A toast to women scientist bloggers

Has anyone else noticed how many new blogs authored by female scientists cropped up in the latter part of 2007? It probably partly reflects the growing general popularity of blogs, but may also indicate the necessity and appeal of a community like this.

I had been reading blogs for over a year before I started my own. The many blog conversations have helped me understand the expectations of and by scientists (who are women) in a way I don’t think I would have in any other forum because no other forum is quite so candid. Moreover, having a safe outlet for my thoughts and feelings has helped me to clarify what I think I want from my career at a time when I can still somewhat comfortably adjust my trajectory.

I hope that the addition of more women STEM bloggers in the coming year will contribute to our success in our careers. It’s uplifting and comforting to know that other women are out there dealing with the same issues. It also helps to know that they aren’t all of super human composition, i.e., that they aren’t so different from (or better than) me after all (note that in real life, people try to hide their weaknesses, while a blogger will write every damn problem she has).

Since I don’t regularly work at a university, I sometimes feel a little disconnected from other students and academic life. It has been really nice to expand my world a little and learn what this gig is like for others – those in other countries, fields, institutions, whatever. It has also helped put many issues in perspective. We all deal with the same problems. Moreover, it’s nice to open up to others in an unreserved way. It’s so difficult to do that in real life because it makes one feel too vulnerable.

So, as silly as it may be to salute one's e-social network, here’s to a fantastic 2008 for all my blog friends: to those who consider me a friend too, to those who don’t know they have me as a fan, and to those I’ve yet to meet!

Edited to add: I love all the non-scientist, non-female bloggers too! I didn't mean to be exclusive! It's just that I wrote this post with the Scientiae carnival in mind.

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