In Surrey, British Columbia, at Simon fraser University (SFU), the iViz Lab is defying expectations. While women are significantly underrepresented in STEM fields, this lab boasts a research team where 75% are women. This contrasts sharply with the national average, where, according to the federal government, women hold less than a quarter of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) positions. The iViz Lab’s unique habitat cultivates collaboration, innovation, and a supportive community for women in artificial intelligence.

Shannon Cuykendall, a postdoctoral researcher at the iViz Lab, perfectly embodies the lab’s ethos. She balances cutting-edge research on generative artificial intelligence with the demands of motherhood, sometimes presenting her work with her six-month-old son in her arms. This image encapsulates the supportive atmosphere that sets the iViz Lab apart and highlights the possibilities for women in STEM.

Cuykendall emphasized the lab’s inclusive culture, stating, its not looked down upon to bring your kids into the lab if you need to. This adaptability and understanding contribute to a more welcoming environment for women navigating the challenges of balancing career and family. This flexibility is a key component of the lab’s success.

Beating the Odds in STEM

Despite progress in recent years, women remain underrepresented in the global scientific community. A 2024 report by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) indicates that women constitute only one-third of the global scientific community, a percentage that has stagnated over the past decade. In some countries, the representation is even lower, with less than 10% of researchers being women.

The UNESCO report further highlights that women hold just 22% of STEM jobs in G20 countries, and only one in 10 ascend to leadership positions. This disparity underscores the persistent challenges women face in achieving equity in STEM fields. The iViz Lab’s success is a powerful counterpoint to these statistics.

Lisa Willis,an assistant professor of biological sciences at the University of Alberta,notes that sexism continues to be a problem in STEM,which are frequently enough perceived as masculine domains. This perception,according to Willis,leaves many women and girls feeling like they don’t belong. overcoming this perception is crucial for fostering a more inclusive environment.

The iViz lab’s success in attracting and retaining women researchers serves as a model for other institutions. The lab currently has eight researchers – six women and two men – working on thier master’s degrees and PhDs. Additionally, four female undergraduate students are involved in research as part of their studies. The lab’s alumni have gone on to assume leadership roles in tech companies and academia, demonstrating the long-term impact of this supportive environment.

julia Read, a PhD candidate and iViz researcher, highlighted the benefits of working in a supportive and understanding environment. It’s cool to have so much collaboration with people who have an understanding of what it is to be someone who is marginalized in this field, and it’s cool to see other women who are also interested in technology, Read said. This sense of community is vital for fostering innovation and collaboration.

The researchers describe the lab as a community, a place that fosters mentorship, friendship, and the flexibility needed to balance their personal and professional lives. This holistic approach to supporting researchers is a key factor in the lab’s success.

Meehae Song, a PhD candidate, shared her experience of returning to academia after taking time off to care for her daughter. I’ve taken a number of years off to take care of my daughter and I’ve come back to school and [the lab] is very supportive of my personal needs, Song said. This support is crucial for women who may face career interruptions due to family responsibilities.

Song’s research involves using AI-enhanced, wearable sensors to collect physiological data that can help people practice meditation and mindfulness.Her 16-year-old daughter even participates in her research by wearing the sensors, highlighting the integration of personal and professional life within the lab.

I think that’s why our research is so engaging, becuase it’s very organic. We bring a lot of our personal experiences into the research, Song explained. This personal connection to the research makes it more meaningful and impactful.

Using AI to Empower Women

The iViz Lab’s research extends beyond customary AI applications, with a focus on projects that empower women in various aspects of their lives. charlotte Hou, a master’s student with a background in negotiation and conflict resolution from Columbia University, is developing an AI model to help women in the corporate world negotiate raises.

Hou’s AI model allows users to practice negotiating with a virtual male boss until the AI character agrees to give them a raise. This provides women with a realistic but low-risk environment to build confidence and hone their negotiation skills. This innovative approach addresses a specific challenge faced by women in the workplace.

I wanted to empower women … to fight for what they deserve, Hou said. She added that the AI model could also be used to practice for job interviews or other career advancement opportunities. This highlights the potential of AI to be a tool for empowerment.

A lot of us think AI is such a threat but that is fully wrong becuase AI is an assistant and that’s why we’re using it to help women, she explained, highlighting the potential of AI to be a tool for empowerment rather than a source of fear. This perspective is crucial for shaping the future of AI development.

Creating an Inclusive Environment

Steve DiPaola, the director of SFU’s cognitive science program and the leader of the iViz Lab, plays a crucial role in fostering the lab’s inclusive environment. He actively recruits female researchers who demonstrate potential in his lectures but may be hesitant to step forward. This proactive approach is essential for addressing the underrepresentation of women in STEM.

They’re nodding at the right time and just going up to them and saying, ‘Hey, you would be good at this,’ DiPaola said, describing his approach to identifying and encouraging promising female students. This personal encouragement can make a significant difference in a student’s decision to pursue a career in STEM.

DiPaola acknowledges the importance of being mindful of his position as a man in a field where women are underrepresented. How do you do it in a way that’s not overpowering? I’m always thinking about those issues, even though in general, I just like to work with smart people, he said. This awareness is crucial for creating a truly inclusive environment.

Lisa Willis emphasizes the need for more programs that spark girls’ interest in STEM from a young age and for continued dialog about gender inequalities in these fields. she also stresses the importance of creating welcoming environments in STEM labs. Early intervention and ongoing dialogue are essential for addressing the root causes of gender inequality in STEM.

willis’s own glyco-immunology lab has a code of conduct on its website that explicitly prohibits offensive behavior or comments related to gender, gender identity, and expression. So anyone who’s searching for me can look

Smashing the STEM Ceiling: How One Lab Is Empowering Women in AI

Less than a quarter of STEM jobs in many countries are held by women. But at Simon Fraser University’s iViz Lab, women make up a staggering 75% of the research team.How are they defying the odds?

Interviewer: Dr. Anya Sharma, welcome. Your work at the iViz Lab is incredibly inspiring. Can you tell us more about this unique habitat and its impact on women in AI?

Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. The iViz Lab is, indeed, a special place. We’ve created a collaborative and supportive environment where women aren’t just tolerated but celebrated. Our commitment to inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s woven into the fabric of our research culture. We actively challenge the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields, which is a persistent and important problem globally, as highlighted by UNESCO reports.This imbalance needs to be addressed at multiple levels, from encouraging girls to pursue STEM education from an early age to fostering supportive and equitable workplaces within the scientific community. Building an inclusive research environment is what’s needed to retain women.

Interviewer: The lab’s high percentage of women researchers is remarkable. What are some key strategies that have contributed to this success?

Dr. Sharma: Several factors contribute to our success. Firstly, we prioritize mentorship: experienced researchers guide and support newer team members, fostering a sense of belonging and shared success. We are open to flexible work arrangements: many of our researchers are mothers and we actively accommodate needs to help balance family and career.This includes the ability to bring children to the lab, a policy that breaks down the conventional barriers faced by women working in science. Secondly, proactive recruitment plays a crucial role. We actively seek out talented women who may not be notably keen on pursuing traditional STEM careers as of unconscious bias in the field. we show them that these fields don’t have to be inhospitable. a strong sense of community fosters collaboration and innovation.We regularly hold workshops and social gatherings that further cement these bonds and create a supportive network.

Interviewer: The article highlights several researchers juggling family responsibilities and careers. How does the lab support them in this challenging balance?

dr. Sharma: We wholeheartedly support work-life integration. This is more than just acknowledging working mothers; it incorporates a mindset of understanding what it’s like to be a marginalized member of these fields. We recognize that career interruptions due to family responsibilities are a reality for many women, and we create opportunities that accommodate those needs. Flexible working hours, remote work options, and on-site childcare support have been considered, and we are constantly revising our policy.Women shouldn’t feel like they have to pick one. We proactively invite family involvement in research whenever appropriate; allowing children to participate directly or indirectly makes it less of a divide between professional and personal life.

Interviewer: the lab’s research projects seem uniquely aimed at empowering women.Can you elaborate on some specific examples?

Dr. Sharma: We use AI to tackle issues disproportionately affecting women. We are developing AI models that help women practise crucial skills. In one major project, we are building a system that allows women to negotiate salaries in virtual situations to build their confidence. Another research project utilizes AI-enhanced sensor technology to collect physiological data and further people’s understanding of mindfulness and meditation practices. This empowers women by adding to the existing body of research in the field. we believe AI shouldn’t just be about technological advancements, but also societal progress with a focus on solving real-world problems.

Interviewer: What advice would you give to other institutions striving to create inclusive STEM environments?

Dr. Sharma: Prioritize inclusive hiring practices, actively recruiting and retaining women. Promote flexible work arrangements tailored to the needs of diverse researchers.Foster a strong sense of community and mentorship, and create avenues for collaboration and shared success. It’s not enough to simply state a commitment to diversity; it requires active steps to build supportive, inclusive, and equitable structures. This includes addressing sexism which is a problem in STEM fields. Promoting the importance of diversity and inclusion, and enacting the stated values, will help make STEM more welcoming for a greater cohort of researchers.

Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Sharma. Your work at the iViz Lab provides a truly inspirational model for the future of STEM. what a great example of building an equitable workforce and concurrently enhancing research in crucial fields! Readers, what are your thoughts? Share your comments and perspectives below.