WKU News

Staff from The Center for Gifted Studies and The Gatton Academy recently published a new study focusing on the factors that impact gifted females to pursue a career in computer science. Authors of this paper include Tyler Clark, Assistant Director of Operations, The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University; Hasan Akdeniz, Postdoctoral Researcher; Julia Roberts, Executive Director, The Center for Gifted Studies and The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science; and Lynette Breedlove, Director, The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science. The study used a phenomenological approach to delve into the experiences of ten gifted alumnae of The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, a residential STEM program, aiming to reveal nuanced insights into factors shaping their career development.

“Women are underrepresented in many STEM fields, especially computer science. We knew about several alumnae of The Gatton Academy who were currently working in computer science,” commented Tyler Clark, co-author and Gatton alumnus. “This seemed like a great opportunity to talk with those women to better understand their experiences and use that knowledge to encourage more women to enter computer science.”

Findings shed light on the multifaceted factors influencing the career intentions of gifted women before attending The Gatton, the transformative effects of the residential STEM program on their decisions to pursue computer science careers, and the evolution of their perceptions of computer science over time. To read the article please visit, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02614294241268310

More About The Center for Gifted Studies
Located on the Western Kentucky University campus in Bowling Green, Kentucky, The Center for Gifted Studies has served gifted and talented children, their educators, and their parents for over 40 years. The Center provides exciting educational opportunities for gifted young people, rigorous professional development for teachers, and support for parents of gifted young people. Under the direction of Dr. Julia Roberts, The Center has become one of the preeminent advocates for gifted education in the United States.

More About The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science
The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky is a residential program for bright, highly motivated Kentucky high school students who have demonstrated interest in pursuing advanced careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Housed on the campus of Western Kentucky University, students take college classes, engage in faculty-led research, and have the ability to study abroad. The goal is to enable Kentucky's exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment that offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing them for leadership roles in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

For more information or any questions, contact Tyler Clark at (270) 745-3101 or thomas.clark@wku.edu.