In 2023, MIT make clear a sobering actuality relating to the gender hole in STEM (science, know-how, engineering, and arithmetic): ladies comprise solely 28% of the STEM workforce, underlining a major gender disparity that also exists at the moment.
Regardless of this problem, it is vital to acknowledge and have fun the outstanding accomplishments of ladies who’ve pushed developments in STEM.
As we mark Worldwide Day of Ladies and Women in Science, we not solely acknowledge these achievements but additionally search to encourage the subsequent technology of ladies in STEM.
At this time, we’re thrilled to current a particular Q&A with Ariel Garten, co-founder of Muse and a trailblazing Canadian feminine neuroscientist. Ariel shares her profession path in STEM, the start of Muse, and the successes and challenges which have formed her path to the place she is at the moment. Learn on to be taught extra about her inspiring STEM journey!
Ariel’s journey in STEM
Are you able to inform us a bit about your background in science and what led you to co-create the Muse headband?
My journey into science started in highschool, sparked by a fascination with the world’s workings and our organic programs.
A pivotal second was in 1996 when a forward-thinking instructor launched biotech tools, together with a PCR machine, in our science class. This led to a co-op in a analysis lab that advanced right into a summer season place, and I used to be hooked on science.
In college, I specialised in Neuroscience and later collaborated with Dr. Steve Mann within the early 2000s. Our work targeted on utilizing EEG know-how to sonify mind exercise, aiming to make the mind’s processes extra accessible. For over a decade, we experimented with this know-how’s potential, exploring how we might use it to assist individuals enhance their brains.
A giant “aha” second got here once we realized we might assist individuals meditate with EEG know-how. We knew there have been research demonstrating that meditation might considerably enhance mind well being.
We additionally knew most individuals discovered it difficult to meditate because it was obscure what was occurring of their minds throughout meditation, which made it laborious to know what they had been presupposed to do. Our know-how, which we named Muse, might resolve that downside. We might let meditators know in real-time what their thoughts was doing whereas they meditated and information them to meditate extra successfully—that’s how Muse was born.
Now, we have advanced far past only a meditation device. We delved into the subsequent downside of serving to individuals get higher sleep. The sleep know-how launched with our Muse S Headband has confirmed to match the accuracy of sleep consultants and enhance sleep by 20%.
Over 200 analysis research spotlight the advantages of Muse, starting from monitoring stress discount and enhancing high quality of life in breast most cancers sufferers to supporting researchers and clinicians in crucial areas corresponding to anxiousness detection and stroke prognosis.
The chances of Muse are limitless. With the emergence of different neurotechnology instruments, we’re marking a brand new period in understanding and enhancing mind well being.
Have been there any challenges you confronted as a lady in science, and if that’s the case, how did you overcome them?
In my technology (I’m at present 42 years outdated), ranging from my teenage years once I first grew to become involved in science, it has been a welcoming and inclusive discipline.
Nevertheless, on the earth of engineering and laptop science, I’ve noticed gender disparities. I’ve personally confronted obstacles as a lady within the know-how sector, and I think about there might have been some hidden challenges in company environments that might have been completely different if I had been male.
It is actually inspiring to witness the success of quite a few ladies within the science sector. I firmly consider that by constantly highlighting and celebrating feminine illustration and accomplishments within the know-how and engineering business, we will make vital progress, as a result of feminine illustration issues.
Have you seen the panorama change for ladies in science and know-how because you started your profession?
The panorama for ladies in know-how has undergone vital adjustments within the 20 years since I started my profession.
Initially, there was a noticeable gender hole, notably in engineering, however we’ve got began to witness a shift in recent times. As an example, the variety of ladies incomes levels in engineering has greater than doubled since I began my profession. Nonetheless, the present statistics present that just one in 5 engineering levels goes to ladies.
At Muse, we have made it a precedence to rent extra ladies in technical roles, corresponding to our sensible Chief Know-how Officer (CTO), Marcela Guerra.
Continued progress is important, and this transformation could be attributed to proactive initiatives geared toward making science and know-how extra interesting, in addition to efforts to dismantle gender stereotypes.
What has been your most rewarding second with Muse?
There have been so many! One which stands out is from our first Amazon evaluations.
A lady talked about that her husband was present process most cancers remedy, and utilizing Muse helped her be extra supportive of him and their youngsters throughout this difficult time. I could not assist however cry once I learn that. Figuring out that Muse has made a constructive affect on so many individuals, generally throughout their hardest moments is extremely rewarding.
The Mayo Clinic has now performed research on Muse, together with its function in most cancers survivorship and breast most cancers prognosis administration.
How do you see Muse contributing to the broader dialog and understanding of psychological well being, particularly for ladies?
Because the co-creator of Muse, my private journey in the direction of enhancing my psychological wellbeing led to the event of instruments to handle distractions and course of feelings.
My perspective as a lady inspired me to think about what may benefit different ladies all through varied levels of life, notably given the underrepresentation of females in healthcare analysis.
Muse acknowledges the significance of supporting and learning the distinctive wants of all genders, and over 500,000 people have since used Muse to assist handle stress, focus, sleep, and emotional regulation.
What recommendation would you give to younger women and girls aspiring to enter the fields of science and know-how?
It is an thrilling time to be a lady aspiring to enter the fields of science, arithmetic, and know-how! At this time, there’s an abundance of enthusiasm, mentorship, and monetary help extra accessible than ever earlier than.
You probably have a ardour for these fields, begin by taking related topics in class, think about becoming a member of robotics golf equipment, and do not hesitate to succeed in out to native scientists to discover alternatives to volunteer of their labs. You’ll be able to even embark by yourself scientific adventures with the wealth of sources obtainable on-line, corresponding to DIY experiments from YouTube.
My ultimate piece of recommendation for aspiring women and girls searching for to make their mark in STEM – embrace your curiosity, work laborious, and keep in mind that the world of science eagerly awaits your invaluable contributions.