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The world of science and technology is increasingly more open from year to year to girls who dream of becoming scientists and engineers. Professions that used to be considered masculine are now open to everyone, and women do cool and unique things in the fields. Their achievements are not just impressive: they break old stereotypes that girls have no place in difficult professions.
We asked several questions to three girl-students of the Advanced Aerospace Engineering School (AAES) and their teacher, Victoria Kokareva, Associate Professor at the AAES, a person who worked at ground zero of many projects and continues to inspire young professionals. Each story is an example of persistence, self-belief and true love for her work.
The questions were answered by Natalia Lisichenko ("Design and Technology of Electronic Devices"), Anastasia Golomazova ("Informatics and Computing"), Polina Barynkina ("Aircraft Engines").
"Why did you choose this particular training area?"
Natalia Lisichenko: Since my childhood, I’ve wanted to understand how all the electronic devices that surround us operate and invent something new. After three years of university studies and a year of internship, I have never regretted my choice and plan to continue developing in this field.
Anastasia Golomazova: I liked physics and mathematics at school. These subjects develop analytical and structured thinking, as well as provide the opportunity for exploring the world. The professions of a process engineer and a design engineer combined all my requirements related to my future field of work.
Polina Barynkina: Being a child, I knew for sure that I wanted to be an engineer. At school, I developed organizational and managerial skills. And when I found out that my training profile "Aircraft Engines" combines engineering and work organization, I undoubtedly chose it.
"What does a girl feel like in an engineering environment? Do you feel supported or biased?"
Natalia Lisichenko: I can’t say that being a girl in an engineering environment feels like something special. I have always been on equal terms with others and feel neither negativity nor prejudice from people nearby.
Anastasia Golomazova: I’d be lying if I said that being a girl in an engineering environment is easy. I’ve often been told, "You won’t make it!", "But you’re not a true engineer!", "Do you really dream of such a future?" There will be a lot to learn and understand at the beginning of the journey. We must be prepared for bias.
Polina Barynkina: It’s cool to be a girl everywhere, because we can do everything! Though bias is common. Everyone supports everyone, it is not limited to gender or the year of study. Many teachers always try to help with everything.
"What do you think is the uniqueness of women’s contribution to engineering education and science?"
Natalia Lisichenko: To my mind, we should not talk about the uniqueness of women’s contribution to science. Each person has their own approach to the task, and (s)he will bring something own to the work. Everyone is unique in his/her own way, so everyone’s contribution will be unique.
Anastasia Golomazova: Women’s achievements in scientific engineering are considered unique in themselves. I would like to note that the scientific works by women are distinguished by their accuracy and attention to detail, which can lead to new ideas and approaches.
Polina Barynkina: As we know, women were much later given the opportunity for receiving higher education and officially engaging in science, so that their opinions would be taken into account. And despite this, women-scientists have contributed a lot to the development of science and achieved many results, and it’s amazing!
"What would you say to girls who dream of science, but are afraid that they won”t succeed?"
Natalia Lisichenko: The main thing in any undertaking is the desire and the clearly defined goal. In science, as in any other field, there are difficulties, but just by overcoming them, you become stronger. Don’t be afraid of sidelong glances because of the fact that you are female. In science, knowledge and skills are valued first and foremost.
Anastasia Golomazova: Girls, never be afraid of your desires and choices! Feel free to embark on the path of research in the technical field. Your aspirations and efforts will lead you to success in your career.
Polina Barynkina: Never be afraid of anything! You should try to do everything you dream of, so that you don’t regret what you didn’t do. So try, strive, act, no one can stop you!
Opinion:
Victoria Kokareva, Associate Professor at the AAES:
Working in my team, I have never encountered stereotypes about "blondies». Relationships have always been on an equal footing with everyone, but, in some situations, sometimes I indeed wanted to say to myself, "But I’m a girl..." Being a girl in science means adding a touch of creativity and spring mood, generating non-standard approaches and thoughts. Fortitude, maximum involvement and dedication to the process, creative thinking, curiosity, continuous development and improvement are the qualities to be brought to engineering specialties by girls. In science, as in art, for getting decent results, you need to give your soul and love to your work. Do what you love!
The stories of these girls are a real example of how persistence and self-belief can destroy stereotypes. They prove that engineering and science are not dry formulas and blueprints, but a place where you can change the world, inspire and create the future. For our heroines, being a part of the technical environment is not just a profession, but a lifestyle full of challenges and victories. Their path is a reminder to all girls: don’t listen to those who say that “this is not for you”. Technology, science, and engineering are for everyone who is willing to trust in own strength and abilities, and never stop.
Roman Antonov
