Authors

Olivia Caldwell

Senior Project Advisor

Gregory O'Neil

Document Type

Project

Publication Date

Spring 2025

Keywords

imposter syndrome, zine, chemistry, rejection, failure, community, self-doubt, comparison, definition of success, community, worth, value, STEM, STEM education, belonging in STEM, identity, work life balance

Abstract

This 24 page digitally designed and colored zine includes quotes from interviews with WWU chemistry department students, faculty and alumni on their experiences with imposter syndrome and their relationship to research. This zine also explores themes of self-doubt, failure, comparison, rejection, work life balance, community, worth, value, success, and belonging in STEM. This project seeks to normalize these common experiences by sharing a range of perspectives to encourage reflection on our own journeys, and start a conversation within our communities.

[An accessible transcript to the zine is included as a supplementary file on this page.]

Department

Chemistry

Type

Text

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

Caldwell O accessible transcript of zine.docx (30 kB)
Accessible transcript to An Exploration of Imposter Syndrome

Share

COinS