Is sexual harassment the reason why women quit science?

 

Is sexual harassment the reason why women quit science?

I’m afraid the discouraging press coverage regarding this topic in recent years has brought undue harm to young women who wish to pursue scientific careers. Check out a recent NY Times article regarding “sexual harassment” in science:

She Wanted to Do Her Research. He Wanted to Talk ‘Feelings.’

During my time at UCLA, NASA and Stanford, I did not experience nor do I view sexual harassment to be a major issue for “women in science”. Maybe my upbringing in Iran, where I witnessed everyday sexual discrimination, has conditioned me to not pass judgement about “men in science,” which in my case have all been tremendously professional, insightful, and encouraging!