A Commitment to Service: Cosman Encourages STEM Engagement [Pipelining: Attractive Programs for Women]

When Dr. Pamela Cosman was young, she enjoyed math problems with her father; when new concepts were introduced in class, she had usually already seen them. School came easily to Cosman, and when she was in seventh grade, her parents challenged her with enrollment in a French immersion program in nearby Los Angeles. School abruptly became difficult, even incomprehensible, but the saving grace was the universal language of math. Over the years, Cosman's interest in the sciences grew alongside her love of math. She knew she wanted to work in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field, she just didn't know which one. One day, she'd envision becoming a doctor, another day an astronaut. With so many options, it was hard for her to narrow her focus and choose just one college major, but she eventually decided to follow in her father's footsteps.