Building Confidence and Curiosity: A Pathway for Women in STEM
Nurturing Curiosity and Confidence: How Mentorship Transforms STEM Education for Underrepresented Students
Curiosity drives discovery. As a mathematician, researcher, and advisor, I have spent my career exploring complex problems, uncovering patterns, and sharing the excitement of learning with students. Beyond the theorems and proofs, I have learned that curiosity—the willingness to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and keep growing—is one of the most powerful forces in education and in life.
A Spark from Early Research
When I was an undergraduate student, I conducted a study on women’s attitudes toward mathematics, examining how confidence, interest, and classroom experiences shaped engagement. That early work taught me an important lesson: success in STEM is not determined by talent alone, but by the environment, encouragement, and support students receive. It also ignited my passion for mentorship and for teaching practices that foster confidence and resilience, particularly among students who are historically underrepresented in STEM.
Through my ongoing work with students, I have seen how guidance, hands-on problem-solving, and exposure to real-world applications can transform their willingness to pursue advanced mathematics. These experiences confirmed what my research suggested: nurturing curiosity and self-efficacy is essential to helping students thrive.
Challenges for Women and Underrepresented Students
The barriers are real. Subtle biases, societal expectations, and structural obstacles can make even highly capable students doubt themselves. Many undergraduates feel anxious when faced with new concepts, which can limit engagement and career aspirations. These challenges are especially pronounced for women and students from historically underrepresented groups in STEM.
Yet every challenge is also an opportunity. By acknowledging these barriers and providing intentional support, educators can help students not just succeed, but truly excel.
The Transformative Power of Mentorship
I have witnessed firsthand how mentorship can change trajectories. By guiding students through difficult material, offering encouragement, and showcasing tangible examples of success, I help them build confidence in their abilities. Inclusive learning environments—where curiosity is celebrated, mistakes are embraced as part of learning, and diverse perspectives are valued—dramatically improve students’ attitudes toward mathematics.
My research and teaching consistently show that when students feel supported, their engagement and achievement grow. This evidence underscores the importance of mentorship, active learning, and creating spaces where all students feel capable of succeeding.
Mathematics as Empowerment
Mathematics is more than numbers; it is a way to think critically, solve problems, and innovate. Empowering women and underrepresented students to engage with math nurtures future STEM leaders and creative problem-solvers who can tackle real-world challenges.
The key lesson I share with students is simple: stay curious, stay resilient, and lift others as you grow. Every question asked, every challenge overcome, and every skill mastered contributes not only to personal growth, but to a more inclusive and vibrant STEM community.
Conclusion
Through research, teaching, and mentorship grounded in my own experiences and studies, I strive to ensure that all students—regardless of background—recognize that their curiosity and potential in mathematics are real and powerful. By fostering curiosity, building confidence, and promoting inclusivity, we can inspire the next generation of women in STEM to achieve extraordinary things.
