Intelligent well-rounded young woman who exhibits traits of innovation and diversity while breaking negative stereotypes associated with smart women. Typically associated with women in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines, a Nerd Girl follows the mantra that smart is sexy and brains are beautiful.
A Nerd Girl challenges the idea of what a geek should look like "either by intentionally sexing up their tech personas, or by simply finding no disconnect between their geeky pursuits and more traditionally girly interests such as fashion, makeup and high heels" (Bennett, 2008).
The term Nerd Girl was introduced in 2000 by Dr. Karen Panetta, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Tufts University, when she formed Nerd Girls with the mission of encouraging girls "to change their world through Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, while embracing their feminine power" (Nerdgirls.com). According to the Nerd Girls website, Nerd Girls, which is several thousand members strong, is supported by IEEE and its members have collaborated on projects such as the following:
- Lighthouse Beacon: Installed solar technology in an historical landmark
- Thacher Island: Converted homes to use solar power
- The Monkey Project: Created a voice-activated door and reward dispenser for an assistance animal and his human companion
- The Ann E. B. Solar Car Project: Building of a solar race car
References[edit]
- Platt, J (2010). "How Do You Get Women to Stay in Engineering? Nerd Girls Has the Answer." IEEE-USA Today's Engineer. Retrieved from http://www.todaysengineer.org/2010/Jul/Nerd-Girls.asp
- Bennett, J (2008). "Geek Girls: Revenge of the Nerdette." Newsweek. Retrieved from http://www.newsweek.com/2008/06/07/revenge-of-the-nerdette.html
- Celizik, M (2008). "'Nerd Girls out to prove that beauties can be brainy." MSNBC. Retrieved from http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/25736678