by Sanjana Venkataraman

Alleviating stress in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields is crucial for individuals involved in these disciplines, whether as students or professionals. The complex concepts, demanding coursework and performance pressures inherent in STEM subjects often lead to significant stress levels. At Wooster, students pursuing STEM majors can benefit from the expertise of accomplished faculty in their chosen fields and expand their horizons by delving into various disciplines within the liberal arts. However, there is still that prevalent pressure felt by many students at Wooster while they continue their college careers.

What can stress do to you? 

First, there is burnout:

The high workload and pressure to excel in STEM fields can contribute to burnout, defined as a state of physical and emotional exhaustion. Burnout can lead to a loss of interest in your studies or career, negatively affecting your mental health and eroding your passion and interest in STEM subjects. What once was a source of fascination and enthusiasm may quickly turn into a source of stress. Therefore the joy of learning can be quickly overshadowed by a sense of obligation to excel. 

Anxiety and perfectionism: 

STEM fields often demand high levels of precision and accuracy. This pressure can exacerbate anxiety and perfectionism, leading to excessive worry about making mistakes or failing to meet high standards. Burnout often results in a decline in academic performance. When students are physically and emotionally drained, their ability to concentrate, solve problems and retain information can become completely diminished. This can perpetuate a cycle of continuous stress and underperformance. 

Additionally, stress triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response, which narrows your focus and attention to immediate threats. While this response is useful in survival situations, it can hinder focus and promote anxiety, giving you tunnel vision, making you overall less likely to consider alternative ideas. This fear can also place students in a paralyzed state, preventing creative thinking and motivation. 

Hindering interpersonal connections:

Balancing academic and work commitments with your personal life can be challenging in STEM fields, potentially leading to strained relationships and social isolation, which can, in turn, contribute to stress. Further, when a student continues focusing on STEM-related tasks, it can quickly result in a lack of emotional availability. When individuals are preoccupied with coursework, research, or work-related stressors, they may struggle to be present and attentive in their interactions with loved ones. 

How can the College support you? 

When asked what strategies or resources STEM students or future STEM enthusiasts can employ to effectively manage the challenges of academic rigor while maintaining a healthy work-life balance, Dr. Jennifer Faust, the department chair of chemistry, said that “there are so many great resources on campus from student groups, from the Academic Resource Center, and from the STEM Success Initiative. I especially like the Get-To-Know-Me lunches that the STEM Success Initiative organizes most Thursdays at noon in Severance 105. Students have an opportunity to talk informally with a different STEM faculty member each week to learn about what challenges they have overcome and what they like to do outside of the classroom and the lab. These conversations help show that faculty are real people with real struggles who are also seeking balance in their professional lives.”

She also shared that “last October, some members of MiSTEM attended the 2022 SACNAS National Diversity in STEM Conference in Puerto Rico. When they returned, the students gave a presentation on campus sharing their experiences and what they learned at the conference. Something Eric Adadevoh ’23 said really stuck with me: His take-home message from the conference was ‘You are not your science.’ I appreciated his reminder that even when it seems like everything is going wrong for you in STEM, your studies and your career don’t define your value.”

When asked what measures STEM faculty can take to identify and address signs of excessive stress among their students, and how they can provide meaningful support and guidance to promote both academic success and overall well-being, Dr. Faust said, 

“communication both ways is essential for faculty to support students’ success and well-being. It is important for faculty to create an environment where students are comfortable being their authentic selves, and in turn, it is importan

t for students to share their concerns with faculty — either in person, over email or through another trusted individual (like a Zone Intern, a classmate, or another faculty or staff member). Beginning from a place of mutual respect and trust allows faculty and students to work together to address challenges and identify solutions.” 

What can you do? 

Work on physical well-being:

Exercise is crucial for maintaining and improving your physical health. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Regular exercise is linked to improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression. For a study break, try taking a walk outside through Wooster’s beautiful campus or going for a run. 

Start making use of resources on campus: 

Try checking out the Advising, Planning and Experiential Learning (APEX) center or discussing your feelings with an academic counselor. They can help with your concerns about coursework and balancing both school and your personal life. APEX can help with time management issues, creating a proper schedule for yourself or maintaining a healthy work-life balance. For academic help, there are multiple resources available on campus, like Peer Tutoring, STEM Zone, the Writing Center and the Math Center. 

Communicate frequently with professors: 

Regular communication allows you to seek clarification on the course material, assignments or concepts you might find challenging. Professors at Wooster can provide valuable feedback on your progress, assignments and performance in the course. 

Stress faced in STEM subjects is a significant challenge faced by many students. The demanding nature of these classes often leads to stress, anxiety and burnout. However, by recognizing the signs quickly, seeking support, implementing effective time management and stress reduction techniques and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, individuals can manage STEM stress. By encouraging communication, networking and a holistic approach to well-being, the negative effects of STEM stress can be mitigated and empowering for individuals to thrive in their chosen paths, allowing a more sustainable and fulfilling journey in the world of science and technology.