There is a wonderful body of literature that demonstrates that people who see themselves as scientists are more likely to succeed in graduate programs and in scientific and engineering positions after their degrees. The big question is how do we help people to see themselves as scientists. Examples are great, but it can be challenging for many of us to see ourselves in other’s examples.

So, how do we learn to see ourselves as scientists? One of the most powerful things we can do is practice telling our stories. Telling our stories helps us to develop our identities and contributes to the broader cannon of possibilities for scientists and engineers.