Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math - Women's History Month

Let’s meet Jillian Gilmartin. 

Hi, my name is Jillian Gilmartin and I am currently a Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University studying how ocean currents in the Gulf of Mexico impact the abundance and distribution of zooplankton. Part of my work looks at how species-specific relationships are present with certain water masses (i.e. are certain species more likely to exist in higher salinity /higher temperature water, etc.). I am also attempting to understand how geographic distance between communities and seasonality play a role in the way zooplankton are distributed in the Gulf of Mexico.

Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue a STEM-related degree?

I was inspired by my high school teachers to pursue a degree in STEM. I am a first generation college student, so I didn’t really have any guidance or understanding for what college would be like. Once I reached college, I met a cohort of brilliant women scientists who were attempting to answer some tough questions in the marine and atmospheric sciences. In college I changed my major quite a few times (settled on Marine Science/Oceanography after the third try) after talking to some people who were excited about their field.

Q: What are key pieces of advice would you give other women seeking to enter this specific field?

Do not be afraid to speak up. A lot of women I know are afraid of saying their opinions or contributing to a conversation in a meeting, at a conference, or in a classroom. Asking questions and developing the confidence to do so can be scary but is also very rewarding. Women have a tendency to stay quiet and sit back and listen instead of participating in the discussion. 

Q: How have you navigated a traditionally male-dominated field?

I have attempted to gain confidence and strength in a male-dominated field by finding women mentors who have inspired me to keep persevering when things got tough. A few professors at Texas A&M University who have navigated and continue to push through these challenges have given me some great advice that has inspired me through my graduate career. 

Q: Rachel Simmons, author of “The Curse of the Good Girl: Raising Authentic Girls With Courage and Confidence,” explains that when girls focus on winning approval, they shy away from risks. “If you’re a quintessential good girl, you experience failing as letting someone down. Instead of saying, ‘I missed that goal in the soccer game,’ it’s that everyone will hate me.” She urges parents to emphasize performance rather than relationships and to help girls avoid ruminating, which amplifies the impact of the setback. Girls also may be more likely to attribute failure to lack of ability, while research shows that boys tend to blame external factors, such as not studying. Simmons notes that parents can counteract this mind-set by focusing more on progress than results. Do you agree or disagree with the above research that we need to help girls focus on progress and less on relationships?  Why or Why not?  

I agree! I still have a hard time separating failing at a task with the emotional reaction that I expect from everyone around me. I believe that if parents and teachers started instilling the same values in boys and girls at a young age, girls may be able to un-learn this type of behavior and will become more confident and better able to separate progress and emotions.