Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock has been recognized as a Barbie Role Model for her efforts to encourage girls to pursue careers in science. A Barbie doll will be presented to a space scientist best known for presenting BBC One’s The Sky at Night and CBeebies Stargazing.
It precedes International Women’s Day on March 8 and British Science Week from March 10-19.
“I hope my doll will inspire girls that everything is possible if they reach for the stars,” she said.
The astronomer became the new chancellor of the University of Leicester earlier this month.
As a young girl, Dr. Aderin-Pocock “fell in love with the concept of space flight” and has spent her career “attempting to show girls how intriguing space science can be.”
Maggie Aderin-Pocock stated,
“I want to encourage the next generation of scientists, particularly girls, and let them know that STEM [science, technology, engineering, and mathematics] is for them.”
These topics are simply too vital to be left to men alone, as via science it is actually possible to alter the world.
“Strive for the stars”
Her doll includes starry clothing reminiscent of the night sky and a telescope accessory for stargazing, in reference to her work using the James Webb telescope to peer into the depths of space.
Dr. Aderin-Pocock said: “When I was little, Barbie did not resemble me, so the fact that one has been developed in my likeness is mind-boggling.
It is such an honor to receive this doll commemorating my accomplishments.
Mattel, renowned for producing dolls in honor of celebrities, also honors six additional STEM workers worldwide.
Kelly Philp, director of marketing for Mattel UK, stated: “We are aware that STEM is a subject in which women are underrepresented, so Barbie is committed to showcasing more STEM vocations to girls.
Women make up only 26% of the STEM workforce in the United Kingdom, therefore highlighting Dr. Maggie’s exciting profession in space science is just one way we are encouraging girls to consider alternative career paths.
Additional Barbie Role Models include Sarah Gilbert, the developer of the Covid-19 vaccine, Clara Amfo, Dina Asher-Smith, Sky Brown, an adolescent skateboarder, and Nicola Adams, a boxer.
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