Dr Tracie McKinney

I had a number of female professors in graduate school.  They were brilliant, hard-working, and respected amongst students.  It took a while for me to notice that none of them had children.  

The situation for women in STEM is improving. Regardless, this was a bit of an eye-opener for me.  I always wanted a family, but I wanted to be a scholar, too.  

Why do these things have to be mutually exclusive? Most of my male profs had kids, and it never slowed them down.

I’m there now, with the coolest kid in town and a secure post as a senior lecturer.  I’ve managed to find a comfortable balance for me, but it is our job to make sure this gets easier for those who come after us.