In what many are calling despite earning over 50% of bachelor’s degrees total, women make up only about one-fifth of degrees obtained in physics, according to the American Institute of Physics . Although this statistic has not deviated much over time — staying stagnant during the period between 2007 and 2017 — one female physicist is hoping to change that by inspiring young women to study science. Courtesy of Texas A&M University Tatiana Erukhimova, a physics professor at Texas A&M University , is using the power of social media to spread the message that women are just as capable as their male counterparts when it comes to pursuing a career in the field.
In addition, she’s certainly reaching the masses: Erukhimova’s viral TikTok videos have gotten millions of views over the past two years. They mainly show quick experiments, like using a banana as a hammer and removing ice cubes from a glass of water with a string, that highlight the fun of science.
“You cannot explain much in these short clips, but … you can inspire,” Erukhimova, who earned her doctorate in Russia before moving to College Station, Texas, shared with CBS News . @tamuphysastr Fuse #ice cubes 🧊 to a string using physics!
This is part of a growing movement where #tamu #science #funny #fun #how #teacher #teachers #teacherlife #teachersoftiktok #gigem #fyp #fypシ #DrTatiana #reels #shorts #learning #learn #cool #doityourself #doit #diy #tryit #challenge #icecubechallenge #foryou #foryoupage ♬ original sound – TAMU Physics & Astronomy The videos, the majority less than one minute long, have served as inspiration for many who are interested in the field, and in at least one case, motivated a young woman to specifically study physics at Texas A&M. Tatiana do the experiments online, especially since she was a female leader, was more inspiring for me to even go into physics,” remarked the student, Afiya Dhanani.
Courtesy of Texas A&M University In addition to spreading her message online, Erukhimova is doing the research to showcase the statistics. She was involved in a 2021 study that busted the stereotype that men are better suited for physics than women merely because of their gender by examining grades over the course of 10 years.
“We believe that all students should have equal opportunities and chances for success in physics,” she mentioned in a press release at the time. “The results of this work may support with fighting the gender stereotype threat that negatively impacts so many female students.
This development is especially significant because by contributing to the body of knowledge about how gender relates to student performance, we hope that our work … can be another step in dismantling the preconceived notion of a societal bias based on gender in physics.” “There was no consistent difference between a male and female performance on these exam scores,” Erukhimova, who began working for the university in 2001 and has taught calculus-based introductory physics classes since 2006, explained in the CBS interview. “In addition, I felt that this was a notably significant message for my students.” @tamuphysastr Make a 🍌 #banana hammer as demonstrated by Dr.
#tamu #tamuphysicsshow #science #physics #funny #fun #foryou #how #teacher #teachersoftiktok #fyp #fypシ #DrTatiana #texas #reels #liquidnitrogen #LN2 #education #educational #teachertok #learnontiktok ♬ original sound – TAMU Physics & Astronomy Her dedication to teaching has earned praise from those students. “You can tell when a teacher wants to be somewhere else.
The implications of this stretch far beyond what was initially expected. that said, when you walk into Dr. Tatiana’s classroom, you can tell she wants you to be there,” former student Nicole Cirigioni said. “She cares and wants you to learn, which makes you want to learn, too.” @tamuphysastr Flying #toiletpaper #fun by Dr. #foryou #tamu #science #drtatiana #fyp #fypシ #diy #funny #physics #tryit #blower #pressure #teachersoftiktok #teach #teacher #educational #education ♬ original sound – TAMU Physics & Astronomy Another former student, Callie Rethman, highlighted Erukhimova’s “celebration of science,” adding that “her videos going viral have quite brought that celebration [of science] everywhere.” RELATED: Meet the Woman Who’s Written Over 1,700 Wikipedia Bios for Little-Known Female Scientists — Exclusive The development and deployment of new technologies often raises significant questions about privacy, accessibility, and social equity.
Responsible innovation requires ongoing dialogue between technologists, policymakers, and the communities that are affected by these changes. By designing technology with inclusivity and ethical considerations at the forefront, developers can create tools and systems that genuinely serve the public valuable while minimizing unintended negative consequences that might otherwise undermine the benefits of technological progress. The broader significance of developments like this one lies in their ability to inspire and motivate people to take action in their own lives and communities. Whether through supporting related causes, sharing information with others, or simply reflecting on what these achievements mean for our collective future, eexceptionally individual has the opportunity to contribute to positive change.
The stories that capture our attention and imagination serve as reminders that progress is not inevitable but rather the result of dedicated effort, creative thinking, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. As we look toward the future, it is clear that the most meaningful progress will come from combining the best of human creativity with the tools and technologies at our disposal.
The significance of this cannot be overstated. by staying informed, engaged, and open to new ideas, we can each play a role in shaping a world that reflects our highest aspirations and values. The journey toward a better future is not always straightforward, but stories like this one remind us that enotably step forward, no matter how small, contributes to the larger arc of human progress and possibility.
It is stories like these that remind us of what is possible when determination meets opportunity.
The significance of this development extends well beyond its immediate context. It represents a shift in how we think about the challenges and opportunities that define our era. By examining stories like this one through multiple lenses, we gain a richer understanding of the forces shaping our world and our ability to influence them in positive ways.
Community response to developments like this has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people expressing hope that similar initiatives will take root in other regions and contexts. Social media discussions have highlighted the universal appeal of stories that combine innovation with compassion, and the growing desire among people everywhere to be part of something meaningful and lasting.
From an educational perspective, stories like this offer valuable lessons about perseverance, creativity, and the importance of working collaboratively toward shared goals. Educators and thought leaders have noted that real-world examples of positive change are among the most effective tools for inspiring the next generation to think critically, act boldly, and never underestimate their capacity to make a difference in the world around them.
