Overcoming Misconceptions and Stereotypes as aWoman in STEM — Dr. Habiba Iliyasu Atta
Yes I have encountered both misconceptions and stereotypes as a women in STEM, and one of the ways we can challenge them is ensuring everyone in the society is made aware that a female can have a successful career in STEM without any form of compromise. — Dr. Habiba Iliyasu Atta
The SWIS Africa team was inspired by the great impacts Dr. Habiba Iliyasu Atta, a Senior Lecturer of Environmental Microbiology at the Dept. Of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria is doing in the STEM space. We arranged an interview with her to learn more about her passion and encourage other women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
SWIS Africa: Kindly give us a brief autobiography of yourself?
Dr. Habiba: I am Dr. Habiba Iliyasu Atta, a Senior Lecturer of Environmental Microbiology at the Dept. Of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. I was employed by my alma matter during my Master’s programme in 2006 as a graduate assistant. I was a beneficiary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund scholarship during my Doctorate research due to its relevance in the petroleum sector. Thus I was opportune to conduct most of my research at Cardiff University in the UK. In 2021, I conducted Postdoctoral research in Rutgers University (USA) as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar. Over the years, I have conducted interdisciplinary research with peers in the following fields: Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biology, Polymer technology, Public Health and Soil Science. I love Science Communication and actively used my social media platform to disseminate information about my area of research, scholarship opportunities and also to mentor early career academics in Natural/Life Sciences. Currently, I serve as an Associate Editor and Book reviewer in the Fulbright Chronicles, and as a peer reviewer for many local and international journals. I am passionate about STEM advocacy and I am presently the institutional coordinator of the Organization for Women in Science for the developing world (OWSD) at Ahmadu Bello University.
SWIS Africa: What initially sparked your interest in STEM, and how did you decide to pursue a career in this field?
Dr. Habiba: Well, so many things, it’s hard to pick one. But growing up as a child, I loved reading a lot and also in understanding how things work. This endeared the subject, Mathematics to me. I love numbers and also knew my career path would be in Science. I initially wanted to study Medicine but eventually studied Microbiology. The world of microorganisms and the role they play in our environment, agriculture, health and general well-being, fascinated me and passing this knowledge to others as an educator was the icing on the cake for me. Naturally, a career in academics and research in the field of Microbiology was an easy choice for me.
SWIS Africa: As an African woman in STEM, what challenges did you encounter when starting your career in STEM, and how did you overcome them to remain successful in the field?
Dr. Habiba: Some of the challenges I faced were mostly centered around balancing my family life and career especially as a young mother of three kids. I had my first child a year after I started my career in academics so by the time I started my doctoral research, I already had three kids between ages 1 to 5 years old. Other difficult times for me was trying to publish journal articles and attend conferences in the midst of taking care of my little children. I overcame these challenges by practicing good time management and planning my domestic and professional activities appropriately.
SWIS Africa: Could you share an experience where your STEM skills were instrumental in making a difference or solving a significant problem?
Dr. Habiba: My STEM skills assisted in resolving issues that had to do with sanitation and hygiene domestically. They have also been instrumental when I’m responding to questions or posts on Twitter and LinkedIn that had to do with healthcare or the environment. Even in my leisure time watching movies, I have used an application of STEM in explaining certain phenomena. I am happy to say I live and breathe STEM always.
SWIS Africa: Can you describe a mentor or role model who has played a significant role in shaping your STEM career, and how did they inspire you?
Dr. Habiba: My mother is my role model because as a young widow she taught my sisters and I that we can achieve our goals in life with determination and hard work. She also made us understand that education is not an option for females but an absolute must. My academic mentor is a senior colleague, Professor Maryam Aminu, a respected virologist and the current Head of Department of Microbiology. She taught me the importance of networking as an academic, multitasking as a female and the value of strong work ethics.
SWIS Africa: Have you encountered any misconceptions or stereotypes about women in STEM, and how do you think we can challenge and change them?
Dr. Habiba: Yes I have encountered both misconceptions and stereotypes as a women in STEM, and one of the ways we can challenge them is ensuring everyone in the society is made aware that a female can have a successful career in STEM without any form of compromise. And also to encourage more avenues to enlighten girls in primary and secondary schools about the vast academic disciplines in STEM so they can make informed career choices by the time they get to the stage of tertiary education.
SWIS Africa: What are some of the goals you desire to achieve in the nearest future as a woman in STEM?
Dr. Habiba: Here are some of the goals I desire to achieve:
- Increased mentorship in STEM for young females at all levels of education.
- 2. Ability to provide scholarship and funding opportunities to females for studies in STEM
- 3. Increased focus groups in rural communities to provide enlightenment on STEM
- 4. To provide counseling to females who dropped out of school early but desire to continue their formal education
SWIS Africa: What are your thoughts on encouraging and retaining more females in STEM fields, from early education to professional development stages?
Dr. Habiba: In my opinion, a possible way of achieving this is having a strong presence of mentorship from women in STEM that are at advanced stages of their career. This can be achieved formally or informally via various routes: STEM clubs in primary and secondary schools, Seminars/lectures from women in STEM, and Provision of training/grants/scholarships/funding from established STEM groups.
SWIS Africa: What advice would you give to young women who are considering studying or pursuing a career in STEM?
Dr. Habiba: Be focused, determined and hardworking. Seek out female mentors in your area of STEM to guide your path. Join STEM groups and explore every resource available in these networks to build your skills.
SWIS Africa: Thank you so much for sharing your incredible journey and words of wisdom with us, Dr. Habiba.
Linkedin: Dr. Habiba Atta
SWIS Africa is an initiative focused on celebrating and shaping women in STEM in Africa. You can learn more about us by visting our website using this link.
