#Womeninstem

Boston University’s bold experiment to reverse the longstanding gender gap in computer and data science is defying national trends, according to a recent feature by the university (Boston University). While women comprise about half the workforce in the United States, they remain woefully underrepresented in the booming fields of technology and data: barely 15-20% of professionals in data science are women, and women-led start-ups and founding teams are even scarcer.

A U.S. university is reshaping how women enter computer and data science, offering a model that could guide Thailand’s push into a robust digital economy. While women make up nearly half of the workforce in the United States, they remain underrepresented in technology and data roles. In data science, women account for roughly 15-20 percent, and female-led startups are still scarce. Diverse teams drive more innovative solutions and better decisions.

The rapid expansion of computer science (CS) education in the United States is reshaping how students prepare for a tech-driven future. Yet new findings show young women are still significantly underrepresented in CS courses, raising questions about equality and the nation’s future innovation pipeline. Despite policy advances and broader course access, only about one-third of high school CS enrollments are girls, a share that has stubbornly persisted in recent years.

The rapid mainstreaming of computer science (CS) education in the United States is transforming how young people prepare for careers in the digital age—but new research shows that young women remain significantly underrepresented, raising concerns about equality, diversity, and the future of the nation’s technology workforce. Despite huge strides in CS education policy and school offerings, only about a third of high school students taking these courses are young women, a figure that has remained stubbornly consistent over recent years (csteachers.org; scholarshipinstitute.org).

As demand surges for digital expertise worldwide, many Thai students and families are asking: “How rewarding is a degree in computer science?” New research and analysis underscore that while computer science may be among the toughest academic disciplines, it also offers among the broadest and most lucrative career opportunities, provided students are prepared for the mathematical rigor, problem-solving challenges, and constantly changing technological landscape. These insights emerge from a recent in-depth report by The Irish Times, with perspectives that resonate strongly for Thailand’s own education sector as computer science courses and digital careers are increasingly prioritised by policymakers (irishtimes.com).

As digital skills become essential worldwide, Thai families ask how rewarding a computer science degree really is. A new analysis shows that while the field demands strong math and problem-solving, it also opens doors to broad, lucrative careers across industries. The findings, drawn from an in-depth report by The Irish Times, offer insights relevant to Thailand’s education policy as computer science and digital careers gain emphasis nationwide.

At its core, computer science is about solving real problems through technology. Academics note that success requires solid mathematics, critical thinking, and a readiness to learn programming. Some students may be surprised by the level of quantitative work involved, which can lead to dropout rates in places with strong math curricula. In Ireland, top universities require high entry scores for computer science, underscoring the discipline’s demanding standards.

A landmark study from the University of Houston has brought new clarity to an enduring educational challenge: while gender stereotypes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are pervasive, students’ views are far more nuanced than previously thought. Released this week and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the research found that girls and boys continue to assign masculine stereotypes to certain STEM fields—particularly engineering and computer science—while displaying more gender-neutral or even female-favoring attitudes toward math and biological sciences. The findings have important implications for educational practices and gender equity efforts in Thailand, where encouraging girls to pursue all STEM fields remains an ongoing policy goal.

A new study from the University of Houston sheds light on a persistent issue: gender stereotypes in STEM are real, but attitudes vary by field. The research shows that students often view engineering and computer science as male domains, while math and biology are seen as more gender-neutral or even female-favoring. The findings carry important implications for Thailand, where policies aim to expand girls’ participation across all STEM areas.

This matters for Thai readers because the country has long promoted STEM as a path to individual success and national growth. Thailand’s 4.0 initiative emphasizes gender equity in STEM as part of moving toward a value-based, innovation-driven economy. Yet women remain underrepresented in tech and engineering, mirroring global trends. The study suggests that interventions should treat STEM not as a single block but as distinct fields with different stereotype dynamics.

On April 16, 2025, a wave of headlines swept across global media spotlighting two seemingly distant, but equally compelling stories: an all-female Blue Origin crew’s response to public criticism of their landmark spaceflight, and a nutritionist’s fresh ranking of the highest-protein nuts for health-conscious readers. These stories, though international in flavor, offer key lessons for Thai readers about women’s representation in STEM, public reactions to scientific endeavors, and practical dietary choices that fit modern Thai lifestyles.

A recent pair of global stories highlights themes that resonate in Thailand: the rise of women in STEM and practical, nutrition-forward choices for busy lives. An all-female Blue Origin crew faced public scrutiny over their spaceflight, while nutrition experts highlighted nuts as a high-protein option. Both narratives offer lessons for Thai audiences about representation, public dialogue, and everyday health decisions.

The Blue Origin mission showcased celebrities such as Katy Perry, Gayle King, and Lauren Sanchez, underscoring a push for greater female visibility in space exploration. Critics on social media questioned the value and cost of the journey. Sanchez responded firmly, emphasizing that the voyage should be celebrated rather than dismissed. This moment mirrors Thailand’s own ambitions in space science, where agencies like GISTDA are expanding capabilities and more Thai women enter STEM fields. Government plans to invest in satellite technology and future astronaut selection keep this conversation timely, reminding Thai readers that international milestones can inspire local progress.