This Q&A is part of a four-part series that focuses on women pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers. Each Friday in November a new Q&A will be released.
Amaya Hargrove is pursuing degrees in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice at Western Carolina University. She graduated from PCC in 2024 with an associate in science degree as a Career and College Promise student.
What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?
When I was younger, I always knew that I wanted to do something meaningful with my life. Science has been my passion for as long as I can remember, and I dreamed of being a scientist one day. Then, when I was in sixth grade, I took an anatomy class with an eighth-grade teacher who opened a new door for me. From that experience, I developed a love and interest in the study of the human body and its intricacies. I also had dreams of being a police officer or some sort of law enforcement so that I could spend my days helping people. I combined these two dreams and decided that I wanted to be a Medical Examiner. I’ve been told that I am a very outspoken person, and I would like to use that quality to speak for the most vulnerable population: The deceased. Everyone deserves to be represented in life and death, and it would be an honor for me to be the voice of those who have had theirs taken from them. I also believe that everyone deserves justice and would like to be able to get that for those who are no longer with us in the case of homicide and suspicious deaths. Currently, I am pursuing degrees in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice at Western Carolina University.
How did your time at PCC prepare you for your future career?
PCC has played a crucial role in my educational journey. I was able to dual-enroll in classes at Person High School and PCC and obtain my associate’s degree in science. With my associate’s degree, I can cut down my time in undergraduate school so that I can pursue medical school. PCC gave me a taste of what college life would be like and helped me integrate my way into college with more knowledge of college expectations than other first-year students. PCC taught me how to hold myself accountable, pace myself, manage my time, advocate for myself and utilize my resources. I can confidently say that I do not regret spending my extra free time engaging with my peers, professors and staff. PCC provided me with a support system that helped me with my classes and social/emotional health. I’ve never seen such a strong community where everyone feels welcomed and connected like PCC.
What advice would you give to women interested in pursuing STEM careers?
To any woman trying to pursue a career in STEM, I implore you to keep going and never settle. Surround yourself with people who will support you in every decision you make. There will always be challenges but don’t let those discourage you from following your dreams. One of the hardest things to do is ask for help. I have struggled with asking for help because I thought it made me less intelligent or inferior to my peers who understood what was going on. I’m here to let you know that asking questions and not understanding certain material doesn’t make you any less intelligent. Knowing how to advocate for yourself is a crucial skill in the real world. There are going to be circumstances, especially in STEM, where you will need the help of your peers to solve an issue. Believe in yourself and your capabilities. Never limit what you can do. Lastly, know that you are not alone and there are thousands of women out there who are always trying to establish themselves in the world of STEM and you belong here.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in STEM, and how have you overcome them?
For the longest time, STEM has been considered male-dominated and as a woman, it can feel intimidating and unwelcoming when pursuing a career in STEM. I struggled with finding how to present myself. I don’t want to come off as aggressive or unruly, but I also do not want to be someone’s punching bag. At times I felt as though I would always be a part of the “Angry Black Woman” stereotype when it comes to professionalism. I have learned how to take everything with a grain of salt and choose not to let things get under my skin. I will admit that this is easier said than done but it is possible and advised. I’ve wanted to be a Medical Examiner for a very long time now and at some points in my life, I felt like people wanted me to settle for something less “serious” like being a mortician. To combat this, I simply remind myself that nobody’s opinion should be above my own.
Are there any misconceptions people have about women in STEM? If so, how can they be addressed?
People tend to think that women in STEM take on more passive careers like assistants and secretaries. This is far from true. Women can own STEM-based businesses and fill leadership roles in STEM just as well as men can. People also believe that most women in STEM stay within the healthcare field. This is also far from true, and thousands of women work as technicians, engineers, biochemists and much more. I believe we should take more time to educate our youth on the importance of women in STEM and how they make extremely meaningful contributions to all fields of STEM.
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