Women in STEM Building Community at UC Davis
Building Community
Physics doctoral student Rachel Houtz enjoys challenging problems, and studying theoretical particle physics gives her plenty to tackle. But one “not fun part” is feeling lonely and that you don’t belong — things she struggled with, especially as an undergraduate female in physics.
“Science is really difficult in a vacuum without any social influence,” said Houtz. “You can overcome that by building a strong community.”
Making Connections
A Women in Sciences and Engineering mentoring program helped Houtz connect with other women in STEM on campus, matching her with a professor and an undergraduate student for bi-weekly meetings through an academic year. It’s been so beneficial that the three continue to meet informally now that the program ended.
“Science is really difficult in a vacuum without any social influence. You can overcome that by building a strong community.”
“I got perspective outside of my department and learned about the types of strategic moves I should be following in my career,” said Houtz. “At the same time, I was able to pay it back to the community and guide the undergraduate.”
Houtz is also active in the student-run Diversity and Inclusion in Physics program, a resource for students to discuss experiences and what they want to see changed within the department.