—
Today, oil and natural gas are finite, unsustainable resources that will soon be unsuitable to accommodate society’s steadily increasing energy needs. These energy sources can harm the environment, but there are alternative, more sustainable energy sources that can fulfill our needs and protect the environment. Chemical engineer, project manager, and sustainable energy expert Funmilayo Ogunsanya works to enhance the development of energy-efficient environmental systems by promoting female diversity in STEM, engineering, and sustainability. With this effort, she will bring a diverse range of perspectives and her exceptional ability and ideas to the chemical industry, fostering the development of complete and effective solutions. Ogunsanya is currently working in project management and chemical engineering to change America’s energy sustainability landscape. However, she understands the importance of female representation and advocates for change in that realm.
Driven by a desire to create innovative solutions to important problems, Ogunsanya began her career after graduating from the University of Lagos in Nigeria with a Chemical Engineering Degree, followed by a master’s in Chemical Process Engineering from the University College London. Her passion for sustainability began as she observed the environmental impact of oil and gas industry practices on the health and livelihood of people around the world. For Ogunsanya, it wasn’t a question of whether society would need alternative and sustainable energy resources, but rather when we would need them. As a woman in a male-dominated field, Ogunsanya often had to prove that she could outperform her male counterparts to receive recognition from her colleagues and superiors. Despite this, the Nigerian-born engineer describes her career as rewarding and has no regrets in choosing her path. As a process and project engineer, Ogunsanya works to provide unique and efficient solutions to tackle environmental air pollution in oil and gas, biofuel, food processing, pharmaceutical, and solar industries. She also wants to change the industry through mentorship and collaboration with other energy, environmental, and sustainability experts.
Other women face several factors preventing them from working in STEM, including societal expectations, gender stereotypes, and limiting workplace cultures that stifle diversity and inclusion in the STEM, engineering, and sustainability fields. Women engineers fall victim to gender bias, a lack of mentorship, and poor representation in leadership roles. Additionally, familial obligations can also dissuade some women from pursuing careers in this field. To combat this issue, Ogunsanya stresses the importance of laying a strong foundation to incentivize young women to work in STEM fields. “To encourage and support women in STEM fields, we have to start from the grassroots to address this imbalance where girls are encouraged and mentored early to embrace STEM. Furthermore, efforts to promote inclusivity, provide mentorship, and address workplace biases are also crucial for fostering a more equitable environment,” she shares. Earlier in her career, Ogunsanya mentored young adults in exploring STEM fields, and she stresses the importance of serving as a role model to female professionals by showcasing her career and the careers of other women in STEM fields to attract more women into the field.
With women only occupying 19.2% of chemical engineer numbers in the United States, there is a tremendous need for companies to promote diversity, hire more women in the workplace, and address the needs of the global market through different perspectives that consider social, economic, and cultural factors. A diverse workplace, especially in positions of leadership, can foster a culture of new ideas—a vital necessity in STEM-related fields. Breakthroughs in sustainability and chemical engineering require comprehensive solutions and effective solutions, which come from different backgrounds and experiences in the workplace. Ogunsanya believes that better workplace inclusivity will have a ripple effect—starting with a more workplace environment with mentorship opportunities and ending with a more equitable society overall.
For Ogunsanya, increasing female representation in STEM, engineering, and sustainability starts in the classroom. “To increase female participation in STEM, engineering, and sustainability from an early age, it’s essential to promote early exposure by encouraging girls to explore STEM-related activities and interests from a young age through educational programs, workshops, and hands-on experiences. Creating inclusive and supportive learning environments in schools that foster curiosity and provide equal opportunities for all students to excel in STEM subjects is very important,” says Ogunsanya.
—
This content is brought to you by Melissa Moraes.
Photo provided by the author.
The post Funmilayo Ogunsanya Opening Doors for More Women in STEM Fields in the U.S. appeared first on The Good Men Project.