Facing Imposter Fears
Monday, May 8, 2023, 5:30 – 6:30 PM CT
In science it’s common to experience doubts in one’s abilities or qualifications. These insecurities can leave one feeling like an imposter in the field as though you weren’t qualified for your current role or you will soon be weeded out of your highly competitive program. While this sensation is often referred to as imposter fears, this phenomenon isn’t entirely detached from reality. In science, the validity of our work is constantly questioned, doubly so when one holds an underrepresented identity in science. In this highly scrutinous and competitive environment it may seem logical to internalize these doubts and attach them to our personal identities. However, imposter fears are damaging, especially for women and minorities, so they must be responded to, disproven, and protected against. In this workshop we will take a deep dive into the sources of imposter fears and learn techniques you can use to set these fears to rest in yourself and others.
Christina Roman, PhD
Biochemist & STEM Diversity Equity and Inclusion Specialist, University of Chicago
Christina came to the Office of Diversity and Inclusion by way of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics PhD program here at the University of Chicago. Before coming to Chicago for graduate school, she studied biochemistry at Stony Brook University in her home state of New York. During her time as a graduate student Christina led numerous diversity and inclusion organizations such as GRIT, SACNAS and the BSD Diversity Committee. Now as an administrator working alongside students, staff, and faculty, Christina seeks to bridge the gaps in understanding and bring the community together using our shared goals and values. Her primary responsibilities include: supporting the development of a new faculty hiring approach to help diversify the biological sciences departments, as well as working closely with the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs to support student recruitment and engagement.
