Abstract #126

# 126
Mentoring and empowering women in dairy science.
K. M. Schoenberg*1, 1Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN.

Women in dairy science face similar challenges as women in fields such as engineering and technology where women are under-represented. While 80% of veterinary students in the US (77% in the UK) are female, they are grossly under-represented as practice owners, association leaders, and managers. In the United States, 54% of all practicing veterinarians are female, and 19% of food animal veterinarians are female. Research shows that these women are judged and assessed differently due to unconscious biases, are provided different opportunities, and face additional pressures outside of their career. While generations before us fought for equal access to these careers, women now face differing, often confounding, challenges which result in them having dissimilar experiences from their male counterparts. As more women continue to enter dairy science fields in academia and industry, the need for support in the form of effective mentoring will grow. With added awareness of the challenges and mitigation strategies we can all minimize the potential negative impact on careers for women in dairy science. In particular, for young females starting their career in dairy science, there may be a dramatic shift in their awareness of challenges they may face. Mentors can provide tools to navigate these transitions. First, for women at all levels, mentorship and coaching in the areas of confidence, a thriving inner mentor, and tips to navigate times of change and uncertainty are key. Second, the type of support women in dairy science will require will change as their career progresses. Third, throughout these changes, a thriving network will help women identify personal and professional contacts to help them navigate. Finally, a diverse set of experiences will allow women to find their true areas of passion and where they can thrive. Above all, it is up to all of us to build awareness of the unconscious biases that exist and may impact these talented professionals and do our part to influence people and systems to interrupt the biases and even the playing field. Everyone benefits from the greater diversity of thought that is brought to the table when women in dairy science are empowered to be the best that they can be.

Key Words: mentoring, bias, gender

Speaker Bio
Dr. Katie M. Schoenberg completed her B.S. and Ph.D.from Cornell University’s animal science department. She also has an M.S. from the University of Maryland in lactation biology. Her career has included experiences in Cooperative Extension, conservation biology, academic and industry research. Dr. Schoenberg is currently a Senior Research Scientist in Dairy Development, contributing to the Food Animal Research and Development efforts of Elanco Animal Health and serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in Cornell University’s Department of Animal Science. Scientifically, Dr. Schoenberg is a subject matter expert in transition cow metabolism and physiology. In addition to her passion for animal health research and development, she champions efforts in diversity and inclusion and supports students as they explore their desired career paths. She mentors animal and dairy science undergraduate and graduate students through career development discussions, as well as mentors and supervises externs, interns, and post-doctoral scientists at Elanco. Additionally, Dr. Schoenberg leads discussions on the role of unconscious bias in decision making and in particular how unconscious gender bias impacts our own self-image and the perception of others.