University of Hawai‘i–West O‘ahu associate professor of Biology Dr. Olivia George is featured in a new book about women leaders in STEM and was a panelist at a session inspired by the book at a recent STEM conference in Oregon.
George was one of more than 30 women who contributed to “Lessons Learned: Stories from Women Leaders in STEM,” published in April by the American Association for Physician Leadership and edited by Dr. Deborah M. Shlian.
The book addresses the lack of women in STEM careers through the first-person accounts of notable women who have excelled in a range of STEM-related leadership roles, according to a description of the book by the publisher.
The description continues, “The hope is that young readers (especially girls) will find these stories so inspiring that they will consider a STEM career, and those already enrolled in STEM Ph.D. programs will aim to become leaders within their field.”
On a related note, George was also invited to be a featured speaker at the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference, which was held in October in Portland, Ore.
George participated in an Oct. 26 panel session, “Stories from Women Leaders in STEM,” inspired by the book and featuring women who shared the story of their lives and careers, and the lessons they learned during that journey. Session organizers hoped SACNAS students and young professionals would benefit from hearing from these leaders and their compelling stories.
Dr. Esther Widiasih, professor and chair of the Mathematics, Natural and Health Sciences division, commended George on her recent accomplishments.
“As her division chair, I know first hand how hard Dr. George works day in and day out,” Widiasih said. “Her focus is students’ success and she will do above and beyond what is required.”
George’s expertise is in molecular biology and she trains numerous students through hands-on research activities, Widiasih noted.
“When we did not have a lab manager, she took on that role, and basically added on another position on top of her own duties just so lab classes can run on this campus,” Widiasih said. “She is also a leader in assessment in the division.”
