University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Advocates for Women in Data Science

In a significant initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity in the field of data science, researchers from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa have published a pivotal study honoring the contributions of women in this rapidly evolving discipline. The article, titled "Highlighting the Achievements and Impact of Women in Data Science," appears in the June 2025 issue of *Patterns* and was authored by Lauren Higa, a PhD student in the Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering Program, alongside her advisor, Dr. Youping Deng, a professor and director of the Bioinformatics Core at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM).

The researchers' work pays tribute to historical figures such as Ada Lovelace, recognized as the first computer programmer; Florence Nightingale, who leveraged data analytics to improve public health; and NASA mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, whose crucial computations supported space exploration. This legacy underscores the fundamental role women have played in shaping modern data science.

Dr. Higa and Dr. Deng highlight that despite these groundbreaking contributions, women remain significantly underrepresented in the data science workforce, constituting only 23% of the global total according to a 2024 report by Anaconda. This underrepresentation not only stifles innovation but also introduces bias into data-driven technologies, they argue.

To mitigate the gender gap, the researchers propose several actionable strategies aimed at promoting equity and inclusion within the field. These include enhancing mentorship and sponsorship opportunities for women, ensuring equitable access to authorship and publication processes, and instituting policies that support work-life balance and long-term career development.

Through their leadership at the Bioinformatics Core, Dr. Higa and Dr. Deng aspire to inspire a more diverse and equitable data science landscape that accurately reflects the communities it serves. Their call for action resonates with ongoing discussions about the necessity of inclusivity in STEM fields, particularly in light of the increasing reliance on data science across various sectors.

The implications of this research extend beyond academia; they resonate with industry leaders and policymakers who recognize the need for diverse perspectives in fostering innovation. As organizations increasingly rely on data-driven insights, the importance of a diverse workforce becomes paramount. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University, "Diversity in data science teams leads to innovative solutions and a broader understanding of the challenges we face in society."

Furthermore, the call for equitable practices in the field aligns with global initiatives aimed at enhancing women's participation in STEM. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has identified gender equality in science as a key goal for sustainable development, advocating for policies that encourage women's involvement in scientific research and innovation.

In conclusion, the work of Dr. Higa and Dr. Deng is not only a celebration of women's historical contributions to data science but also a critical appeal for actionable change in an industry that must evolve to include all voices. As they continue to advocate for these changes, their efforts may serve as a catalyst for broader reform, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and innovative future in data science.