Research from The United Nations for 2023 International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) reveals that women represent 33.3% of all researchers. 

In support of IDWGIS 2023, we are highlighting a selection of our female authors and editors in the hope that more women and girls will be inspired to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

Dr. Marissa A. Harrison is a research psychologist, author, and associate professor at Penn State Harrisburg. Her research investigates serial murder and serial murder from evolutionary and other psychological perspectives. Harrison’s studies on serial murder and human sexuality have been covered in popular media such as The Washington Post, The New Yorker, and Time Magazine. 

How did you get into science? 

Marissa A. Harrison: I took a course in Psychology at college in 1990! I loved it ever since. We all wonder why people think and behave the way they do, and the science of psychology can help us address this. Back in the day, I thought I might go into human resources as a career. But I found biopsychology and was sold. 

What’s it like to be a woman in STEM? 

Marissa A. Harrison: More women than men are in academic psychology and the psychology workforce, but I have found colleagues and students of all genders to be highly supportive of me and of each other. In any career you’ll have people of various genders telling you how things “ought” to be. I’ll just go with my own evidence, or others’ evidence I consider valid, be respectful of contradictions, and ignore any toxicity. 

Can you provide one sentence that gives advice to researchers starting their careers in STEM? 

Marissa A. Harrison: Have an open mind, consider evidence on both sides, be gracious in facing experts’ and non-experts’ opinions that contradict yours, keep that passion for your research, and don’t be afraid to build a team of experts to supplement your pursuits, and don’t be afraid to sing, dance, or otherwise chill when you need a break 

Be respectful of contradictions, and ignore any toxicity. 

Dr. Marissa A. Harrison

In her upcoming book, Just as Deadly, Dr. Marissa A. Harrison draws on original scientific research, various psychological perspectives, and richly detailed case studies to illuminate the stark differences between female and male serial killers’ backgrounds, motives, and crimes.  

International Day of Women and Girls in Science  

This week we celebrate the eighth International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11). Beyond fostering a balanced and fair environment for our aspiring women and girls, why is it so vital that we foster gender equality and equity in science?  

This year, the United Nations, which hosts the annual event, contemplates another dimension to articulating meaningful change in STEM industries. Their goals for 2030 provide inspirational agenda that encourages sustainable and equitable development across five key areas:  

•  Clean water and sanitation  
• Affordable and clean energy 
• Industries, Innovation and Infrastructure 
• Sustainable and Inclusive Communities and Cities 
• Revitalize the Partnerships for the goals  

‘Science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.’ United Nations 

Want to read more from our inspirational female authors? 

Access our Free Read Collection here including access to free book chapters and journal articles, and help us celebrate IDWGIS the best way we know how by reading!