work. Taking breaks once in a while is a good thing. It is necessary for your rejuvenation (and sanity!).
This is YOUR time to shine. Show everyone what you can do, and do it! Best of luck!
