Women in Statistics in Academe: Mentors Matter

Abstract

Federal and state agencies, private industry and professional societies are developing programs to encourage women to enter the education "pipeline" for careers in science and technology. To reverse female students' underrepresentation in science and to retain incoming women in these fields, especially those entering academia, requires the active support of women and men faculty as mentors. The focus of the present manuscript addresses this issue. Here, we give a profile of women in statistics and, more broadly, in the sciences, and we outline the elements of a good mentor. Statistics are presented in support of our argument, but case studies form the basis for the recommendations.