Biome and SMACS hosted a panel with five female Union professors to talk about Women in STEM on Feb. 14 at 12 p.m. in White Hall room 101.
The panel consisted Betsy Caceres, Jeannette Russ, Lisa Hight, Beth Madison and Esther Choi. These professors represented the chemistry, engineering, biology and science departments at the event. These women were asked five different questions in the span of 40 minutes. They were asked about how they got to Union, how they may have been discriminated against, what has been the hardest thing, what they would change about their experience and their biggest piece of advice.
“Some people judged me and I felt sorry for them,” Russ, chair of engineering and director for accreditation, said. “I give grace because I want to receive it.”
Each of the professors spoke about their experience of how they got to where they are now. They all reflected on the Lord’s faithfulness.
“God doesn’t make mistakes. When you are walking with Him it is rich and full,” Hight, laboratory specialist, said. “I have allowed myself to be at peace with His decisions.”
The women discussed how the Lord has worked and led them to where they are today. They are all grateful for it and expanded on their love of teaching. Madison, associate professor of science, explained how she got to Union and noted that she has been working here for 21 years.
“I became addicted to teaching after a week of filling in for a professor,” Madison said. “I almost would have done it for free, I love it so much.”
Grant Gay, sophomore pre-pharmacy major, was one of the few men that attended this event. Gay was excited to hear what the professors had to say.
“I just love getting to know them more and knowing their story,” Gay said.
