About Women in STEM

There are organizations aimed at promoting high school girls in math and science. For me, I never had the opportunity to participate in similar organizations for adults, as I’ve always prioritized more academic activities. This reflection brings something to mind.

My approach may differ from what is often seen in other spaces.

I was once invited to give a plenary talk at our annual conference as an associate professor. I respectfully declined. Having organized many similar conferences in the past, my understanding is that the speaker is typically a full professor who has pioneered significant advancements in their research area. I did not feel I had reached that point yet, and I was aware of several male professors who were more qualified than I was, yet had never been invited.

I understand that the organizers' intention was to make the "numbers" look balanced, but I cannot fully agree with that approach. I believe if we truly want to support women in math and sciences, we should nurture them like young trees—by providing them with the right nutrients, watering them, and patiently watching them grow—rather than pulling them up prematurely, before they are ready to stand on their own.

Before declining the invitation, I consulted several senior colleagues. All but one explicitly encouraged me to accept it. After considering everything, I decided to trust my instincts and suggested a few alternative names instead.

Dr. Xue
April 18, 2025