TY - JOUR
T1 - Mapping the Trajectories of Women in Astronomy
T2 - Influences and Milestones in Talent Development
AU - Gómez-Arizaga, María P.
AU - Navarro, Marianela
AU - Martin, Annjeanette
AU - Conejeros-Solar, María Leonor
AU - Valdivia-Lefort, Marieta
AU - Bravo-Rojas, Carla
AU - Navarrete Silva, Camila
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 National Association for Gifted Children.
PY - 2025
Y1 - 2025
N2 - Astronomy is critical for human development, driving technology and innovation, and creating knowledge that allows humanity to understand the universe more fully. Women, however, remain underrepresented in this field. Many women leave the field before becoming established, yet little is known about women who persist and succeed. The purpose of this study was to explore the abilities, experiences, milestones, and individuals that have contributed to women’s talent development along their trajectories in astronomy, in the specific case of Chile. In-depth interviews were conducted with five talented women in astronomy, who have developed their academic and professional careers in Chile. The results show that micro, meso, and macro levels of influence, in conjunction with different time periods, were critical for the participants’ trajectories and have impacted the direction of women’s paths. The astronomers highlight early experiences, mentor support, validation, and gendered experiences as they navigate their own insecurities and develop self-confidence. Implications for the study of talent development in female astronomers are discussed.
AB - Astronomy is critical for human development, driving technology and innovation, and creating knowledge that allows humanity to understand the universe more fully. Women, however, remain underrepresented in this field. Many women leave the field before becoming established, yet little is known about women who persist and succeed. The purpose of this study was to explore the abilities, experiences, milestones, and individuals that have contributed to women’s talent development along their trajectories in astronomy, in the specific case of Chile. In-depth interviews were conducted with five talented women in astronomy, who have developed their academic and professional careers in Chile. The results show that micro, meso, and macro levels of influence, in conjunction with different time periods, were critical for the participants’ trajectories and have impacted the direction of women’s paths. The astronomers highlight early experiences, mentor support, validation, and gendered experiences as they navigate their own insecurities and develop self-confidence. Implications for the study of talent development in female astronomers are discussed.
KW - adults
KW - gender
KW - STEM
KW - talent development
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85215514078&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1177/00169862241307668
DO - 10.1177/00169862241307668
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85215514078
SN - 0016-9862
JO - Gifted Child Quarterly
JF - Gifted Child Quarterly
ER -