INITIATIVES FOR ATTRACTING AND RETAINING FEMALE STUDENTS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Abstract

It is well known that female students are underrepresented in several engineering disciplines, for example, in mechanical and manufacturing engineering.These disciplines are not benefitting as much as otherwise possible through the increase of student diversity and higher participation rates by women. For example, engineered products designed by men may have a bias towards features that are potentially more attractive and valued by males. With more female input into an engineering design, products can better represent a wider proportion of the population with improved sales as a result. Better gender diversity in the workplace also brings benefits to the work environment.This paper discusses a number of concepts in materials and manufacturing related courses at Memorial University which aim to improve student diversity, retention and interest among women in engineering.