What Makes a STEM Role Model? Gendered Insights from Students and Professionals

Redacción HC
12/05/2024

Despite decades of progress in science and technology, gender disparities in STEM fields remain deeply entrenched. Women are underrepresented in many STEM disciplines, and retention rates for female students and professionals lag behind those of their male peers. One powerful strategy to bridge this gap is mentorship—especially through visible, relatable, and inspiring role models.

A recent study by Marina Tal, Rea Lavi, Shari Reiss, and Yehudit Judy Dori from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, published in the Journal of Science Education and Technology (2024), sheds light on how students and professionals in STEM perceive role models, with a specific focus on gender-based differences and career-stage variations.

Why Role Models Matter in STEM

Role models serve as beacons of possibility—they help students envision their future, build self-efficacy, and navigate the challenges of rigorous academic and professional paths. But not all role models inspire equally, and their effectiveness may vary depending on who is watching.

The researchers sought to answer a nuanced question: What characteristics define a meaningful STEM role model, and how do these traits differ in relevance based on the observer's gender and career stage?

Their findings offer actionable insights for educators, institutions, and policymakers aiming to create more inclusive, supportive STEM environments.

A Mixed-Methods Approach: Surveys and Interviews

The study combined quantitative and qualitative methods:

• Surveys were distributed to 788 final-year undergraduate and graduate students at a prominent STEM university. Participants rated their role models based on traits such as experience, empathy, and charisma.
• In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 successful women professionals in STEM—scientists, engineers, and executives—to explore the emotional and practical impact of their mentors throughout their careers.

The data analysis revealed both expected and surprising patterns—especially in how men and women interpret and prioritize the qualities of their role models.

Seven Traits That Define a Great STEM Role Model

Across both students and professionals, seven key characteristics emerged as defining a strong STEM role model:

1. Ambitious
2. Charismatic
3. Empathetic and supportive
4. Inspirational
5. Experienced
6. Talented
7. Professional

Interestingly, women were more likely than men to report being influenced by role models during their academic journey. Female participants particularly emphasized the importance of empathy and emotional support—traits that resonate with a mentoring style combining professional excellence with human warmth.

Students vs. Professionals: Evolving Expectations

While students valued inspiration and emotional support, professionals added credibility, leadership, and institutional impact as critical factors in identifying effective role models.

Interviewees reflected on mentors who, while accomplished, remained approachable and attentive. As one participant noted:

"My mentor believed in me more than I believed in myself. That support was the turning point in my career."

These stories underscore that effective mentorship is not just about success—it's about connection.

Turning Findings into Policy and Practice

The study offers practical guidance for institutions hoping to strengthen retention and equity in STEM:

• Implement formal mentoring programs with clearly defined selection criteria.
• Ensure diversity among mentors, including representation in gender, fields of expertise, and career paths.
• Monitor program outcomes, focusing on metrics like student persistence, self-efficacy, and career progression.
• Cultivate a culture that values emotional mentorship, not just technical guidance.

These steps can help create mentoring ecosystems that foster both academic success and emotional resilience—especially for underrepresented groups in STEM.

Why This Matters Beyond Israel

Although the research was conducted in a single Israeli university, its findings echo global challenges and opportunities.

In Latin American countries such as Peru, Mexico, and Colombia, female STEM students often lack access to relatable mentors. Universities and professional associations can replicate this study's approach by developing apps, online platforms, or regional mentoring networks that connect students with inspiring professionals—especially women who combine technical excellence with empathetic leadership.

For instance, tools like the W-STEM Mobile App are already being used to facilitate mentorship at scale in Latin America, as cited in the study.

Conclusion: Role Models Must Reflect and Inspire

"Inspiration without empathy is insufficient," one of the study's authors observed.

That simple statement captures the heart of the findings.

For role models to be truly transformative in STEM, they must combine professional excellence with human connection. It is not enough to be brilliant; one must also be approachable, encouraging, and supportive—especially to those navigating the early, uncertain stages of their careers.

Institutions serious about inclusion must take these insights seriously. That means investing in structured mentorship programs, training mentors to lead with empathy, and ensuring that every student can find a role model who not only shows them what's possible—but helps them believe they can get there too.

Topics of interest

Academia