We Need More STEM Role Models Who Are A Bit Less Brilliant | Sarah Chapman | TEDxSurreyUniversity

Sarah passionately believes and sees in her work, that good ideas can come from anyone, anywhere - whatever their gender, race, age, sexuality, abilities, or background. In her talk, she shares why there has never been a better time to encourage more women, girls, and underrepresented minorities into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). However, we still have an image problem: over a third of people believe you must be a genius to be a scientist - Sarah is proud to disprove that theory. A similar proportion don’t feel their lives would be impacted if science didn’t exist (incredibly this perception persists even against the backdrop of the pandemic); people struggle to relate science and technology to their everyday lives. There is one simple thing that everyone can do to help change this. Research shows that having STEM role models significantly increases girls’ interest in these subjects. Sarah’s vision is that every woman and young person considering, or navigating, a STEM career, would have both stars and streetlights. The stars are brilliant people who they can aspire to, who break glass ceilings and smash stereotypes; but these stars are far away. Closer to home, are the streetlights: the friends, family, teachers, mentors, and volunteers who tell stories that relate science and technology to everyday life, creating a spark in a young person’s mind that can last a lifetime, holding their hand and lighting the way. Sarah initially trained in ballet until injury and an inspirational chemistry teacher resulted in a total change of direction towards a rewarding career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). In her talk, Sarah shares three ways that everyone can inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers; she hopes more people will see STEM as something they can personally relate to. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at