The big news
in the space exploration section
of the science world
this week
was the image of the black hole.
It was an international group effort
but one star emerged
– Katie Bouman,
the woman who developed
a key algorithm
that made the image possible.
Were there other women
holding critical roles
on this project?
There likely were
but you wouldn’t know it
if you listened to
the early interviews
of the team leads.
I read and listened
to dozens of interviews.
The team leads mentioned male scientists
again and again
but, unless the interview
was specifically about Katie Bouman,
they didn’t mention any female scientists.
None.
Not one.
There are many, MANY women
interested in science.
We noticed this ‘oversight’.
Women scientists have been forgotten
in the past,
their feats claimed by men.
Many of us are determined
not to let that happen again.
And we have the power to do this
via social media.
The coverage of Katie Bouman made
some (male) scientists and fanboys
upset.
It was a group effort.
No one should be singled out.
Then the team leads
should have mentioned
EVERYONE who was critical to success
during their interviews,
not merely the male scientists.
If you want the focus
to remain on the team
or
on you as a team leader,
don’t force people
to talk to individuals on your team
in order to uncover their achievements.
Mention every key member,
especially members
belonging to groups
who have historically been overlooked.
That WILL be noticed.