5# Carmen Georgeta Nicolae: Advancing STEM in Animal Science

Carmen Georgeta Nicolae, Professor Dr. Habil. at the Faculty of Animal Productions Engineering and Management at the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, has dedicated her career to integrating STEM principles into animal sciences. Since 1996, she has emphasized the crucial role of biology, technology, engineering, and mathematics in fostering research, education, and sustainable practices in her field.

Although she acknowledges the challenges many women face in STEM, Carmen considers herself fortunate not to have experienced significant gender-based obstacles. However, she recognizes that proving one's capabilities remains a key challenge for women in these fields.

Her journey into STEM began after graduating from university, heavily influenced by her mentor, a male head of the Fish Culture and Aquaculture discipline. His guidance helped shape her career as both a researcher and educator, reinforcing the importance of mentorship in professional development. For Carmen, fostering interest in STEM from childhood requires engagement, diverse role models, dynamic teaching methods, access to resources, and efforts to challenge gender stereotypes.

Unlike many other STEM environments, Carmen's institution does not practice gender discrimination, making formal inclusion initiatives unnecessary. However, she believes that perseverance, involvement, talent, and a supportive environment are key factors behind all success stories in STEM. She envisions a future where gender equality in these fields is no longer a discussion point, but a given.

For Carmen, STEM disciplines should be accessible to anyone with the passion and ability to excel. Her ultimate aspiration is to see a world where the headline "No Gender Difference in STEM Fields" is a reality, not just an ambition.