PERSPECTIVE
SUMMER 2005
In technology, it's not just a man's world anymore
Although technology fields have typically been dominated by men, women at Purdue are breaking though traditional barriers with the help of programs in the College of Technology.
"Fewer than 15 percent of our students are women, and if you look at the fields our students go into – fields like engineering technology, manufacturing, aviation, construction management – they are all heavily male-dominated," says Dennis Depew, dean of the College of Technology. "The place to start to change these industries is at the university level. It is our responsibility to support women interested in these fields by encouraging them to pursue their interests and their dreams."
One of the college's efforts is a class taught by faculty members Mara Wasburn and Sue Miller. The class is designed it to provide female students in the college with an understanding of the challenges of working in a field with mostly men, strategies for meeting those challenges and providing a support network for the students as they progress in their studies. Students who take the class, "Women in Technology: Exploring the Possibilities," also are able to meet and hear from alumnae and other women currently working in technology positions at companies such as IBM, John Deere and United Airlines Inc.
The in-class speakers often help connect students to internship and job opportunities, which several students take advantage of each semester, further helping with retention.
Miller, associate professor of computer graphics technology, says that not only do women in technology programs have difficulty building a support network of peers, but they also often lack that support coming from home.
"I have worked with students whose parents have encouraged them to drop out of the field they love to do something that more women do," she says. "Part of what we are able to do in this class is to connect these students with their peers, those who are going through the same things they are. It is important to know you are not alone."
Many of the women take the Women in Technology class as freshmen and go on to become involved with the Women in Technology student organization, which Miller and Wasburn also advise.
Wasburn, associate professor of organizational leadership and supervision, says the class is one of the only ones of its kind in the country, and professors in other colleges of technology have asked for assistance in creating similar courses on their campuses.
"The connections they make in this class continue throughout their time at Purdue," says Wasburn. "The students also form connections with the successful professionals who speak to the class. It is important to have role models who have succeeded in the face of the obstacles you are encountering."
The College of Technology's efforts have made a difference.
Earlier this year, an American Society for Engineering Education study showed that Purdue grants more bachelor's degrees to women in engineering technology than any other university.
Depew says that no one program or initiative will make the difference, but a vigilant effort on different fronts will help women gain ground in the college.
The college's departments each offer their own programs focusing on attracting and retaining female students.
For example the Department of Building Construction Management sponsors an annual Girl Scout Day, where local Girl Scouts learn basic construction and home repair skills, partly with the hope of encouraging interest in the field among the girls.
The Department of Aviation Technology is hosting this summer the Air Race Classic, the oldest women's-only air race in the country. Tom Carney, aviation technology department head, says currently women account for only 13 percent of the department's more than 600 students, but that he looks forward to a day when that representation approaches half.
"Since the first flight 102 years ago, aviation has been a male-dominated field," Carney says. "If anything, the percentage of women in the department at Purdue is even higher than the industry as a whole. By supporting events like the Air Race Classic and reaching out to young girls with interest in aviation, Purdue can help open up not just our program but the entire industry."
The 2004-05 enrollment in the College of Technology was 4,185 students. Of that, 523 or 12 percent, were female. Here is the breakdown by department.
- Aviation Technology: 84 women. 13 percent.
- Building Construction Management: 18 women. 3.5 percent.
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology: 31 women. 5.8 percent.
- Industrial Technology: 33 women. 11.7 percent.
- Computer Graphics Technology: 96 women. 20 percent.
- Computer Integrated Manufacturing Technology: 6 women. 7.8 percent.
- Computer Technology: 58 women. 11 percent.
- Mechanical Engineering Technology: 26 women. 4.2 percent.
- Organizational Leadership and Supervision: 170 women. 33.5 percent.
More information about the College of Technology and its programs for women can be found online at www.tech.purdue.edu/
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PHOTO CAPTION:
Michelle Lytle, at left, and Christina Wiwi, both seniors in computer- integrated manufacturing technology, use a laboratory robot to demonstrate mechanical engineering technology concepts and applications. Earlier this year, computer-integrated manufacturing technology was one of three College of Technology programs recognized for granting more bachelor's degrees in engineering technology to women than any other American university.
(Purdue News Service photo/David Umberger)
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PHOTO CAPTION:
Katie Sparrow, a freshman in the Department of Aviation Technology's professional flight technology, inspects an airplane before beginning a training flight this fall. In June, the College of Technology will serve as host for the Air Race Classic – a race for teams of female pilots – in an effort showcase the accomplishments of women in the field and attract more women to aviation.
(Purdue News Service photo/David Umberger)
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PHOTO CAPTION:
Michelle Lytle, at left, and Christina Wiwi, both seniors in computer- integrated manufacturing technology, use a laboratory robot to demonstrate mechanical engineering technology concepts and applications. Earlier this year, computer-integrated manufacturing technology was one of three College of Technology programs recognized for granting more bachelor's degrees in engineering technology to women than any other American university.
(Purdue News Service photo/David Umberger)
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