Today’s children are unlike any other generation, having navigated the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have shown resilience and adaptability—qualities essential for scientists and innovators. They’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of STEM and its potential to drive innovation and solve the world’s pressing challenges. Imagine what they can achieve with the right inspiration to explore the realms of science and technology. How can we, as educators and parents, continue to fuel their curiosity and problem-solving skills to make them the innovators of tomorrow?

My journey into the world of science began with a simple fascination and asking “Why?” This curiosity led me to pursue a PhD in immunology and eventually a career spanning over 20 years in biotechnology, making new medicines that have transformed patients’ lives. My mission is to stir up the next generation’s innate curiosity and passion for discovery.

Despite the pivotal role STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) plays in driving innovation and societal progress, many young people may be hesitant to engage with these fields. There are some stereotypical and outdated thoughts on what being a scientist entails. Let’s talk about some of these myths and see how we can dispel them to make STEM more relatable and inspiring for young minds.

Myth 1: Scientists Are Men in Lab Coats

Science today is vibrant, diverse, and far-reaching. This stereotypical image of scientists is misleading.

In the 1960s, when elementary school children were asked to draw a scientist, only one percent showed a female, whereas in 2018, 33% of the drawings depicted females—this is progress and reflects the current rates. However, one in two drawings still showed a scientist in a lab coat, and 8 in 10 depicted the scientist as white. In addition, women are still grossly underrepresented in fields like physics and engineering, with only 16% of engineers and 26% of computer and math scientists being women. Some racial and ethnic minority groups—

Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American, and American Indian or Alaska Native—are underrepresented in the skilled technical workforce of science and technology according to the National Science Foundation. It’s crucial to present science as accessible and exciting to all students.

Myth 2: Science Only Happens in a Lab

Science is woven into the fabric of our daily lives as a mindset. The Science Council defines a scientist by how they approach understanding—whether through statistics, data, or specific fields like chemistry or astronomy. What unites scientists is their relentless curiosity and systematic approach to understanding the world. From the technology in our smartphones to the medical advancements that keep us healthy, science is everywhere. By showing students the everyday applications of science, we can make it more relatable and exciting.

Myth 3: Jobs Are Limited to Academia

Over the past decade, STEM occupations have grown by 20%, with over 26 million people working in diverse roles. These roles encompass healthcare, technology, engineering, and more. Advanced STEM degrees also can lead to numerous job opportunities in fields such as clinical and medical affairs, business, finance, policy, sales, marketing, and research and development.

Studies consistently show that individuals with STEM degrees tend to earn 65% more than their non-STEM counterparts and enjoy lower unemployment rates. With the economic advantages and diverse career opportunities in STEM, students can be reassured that they can find something that fits their personality and lifestyle needs.

Myth 4: There Is No Creativity in Science

Isn’t innovation creativity applied to problem-solving? Bringing out new ideas requires a creative mind. Whether it's developing new technologies, designing experiments, or communicating complex ideas, creativity is at the heart of scientific progress. Articles from The National Inventors Hall of Fame and Harvard Business School emphasize that creativity is essential for innovation. Encouraging students to engage in brainstorming, think outside the box, and not be afraid of failure fosters a mindset open to new possibilities.

Myth 5: You Have to Be “Book Smart”

Countless times, I questioned, "Am I smart enough?" when I didn’t excel in traditional classroom metrics. Later, I learned that I had a reading disability. I explored unconventional study methods that let me tap into multimodal learning with visuals and repetition, giving my brain more to grasp and preparing me better for my career.

There are multiple ways to engage with and excel in science—every student can find their niche. Different types of thinkers, including visual, social, and dyslexic minds (like myself), all have a place in STEM. Dyslexia, once seen as a challenge, is now recognized as an attribute of an innovative mind. Science is a dynamic process of inquiry enhanced by multiple thinking styles.

The Power of Storytelling

A traditional approach to teaching STEM subjects could involve rote memorization of facts and formulas, which can be disengaging for many students. Using stories to explain scientific concepts can make them more engaging and easier to understand, contextualizing abstract ideas and showing their relevance to everyday life.

I noticed while researching children’s books on immunology to share with my young niece and nephew that there were few children's books on the topic and those that did often read like dry lists of facts. Recognizing this gap in children’s literature, I wrote “Immune Heroes,” where I introduce big concepts in immunology to kids through anthropomorphism of immune cells and using narrative. This storytelling approach taps into multimodal learning with visuals and repetition to ground the concepts.

Storytelling is also essential in professional scientific work. What else is a presentation to an executive board or an investor pitch but a well-crafted story? Grant writing weaves a narrative of hope to secure funding. Scientific journal articles unfold like a story: an introduction sets the scene, methods and results narrate a sequence of escalating events, culminating in tension with unexpected findings or research pivots, with the resolution and meaning summarized in discussion.

Using stories in the curriculum is a way to intuitively structure dense information in a relatable and memorable way. Making connections, demonstrating cause and effect, and tapping into emotion with multimedia storytelling is a powerful tool for making STEM subjects more appealing.

Growing Conceptual Thinkers and Engaged Innovators

The ultimate goal of STEM education is not only to impart knowledge but to cultivate a generation of conceptual thinkers, curious learners, and resourceful problem-solvers. Developing curricula and learning environments that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and inclusion is essential. By dispelling myths about what a scientist or innovator looks like, I hope students will see one in their mirror.

About the author

Dr. Namita Gandhi is a seasoned immunologist with two decades in biotech, contributing to groundbreaking therapies such as Dupixent®. Her extensive research on over 100 diseases establishes her deep expertise in disease mechanisms and the role of the immune system in health. Inspired to make science accessible and engaging, she authored "Immune Heroes," introducing young readers to the fascinating world of the immune system.