Category Archives: physics

The Only Woman in the Room

Posted on 18 February 2018 by Athene Donald

The Only Woman in the Room, is not only an experience I have frequently endured, but is also the title of a 2015 book by Eileen Pollack (subtitled Why Science is Still a Boy’s Club). I’m not sure why this … Continue reading →

Posted in coeducation, Eileen Pollack, physics, Women in science, Yale | Comments Off on The Only Woman in the Room

Parental pride–and a lesson in resilience by a brilliant scientist

Posted on 10 March 2013 by Steve Caplan

When I answered my phone this past week, I found myself frequently saying, “Caplan’s Cabbies.” My partner being out of town leaves me ‘in the driver’s seat,’ literally and figuratively, regarding all of the extracurricular activities of my children. As … Continue reading →

Posted in ALS, black holes, Caplan's Cabbies, depression, education, overcome, physics, Research, science, speech, Stephen Hawking | Comments Off on Parental pride–and a lesson in resilience by a brilliant scientist

Let’s Get Stereotypes out of Science Education

Posted on 10 February 2013 by Athene Donald

Women are from Venus, like making cupcakes, like bright colours – particularly pink – and need to be told at frequent intervals that ‘math is meant to be hard’. That seems to be the verdict you could cull from many … Continue reading →

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Why is it Different for Girls?

Posted on 4 October 2012 by Athene Donald

Some horrible statistics to kick off today’s post: nearly half of English maintained (state) coeducational schools don’t send a single girl on to do physics A level.  That’s right, nearly half (strictly speaking 49%).  When I was first sent this … Continue reading →

Posted in A level choices, education, Equality, physics, School, stereotype threat, Women in science | Comments Off on Why is it Different for Girls?

The Young Atheist’s Handbook by Alom Shaha

Posted on 14 July 2012 by Stephen

Don’t be misled by the title: this is a book about love. Love for life, love for family and love for curiosity, which leads — circularly — to a love affair with books. Don’t be misled by the title: this … Continue reading →

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The Trouble with Women

Posted on 28 October 2011 by Athene Donald

A couple of weeks ago I took part in a debate organised by the local chapter of the Triple Helix Society given the provocative title of ‘The Trouble with Women’, designed to debate why women are still found in such … Continue reading →

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To Whom I Give My Vote of Thanks

Posted on 7 October 2011 by Athene Donald

Today is Ada Lovelace Day, a day when we are asked to celebrate the women who have inspired us in our scientific lives.  I have to admit that ‘famous’ women such as Marie Curie or Rosalind Franklin have no part … Continue reading →

Posted in Ada Lovelace, Camden School for Girls, education, inspiration, physics, teachers, Women in science | Comments Off on To Whom I Give My Vote of Thanks