Women have traditionally faced a disadvantage in almost everything in comparison to men. However, times are changing as women begin to outnumber men in graduating with doctoral degrees since 2005, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
This national trend is embodied by principal Dr. Jennifer Lashier and biology teacher Dr. AnnMarie Hwang who have both obtained their doctorate degrees in their respective fields.
This is Dr. Lashier’s first year here at Temple City High School after spending 11 years at Arcadia High School. She received her PhD in educational leadership from the University of Southern California in 2016, after three long years of graduate school work.
While studying for her doctorate, both of Dr. Lashier’s surrounding peers and professors were of an equal gender ratio. Although being a woman did not bring any trouble from school, she was a mother, which was a lot of responsibility. But with commitment to both her family and school, along with support from her husband, she was able to graduate with a PhD and be happy with her family.
Meanwhile, Dr. Hwang has been a teacher here since 2009. She acquired her PhD in biology from the University of Southern California in 2009 after seven years of graduate work . She also received her teaching credential for science from San Diego State University.
“I wouldn’t say that being a woman provided specific challenges for obtaining my degree,” Dr. Hwang said. “My graduate program and university actually had several programs and initiatives that worked toward providing more opportunities for women in science.”
In Dr. Hwang’s initial lab group, half were women, and by the time she graduated, the majority were women. Her PhD counselor was part of the WiSE program, which promoted women in science. While at school, Dr. Hwang felt that her opportunities and career choices were equal to men’s.
This national trend is embodied by principal Dr. Jennifer Lashier and biology teacher Dr. AnnMarie Hwang who have both obtained their doctorate degrees in their respective fields.
This is Dr. Lashier’s first year here at Temple City High School after spending 11 years at Arcadia High School. She received her PhD in educational leadership from the University of Southern California in 2016, after three long years of graduate school work.
While studying for her doctorate, both of Dr. Lashier’s surrounding peers and professors were of an equal gender ratio. Although being a woman did not bring any trouble from school, she was a mother, which was a lot of responsibility. But with commitment to both her family and school, along with support from her husband, she was able to graduate with a PhD and be happy with her family.
Meanwhile, Dr. Hwang has been a teacher here since 2009. She acquired her PhD in biology from the University of Southern California in 2009 after seven years of graduate work . She also received her teaching credential for science from San Diego State University.
“I wouldn’t say that being a woman provided specific challenges for obtaining my degree,” Dr. Hwang said. “My graduate program and university actually had several programs and initiatives that worked toward providing more opportunities for women in science.”
In Dr. Hwang’s initial lab group, half were women, and by the time she graduated, the majority were women. Her PhD counselor was part of the WiSE program, which promoted women in science. While at school, Dr. Hwang felt that her opportunities and career choices were equal to men’s.
