Jenna’s research into Motherhood within STEM

Jenna Conway, a UEA Pharmacy School student researching inhibiting bacterial cell division by controlling the essential FtsZ/SepH protein-protein interaction, completed her PIPS examining Motherhood within STEM.

She wanted to create a space for mothers working in STEM across Norwich Research Park (NRP) to share their stories to inspire and provide practical advice to those embarking on their scientific journey whilst raising children and explore how they manage both responsibilities effectively. She knew this would also raise awareness of the gender gap in STEM.

By proposing her own placement project, Jenna knew her skills in organisation, time management, science communication, project management and networking would be tested and developed.

Jenna carried out extensive research into the gender gap in STEM and the impact of motherhood on this disparity. She issued a “call for participants” across NRP and working with her supervisors reviewed and finalised the survey text for participants to complete which also meant significant collaboration with UEA’s data protection team and ethics committee to ensure compliance on collecting and storing sensitive data regulations plus ethical standards.

The project was advertised across all institutes across NRP leading to Jenna being able to collect data from a wide range of participants. This data was carefully stored, organised and eventually compiled into a comprehensive booklet which Jenna hopes will be a valuable and realistic tool for those working in STEM whilst also raising children. Most of the participants submitted a timeline, illustrating how raising a family fit into their career or academic progression. Participants also answered questions reflecting on their experiences and offering advice to others in a similar situation.

Besides learning about the gender gap in STEM, this project gave Jenna the opportunity to increase her self-confidence, develop her project management, data protection and ethical standards knowledge and skillset. Although the project was initiated and planned by Jenna, she acknowledges the support, advice and suggestions from supervisors was invaluable.

Dr Carl Harrington, Associate Professor in the School of Biological Sciences and Widening Participation Academic Lead who was one of Jenna’s supervisors said, “This innovative project working with individuals across the Norwich Research Park is an extremely valuable and useful resource, providing role models and lived experiences of motherhood within STEM.”

Jenna’s advice to other students organising their PIPS is, “Do something you are passionate about. Don’t be afraid to propose your own idea”.