Hollywood has definitely influenced women's roles in the field of science. The increasing interest in forensic careers is largely due to television shows like "CSI," "Bones" and "Law & Order." "Back in my day, 'Quincy' was it!" Dr. Kristi L. Jean noted. "I doubt we're going to see an increase in female engineers, unless Hollywood comes out with a lead role for a sexy engineer."
Jean hold a Doctorate of Philosophy in chemical engineering and serves with the faculty at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) at Wahpeton, North Dakota. She worked to develop an industry-based nanoscience technician curriculum and to establish the Center for Nanoscience Technology Training laboratory. Currently, she serves as a nano-outreach coordinator promoting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to North Dakota youths. Her time in the industry has resulted in twelve invention records and one U.S. patent.
"Nanoscience is the study of atoms and taking the knowledge and trying to make things better," Jean said. "Since everything is made of atoms, everything can be studied at this level. Today medical, cosmetic, and even agricultural fields all utilize nanoscience. Because it is so diverse, almost every student can find their niche and career interest."
Science isn't just for boys. Growing up, Jean wasn't always interested in science, but math came easy to her. "Because of key role models in my life, I knew I wanted a career. My brother was a chemical engineer, so science became a starting point for me. I recall a positive high school science teacher who inspired me, and my mother was pregnant with me while still attending school. That really underscored the importance of education in my life! Education really can set the tone for your life!"
Jean recalls an opportunity for a North Dakota farm girl to travel to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, to participate in a national science foundation research experience. "At the time, I was a kid working on things just developed in nanoscience fields. I realize now I was surrounded by cutting-edge research."
Today, Jean lives in Hankinson with her husband, Mark and their two children, and they're expecting their third child in November.
What advice would she give women considering a career in science? "Find a mentor you can talk with, and make sure that your interests are satisfied. Discuss what you'd truly like to do and find a career that fits. Don't get discouraged about enrolling in a challenging class. Boost your self-confidence and conquer it!"
"There are other options besides four-year colleges. I chose to teach at a two-year college with smaller class sizes and our hands-on approach to learning. We try to keep lecture time to one hour and then incorporate at least two hours of lab time to put the lesson into action. For some students, the option is a better fit."
"I have found my ideal job! It is both challenging and rewarding. I'd like to see an increase in female students in the field of science. They don't all have to be engineers or medical professionals. There are many science professions that benefit our economy as well as our communities."
For now this energetic, young-at-heart engineer travels the state of North Dakota speaking to elementary, middle school, and high school students about science. Her personal reward comes when students echo her own passion, "Science is cool!"
Article reprinted from Area Woman magazine. For more information about the NDSCS nanoscience technician program, visit the NDSCS nano site or email Dr. Kristi Jean.
