File: Support of Women Geotechnical Engineering Faculty; History and Initiatives
ABSTRACT: The inability of the geotechnical engineering profession and individualinstitutions to create systemic equality in culture, outcomes and representation forwomen faculty results in persistent and severe isolation. This isolation generates atandem set of challenges that directly impact the recruitment, retention and careersuccess of women faculty. Current data sources indicates that approximately 11% ofnational geotechnical engineering faculty are women compared to sister disciplinessuch as structural engineering which range from 15% to 17%. Furthermore over athird of the US research one universities with geotechnical engineering programshave no women faculty and only 1 out of 10 have two or more. These figures paint aclear and precarious picture of the isolation and underrepresentation which alsocontributes directly to the pipeline problem; fewer women entering and completingtheir education at the bachelors, masters and doctoral levels. Given these numbers,retaining women faculty who have carved successful careers in geotechnicalengineering is of even greater importance for the profession. The inclusion,advancement and resilience of women in geotechnical engineering requires enduringsupport, professional development and systemic change. This paper will examine thecontemporary history of professional development at the national level for women ingeotechnical engineering and the obstacles and challenges they face. In addition,future programs and strategies to recruit and retain women will also be discussed.
