Making Space in STEM: Exploring the Lived Experiences of STEM Undergraduate Women

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32473/ufjur.28.141708

Keywords:

STEM, undergraduate students, Women

Abstract

Women in STEM fields are historically underrepresented and face institutional and cultural barriers. While research often examines the patterns of women’s participation in STEM, there is little focus on the formative undergraduate years that precede career development. These years are critical as students gain independence and make decisions that shape their academics. Using a qualitative survey approach, this research synthesizes existing literature and data to explore how gender, culture, mentorship, and representation shape the lived experiences of undergraduate women and influence their navigation through academic and social experiences. Examining this transitional period provides insights into larger, historically persistent challenges faced by women in STEM fields. 

Author Biographies

Zeina Benton, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

My name is Zeina Benton, and I am a Dual Degree student in Astrophysics and Women's Studies.

Joanna Neville, University of Florida

Assistant Instructional Professor and Undergraduate Coordinator in the Department for Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies.

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Published

2026-09-21

Issue

Vol. 28 (2026): UF Journal of Undergraduate Research

Section

Arts & Humanities

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Zeina Benton, Joanna Neville

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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