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2 Fs waterloochronicle.ca LORAINE CENTENO acenteno@metroland.com For some women in tech, g the invisible cuts are the sor, it is not unusual for the male instructor to be re- ferred to as ‘Professor’ or ‘Dr.’ and for me to be re- ferred to as 'Maura'," Dr. , research professor at the University of Waterloo's School of Computer Science shared. In 2009, while working as alitigator, Grossman, along with a computer science professor conducted the first study that explored the ing - tion. The tech they called, Technology Assisted Re- view (TAR) showed that machine learning can be as effective as humans in find- ing legal evidence in cases. THE CITY OF Waterloo P. 519-886-1550 Their work has been cited in cases and literature all over the world. But despite women's nu- yest achievements and ars of hard work itis diffi- cult for many of those in tech to they deserve. known that male tors receive better course evaluations than female in- structors," she said. A study that analyzed performance reviews found that high achieving men and women in tech are de- ribed differently in re- views. High performing women are more likely to receive critical feedback that are negative rather than constructive. And the researcher said. And this, Grossman is, is a constant chal- e. "Having to modulate one's 's behaviour so as not to contradict expected gender roles and not to be seen as ‘too aggressive’ or ‘too pushy’ or 'too driven’ or 'too stubborn,’ when the exact same behaviours would be accepted, if not rewarded, in male colleagues." GENDER-BIAS IN TECH RESEARC! It is also common for women's perspectives to be left out in tech research. A study by the UNESCO Insti- tute of Statistics has found that female researchers are a Ror aciernien in are criticized for lack of skills, many women in tech are criticized for perceived per- sonality flaws. It is common for women to be criticized eing “too strong’ and CITY OF WATERLOO 2023 AUDIT COMMITTEE RECRUITMENT The Council of the City of Waterloo invites interested persons to apply for a position on the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee provides advice to Council on matters affecting the external audit of the City’s finances, financial reporting and accounting control policies and practices, code of conduct policies, and other significant projects. Successful applicants will be appointed until November 2026. Applicants must live or own property in the City of Waterloo, be an employee or owner of a business in the City of Waterloo, or attend classes at a post-secondary institution in the City of Waterloo. Persons applying must also have a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. For more information about the Audit Committee and to submit an application, please visit the City of Waterloo website at www.waterloo.ca/committees If you would like a paper or PDF application form or if you wish to speak to our staff about applying to serve on a committee, contact Kevin Gerlach at 519-747-8704 or email committees@waterloo.ca Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2023. 6 TTY. 186-3941 en are also eer oh given smaller research its than their male colleagues. This gender bias can al- so be found in the peer re- view process andat scientif- ic conferences where men waterloo.ca are invited to speak on sci- entific panels twice as often as women, the study found. "I ave seen it,” Gross- "Iti is not uncommon for my ideas to be attributed to ber: to neglect to include me in research activities," she said. "Perhaps Gt's 's) an nad: vertent oversight cause they do not ie I youd - interested i in par- ticip: ca “like to think it is a manifestation of uncon- scious rather than con- us bias," ‘she explained. GENDER MICROAGGRESION Among women Grossman, worked with during her ime as the a rector ie Wome Computer Scenes (WiCS) at the university, there are also those who shared con- cerns about how they are perceived, particularly by other male students when they receive coveted co-op tained the position was be- cause of the company's di- versity initiatives, rather University of Waterloo. photo DR. MAURA GROSSMAN than on their own merits,” Grossman said. "Some fe- male students experienced imposter syndrome as a re- sult.” A 2022 study on gender microaggression in STEM has found that many wom- en in tech are often subject- ed to a steady onslaught of different types of microag- gressions. Some report ex- periencing what research- ers refer to as "devaluation of technical competence” like constantly being talked over by men in meetings or being automatically as- sumed to be "the admin" when they are at conferenc- es as subject matter ex- rts. perts. “T have been in meetings where a woman presented anidea that was ignored on- ly to be repeated a few min- utes later by a man anc lauded as 'brilliant’,” Gross- man shared. "I don't think it is intentional; women's voices. es just aren't heard and valued der leadership progression. This, the study says may ul- timately result in women choosing to leave STEM. MEN AS ADVOCATES FOR WOMEN IN TECH "In addition to having a posse of women to commis- erate with, I have found it useful tol have men who are willing serve as advo- cates for me," Grossman said. “Tt is much more effec- tive when my co-instructor responds, ‘It is either Pro- fessor X and Professor rossman, or [his first name] and Maura, but it is not Professor X and Maura,’ than if I were to say the same thi i seem petty” or defensive," she shared. "Td encourage men not to feel threatened by having more women around them. It is not a zero-sum ie. is room for everyone on the team." SS SPRING 2023 GUIDE . Active Waterloo MARCH 21 waterloo.ca/ProgramGuide SPRING ACTIVITIES available now Discover the best in all ages active living in the City of Waterloo. ACTIVE LIVING & CAMPS REGISTRATION ON NOW SWIM REGISTRATION OPENS Waterloo