Having a faculty adviser who you feel comfortable with is important. Sometimes, but not always, this means you will want an adviser of your gender.
Some female students prefer to have at least one committee member who is also a woman. This is a perfectly reasonable desire. While advisors of any gender should be able to provide the same advice, support and understanding, in reality, first-hand experience does matter. For example, it may be necessary to discuss issues of sexism that come up - which unfortunately remain present in many academic settings. At some stage of your graduate education you may choose to have a child. You may find these discussions easier with someone who can relate directly and personally.
Note that a female adviser need not be your advisor, she may be another faculty member with whom you are comfortable. Just ask if she’s willing to meet occasionally or in times of need. It’s worth noting, however, that women academics (particularly those who are quite senior) are often asked to take on extra service and mentoring roles due to the lack of gender balance in some departments. This means that your female adviser-of-choice may simply not have the time. Don’t take it personally. This is unfortunate and is a problem for your university and the rest of society. Blergh.
For more information checkout these two articles: The Lonely Life of the Academic and Feelings of Isolation. You can also check out this article on Cultivating a Relationship Between Female Faculty and Students.
You may also want to check out the wonderful resources available to Duke students. In particular, scroll to the bottom of the page to find resources to help you find mentors from all backgrounds.
Some female students prefer to have at least one committee member who is also a woman. This is a perfectly reasonable desire. While advisors of any gender should be able to provide the same advice, support and understanding, in reality, first-hand experience does matter. For example, it may be necessary to discuss issues of sexism that come up - which unfortunately remain present in many academic settings. At some stage of your graduate education you may choose to have a child. You may find these discussions easier with someone who can relate directly and personally.
Note that a female adviser need not be your advisor, she may be another faculty member with whom you are comfortable. Just ask if she’s willing to meet occasionally or in times of need. It’s worth noting, however, that women academics (particularly those who are quite senior) are often asked to take on extra service and mentoring roles due to the lack of gender balance in some departments. This means that your female adviser-of-choice may simply not have the time. Don’t take it personally. This is unfortunate and is a problem for your university and the rest of society. Blergh.
For more information checkout these two articles: The Lonely Life of the Academic and Feelings of Isolation. You can also check out this article on Cultivating a Relationship Between Female Faculty and Students.
You may also want to check out the wonderful resources available to Duke students. In particular, scroll to the bottom of the page to find resources to help you find mentors from all backgrounds.