3M’s Dr Jayshree Seth On How We Can Increase Girls’ Participation in Engineering and Robotics

Despite the growing importance of engineering and robotics in shaping our future, women remain significantly underrepresented in these fields. This series aims to explore and address the barriers that discourage girls from pursuing careers in engineering and robotics. We are talking to educators, industry leaders, pioneering women engineers, and robotics experts who have made significant contributions to their fields, to discuss the strategies they believe can inspire and increase the participation of young girls in engineering and robotics. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Jayshree Seth.

Jayshree Seth is a Corporate Scientist at 3M and currently holds 80 patents. She joined 3M in 1993 after a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University, NY. Jayshree was also appointed 3M’s first-ever Chief Science Advocate in 2018 and is using her scientific knowledge, technical expertise and professional experience to advance science and the importance of diversity in STEM fields to drive innovation. She is a sought-after speaker, globally, and has been featured in local, national and international media. In 2020 she was awarded the highest Achievement Award by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). She is also the first-ever winner of a Gold Stevie® Award in the new Female Thought Leaders of the Year category in 2021. Jayshree serves on the Board of the Science Museum of Minnesota, Engineering Advisory Council for Clarkson University and the Industry Advisory Council for American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS).

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?

I grew up on the campus of an engineering institution in India, surrounded by STEM professionals. My dad was a university professor, a PhD in Civil Engineering himself. All the kids in town were encouraged to pursue engineering given the prestigious hometown college. While I did end up following the STEM path, I always felt like I was missing the context — the “why” we do the things we do, who we are helping and why it’s important. The answers to these questions came much later when I was in graduate school, and I realized that a career in science could mean helping others and improving lives. That only became more evident when I began my career at 3M, in a culture of empowerment, with an emphasis on collaboration and a communal context of improving lives by using science to solve tough challenges.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

So many interesting stories in a 30-year career! I can share one from the time when I started at 3M. I joined the business unit that developed components for disposable soft goods, like diapers and sanitary products. Initially, I found it awkward to sit in meetings where there were feminine hygiene pads spread out on the table and being discussed in groups largely composed of men! But over time I began to understand the importance of what we were doing, and how important it was that I had a seat at that table and that I used my voice. Looking back, I can clearly see how I brought in different perspectives and ideas that helped to shape our strategies, improve our offerings and steer our innovation.

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering or robotics, and how can we replicate that inspiration for young girls?

While I was surrounded by scientists and engineers from a young age, I never thought of myself as the ‘science’ or ‘engineering type.’ I never had any female STEM role models, and I was always more interested in the human context of problem-solving. I honestly found it difficult to draw that connection with STEM fields. It wasn’t until much later that I realized how scientists can help solve some of the world’s toughest challenges and how we can use science to improve lives. If I had this context growing up, I would have been much more excited about pursuing a career in STEM at a younger age. I think about how many incredible minds we are missing out on by not providing this context to today’s students. If we give STEM students more opportunity to uncover their purpose, we can better recruit and retain from a wide range of backgrounds.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

It’s hard to pick only one person — I have been blessed with many supportive coworkers, managers and allies while at 3M. One piece of advice I received years ago from a former boss has stuck with me since and helped me throughout my journey. She said, “make the best decision for you, for now.”

At the time, I was at an important career crossroad, and it was imperative for me to be confident in my decision, given the circumstances, but to also know that my entire career wouldn’t be based on this decision alone. These words, while simple in nature, gave me relief that if circumstances changed, I could still decide to pursue an alternate path and that no doors would be closed because of this decision. Now I share this valuable advice with my own mentees.

Can you share a story of a challenge you faced as a woman in engineering or robotics and how you overcame it?

During the final year of my chemical engineering program in India, I applied for graduate school in the U.S. — and was accepted. Despite it being a new experience in a new country, when I look back, I realize I was a trailblazer because I was the only woman in the lab. This was a challenge in itself to break through gender norms in a predominantly male field.

While in graduate school, I couldn’t quite see the connection my work had on my community-oriented goals, and I decided to switch projects. Many advised me that it would add years to completing my PhD, but I went for it anyway. I threw myself into the work because I could create a context around it that inspired me and ended up with over a dozen publications. This showed me that with grit and determination, it is possible to reinvent oneself.

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?

During the social justice reawakening, a book that particularly helped me was Dolly Chugh’s The person you mean to be. She makes the case that being an ally isn’t about being a good person — it’s about constantly striving to be a “better person.” She argues for being “good-ish” — rather than the finite goal of being a good person. Good-ish people are always growing. She also talks about each person’s “ordinary privilege” — the part of your everyday identity you take for granted but gives you an advantage. In my case being a highly educated south Asian immigrant inspired me to impact change. I wrote my first book and decided that all proceeds would go to a scholarship for underrepresented minority women in STEM. It is heartwarming to know that now four students’ journeys have been supported through the sales of my books. That’s a good feeling!

Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?

Be good. Work hard. Live well.

Growing up, my mother always emphasized the importance of being good, while my father talked about the value of working hard. These two messages have really stuck with me over the years. Looking back, I feel it was a great life lesson — in many ways you never know if you are being good enough or working hard enough! I have since added the “live well” component to it, realizing the importance of balance and a well-rounded existence.

How have you used your success to make the world a better place?

I feel honored to have the role of 3M’s first-ever Chief Science Advocate. This platform allows me to connect broadly with people around the globe and drive a conversation around the need for greater diversity in STEM. I recently shared my journey in a TEDx talk as well. I understand that I can be an accessible and visible role-model to many.

In 2021, we created the 3M docuseries, Not the Science Type, which highlights the journey of four female scientists — I was honored to be one them. This film gives us the opportunity to inform, influence and inspire the next generation by showing that we can all be the science type regardless of gender, race, age or ethnicity.

I recently co-authored an academic paper, Purpose refection benefits minoritized students’ motivation and wellbeing in STEM, on research in the area of belonging in STEM. Our study found that by connecting students to their “why,” we can help move them forward with meaning, for the ultimate benefit of both their own lives and building a vibrant, diverse and innovative STEM workforce.

I’ve also authored two books, The Heart of Science — Engineering Footprints, Fingerprints, & Imprints, and The Heart of Science — Engineering Fine Print, published by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). All sales proceeds go to a scholarship for underrepresented minority women in STEM. I am currently working on my next book –Engineering Blueprint — the last one in The Heart of Science trilogy and hope to support more students through this endeavor.

According to this report, only about 16% of engineering positions in the US are held by women. This reflects great historical progress, but it also shows that more work still has to be done to empower women. In your opinion and experience what is currently holding back women from Engineering and Robotics?

Research shows that if you are seen as an outsider, there can be more discrimination, harassment, disparity in pay, social isolation and exclusion from scholarly discussions. There is microaggression and then there is tokenism. So, the bottom line is that numerical underrepresentation and negative stereotypes contribute to challenges for women in STEM and they can stack the system against women and impact them disproportionately throughout their careers. While historical progress has been made, there is still much to be done and we must continue to shatter gender stereotypes to promote gender equity in STEM.

Can you share why more women should enter the Engineering and Robotics fields?

I truly believe that greater diversity in the sciences will lead to greater impact — it’s why I’m so passionate about advocating for breaking down barriers and stereotypes and providing the necessary resources to help women, girls and underrepresented minorities enter the field. A diverse workforce is a robust workforce. It makes economical and ethical sense. Increased diversity is correlated with increased innovation and can help with a more positive perception of science amongst the public. We cannot solve the problems we face if we all look the same, think the same and feel the same — or, if we are from the same community, the same company or same country. I like to say: The world requires innovation. Innovation needs science. Science demands diversity. Diversity warrants equity.

Can you please share “5 Things We Need To Increase Girls’ Participation in Engineering and Robotics?”

1. Equity: One finding we saw consistently in the 3M State of Science Index is that women are a source of untapped potential in the STEM workforce and more needs to be done to keep students engaged in STEM education. But this cannot be achieved without a holistic approach to STEM equity and the ability to provide continuity for students as they move through the educational system, no matter where they are in the world.
2. Education: From early education to post-grad, students need to be and feel supported. We must ensure they have access to affordable, quality STEM programming and resources and the support they need to persist in STEM.
3. Exposure: It’s important for women and girls to see people who look like them in STEM careers. Not the Science Type did an excellent job at this by highlighting the different journeys of four women who all experienced — and overcame — different stereotypes and bias in their careers. We need to keep telling these stories. We need to keep highlighting role models.
4. Encouragement: 2022 3M State of Science Index data found that more than half of U.S. women are leaving STEM positions because they do not receive enough support. It’s more important than ever that we support and inspire girls and show them that a STEM career is achievable so we can continue to encourage them to pursue these fields.
5. Engagement: From outside the STEM field, it may not be apparent how the contextual importance of science and its connection to societal goals can play a role in attracting the next generation of talent. Findings from my recent research found that students who reflected on their purpose perceived that their major allowed them greater opportunity to connect with or help others and greater opportunity for self-advancement and achievement.

These are all part of what I call the STEM E’co-system — which also includes Empowerment and Economics. Everyone has a role to play — governments, the nonprofit sector, the private sector, etc. — but we all must be willing to invest in the STEM ecosystem for the sake of future generations.

In your opinion, what are the most effective ways to introduce girls to engineering and robotics at an early age?

The 2024 3M State of Science Insights found people view science as critical to society and their lives, and 75% of Americans would recommend a STEM career to younger generations. Yet, students often lose interest in science a variety of reasons — they believe it’s too hard, they don’t have access to a quality STEM education or they don’t believe they are “the science type.”

To counter this, we must encourage curiosity at a young age as these minds will tackle some of the world’s toughest challenges to create a better tomorrow. Provoking conversation and continuing to seek out engaging STEM learning opportunities are great places to start. It’s also important to connect STEM skills and jobs to the interests students already have, so they can see the opportunities available to them and draw connections to what they are passionate about. It also helps make science more fun for students, too!

How do you think the portrayal of women in STEM fields by media and educational materials impacts girls’ interest in engineering and robotics?

There are many prevalent myths as they relate to women and STEM fields — a common one being that women do not have the aptitude or the interest to pursue these subjects. The truth of the matter is that many of these fields are laid out in a very male-centric fashion or remain male-dominated. This results in a very gendered view of the field leading to myths about who can be a scientist.

To debunk these myths, we need to level the playing field for people of all genders, races and backgrounds. While we are breaking down barriers and becoming more inclusive, we still need more diverse scientists today to be more visible so that the younger generation can say, “if I can see it, I can be it.”

What advice would you give to girls who are interested in engineering and robotics but are hesitant to take the first step?

To all the young women who wonder if they should consider science or perhaps leave science, because humanities may feel more intuitive: you can do both in a STEM career!

STEM fields can allow you to collaborate with others to solve problems and help people. Adding humanities to a STEM mindset is much needed. For all the professional women in STEM, you can change the rubric: when you alter the metrics yourself, you will transform the optics of who enters, persists and excels in STEM. Don’t let stereotypes deter you. The last few years have shown us that many things need to change. But to change the field of science, you don’t need to change. Science needs you and science needs you to be you! We need all the diversity we can muster to shape the future and creatively unlock the secrets to a sustainable future.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

I would say it’s time for a good STEAM cleaning! While I didn’t initially think of myself as the science and engineering type, with the help of a great support system, I have done well. But I often think about how many students and scientists and how many ideas and innovations we are missing out on because of the way we teach, track, typify, train and talk about STEM. We need a STEAM cleaning to inspire the next generation:

• Shatter stereotypes — you don’t have to be a specific race or gender.
• Tell the whole(some) story about science — you can help people and improve lives.
• Exposure and environment — these are critical elements for support and encouragement.
• Allies and advocates — men need to understand it’s not a zero-sum game.
• Metrics and measures — these can help address inequity in institutional settings.

This STEAM cleaning movement can help to address the problem of underrepresentation.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Readers can follow me on LinkedIn, or review links below for work referenced in this Q&A:

• Not the Science Type
• The Heart of Science: Engineering Footprints, Fingerprints, & Imprints
• The Heart of Science: Engineering Fine Print
• TEDx Talk: Why I reframed my “why”
• Purpose reflection benefits minoritized students’ motivation and well-being in STEM

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.

About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.

Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.