Dr. Ford will speak on “Conquering the Imposter Syndrome” at the Crocker Science Center, Room 208, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. A reception will follow. The event is free, no tickets are required, and seating will occur on a first-come basis with room capacity set at 100. All students, staff, and faculty are welcome to attend.
Ford is known for her work confronting the “imposter syndrome,” which produces debilitating self-doubt in many successful people, especially women. Those who suffer from it feel they lack the ability and talent clearly indicated by their achievements. They regard themselves as undeserving when promoted or recognized, and in their professional work they often feel like frauds who will inevitably be “found out” by others.
This experience was Ford’s own, and it led her to leave Harvard University, where she was studying as a doctoral candidate. She later returned to complete her degree in experimental pathology, and she has gone on to serve as a science advisor in the Obama Administration and to found an organization called “Fly Sci Enterprise,” which brings “the ‘cool’ and relatable aspects of STEM” to the next generation of innovators, according to its website.
Dr. Ford’s visit is sponsored by the University of Utah MUSE Project.