Tonight I would really like to talk about something that I feel is very ambiguous. First of all, it is no secret that in science, we women are greatly outnumbered. I think this article and many others do a fine job of explaining, with statistical evidence, how vastly numbers decrease in the appearance of women in scientific fields as training increases. There are many articles out there, and I implore you to go and find some, because they are truly wonderful and delightfully thorough. However, this is not one of those articles.
No, I am not here this fine evening to discuss my frustration over the completely mind-blowing, heart-breaking deficit of females in science fields. Instead, I would like to talk about a matter that concerns those of us who are already in scientific fields. And that is no other topic than: *duh duh duh duh!* Laboratory fashion! *applause* Don't worry, I will try to not exaggerate the situation at hand, but the expectations of female scientists are very different than that of other fields, and we need to talk about it!
Obviously when you think about what you would wear to a job, or maybe a job interview, very specific fashion choices come to mind. Something trendy, sophisticated, that makes you look like you already have the job you want, right? Well let me tell you something, lady. I don't think I completely agree anymore. I mean, let's be realistic, as much as I'd love to be sweatpants comfy in the lab, we all know that's never going to happen, nor should it. It is my job, and I love it, so I will respect it and dress appropriately. Beyond that, depending on the safety level of your lab, you will most likely need to cover up regardless.
Typically, I wear pants, tennis shoes, and a t shirt. Why am I not the gorgeous, office professional scientist you would like to imagine? Well, it isn't practical. I work everyday, sanitizing everything I work with with ethanol and bleach. Do you think I want bleach to reach my fabulous professional attire? Heck, no! And I never will. So generally, it doesn't matter to me what I wear every day as long as it is appropriate (doesn't show large amounts of skin, is safe to wear in the lab, and doesn't get in the way of my important work).
On the other hand, I do genetic analysis. It isn't like I'm constantly presenting information to global communities in science! This stuff is appropriate inside of the lab, but what about when you finally leave and have to do professional work? Are we held to the same standard as other professionals?
I really enjoy this blog post about professional wear for female scientists. It's a little crude, but I feel that it includes great general guidelines from someone with plenty of experience about this topic.
Here are my feelings about professional wear for female scientists:
No, I am not here this fine evening to discuss my frustration over the completely mind-blowing, heart-breaking deficit of females in science fields. Instead, I would like to talk about a matter that concerns those of us who are already in scientific fields. And that is no other topic than: *duh duh duh duh!* Laboratory fashion! *applause* Don't worry, I will try to not exaggerate the situation at hand, but the expectations of female scientists are very different than that of other fields, and we need to talk about it!
Obviously when you think about what you would wear to a job, or maybe a job interview, very specific fashion choices come to mind. Something trendy, sophisticated, that makes you look like you already have the job you want, right? Well let me tell you something, lady. I don't think I completely agree anymore. I mean, let's be realistic, as much as I'd love to be sweatpants comfy in the lab, we all know that's never going to happen, nor should it. It is my job, and I love it, so I will respect it and dress appropriately. Beyond that, depending on the safety level of your lab, you will most likely need to cover up regardless.
Typically, I wear pants, tennis shoes, and a t shirt. Why am I not the gorgeous, office professional scientist you would like to imagine? Well, it isn't practical. I work everyday, sanitizing everything I work with with ethanol and bleach. Do you think I want bleach to reach my fabulous professional attire? Heck, no! And I never will. So generally, it doesn't matter to me what I wear every day as long as it is appropriate (doesn't show large amounts of skin, is safe to wear in the lab, and doesn't get in the way of my important work).
On the other hand, I do genetic analysis. It isn't like I'm constantly presenting information to global communities in science! This stuff is appropriate inside of the lab, but what about when you finally leave and have to do professional work? Are we held to the same standard as other professionals?
I really enjoy this blog post about professional wear for female scientists. It's a little crude, but I feel that it includes great general guidelines from someone with plenty of experience about this topic.
Here are my feelings about professional wear for female scientists:
- You do not need to be completely uncomfortable, so put the stilettos down.
- Not everyone in the world deserves to see all of you, so don't be afraid to cover up. You decide who gets to see what. Please choose to show us your mind rather than your body.
- You are one of the few, marvelous women in science. Don't be afraid to be a woman. You got to this point in your life without being a man, so you don't need to be one now. You can most definitely be feminine while being the genius you obviously are!
- Be yourself. Wear what makes you comfortable and confident. You are the vector that delivers the knowledge you hold. In order to be competent, you must be treated with the proper outfit.
So, to my fellow lady scientists: Keep Calm, and Science on!
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