PCWorld: What do you think needs to happen in order for there to be a more balanced proportion of men and women in this area? Could it--and should it--ever be 50/50?

Purcell: Early exposure to math and science for young girls is essential. Young adults are inquisitive and may end up in STEM fields for a variety of reasons, but early, sustained exposure to these fields and encouragement would result in more informed women making more precise college decisions.

More than that, it would help young women understand that their gender shouldnt determine the career path they choose, that pursuing a STEM career doesnt make them any less feminine. Girls often fall off the STEM grid and we need to figure out how to keep them engaged and how to give them the exposure, guidance, encouragement, and resources they need, and that our male counterparts get.

In engineering only about 10 percent are women. Through encouragement, exposure to STEM, and support to young women, one day we may get to the 50 percent level.

PCWorld: What can women do to make their way easier on this career path?