Research on women in engineering confirms the presence of gender barriers that affect the recruitment and retention of women in engineering. These barriers stop some women from choosing engineering as a field of study, and impede some women from completing a degree in engineering. However, there are few young female students who complete their engineering education despite the presence of obstacles throughout their college years. Systematic research that studies the experiences of these women is lacking. Research concerning the experiences of female scientists and engineers is needed because it is likely to suggest methods for improving the engineering environment in a manner that will attract further female participation.This study sought to advance current women in engineering research by identifying the obstacles and factors related to the pursuit of a degree in engineering by female students. Two major data collection methods were used for this study. First, a survey was developed, and was used to obtain insightful information to determine the factors that have hindered and assisted graduating female engineering students in deciding to pursue and in completing a degree in Engineering. Second, focus groups were conducted with a random sample of the graduating female engineering students to obtain detailed information on their experiences in deciding to pursue and in completing a degree in engineering.This study addressed the factors that have hindered, motivated, and assisted women who were graduating with a degree in engineering. By studying and understanding the barriers that hinder women in deciding to pursue and in completing a degree in engineering, as well as, the factors that assist and encourage them, we can learn how to break down the barriers and how to facilitate the educational journey of female engineering students. This study gives us valuable insights and created a framework from which high schools, universities, researchers, and female students can directly benefit.

Her research interests relate to the career development of women in management, information technology, and engineering. Her reseach also focuses on diversity and human behavior in engineering.

Research on women in engineering confirms the presence of gender barriers that affect their recruitment and retention. These barriers stop some women from choosing engineering as a field of study, and impede some women from completing a degree in engineering. However, there are some young female students who complete their engineering education despite the presence of obstacles throughout their college years. This study addressed the university and personal factors that have hindered, motivated, and assisted women who were graduating with a degree in engineering. By studying and understanding the barriers that hinder women in completing a degree in engineering, as well as the factors that assist and encourage them, we can learn how to break down the barriers and how to facilitate the educational journey of female engineering students.