This is Part Two in a two-part series about Women in STEM in the Mount Union faculty.
By: Mallory Glenn '19

Professor Stacey Cederbloom '97

Inspiring women don’t have to be far way. They could be in your hometown, at your university, in your favorite restaurant, or even in your own home. Taking the name of “mothers," inspiring women do things for others – regardless of personal gain. From the good of their own hearts, they touch and celebrate the lives of many. Just so others can be happy. 

Stacey Cederbloom '97, a mathematics instructor, boasts a variety of professional achievements holding special awards, and creating curriculum that would touch others for ages. Cederbloom explained that her mom is one of her biggest role models and mentors. Cederbloom’s mother taught her how to study, as well as the value of one-on-one learning. Her mother also instilled in her perseverance, a strong work ethic, and the importance of precision. 

“After I had my first son, I wasn’t sure what I should do—go back to work full-time, become a full-time stay-at-home mom, or try to teach part-time at Mount Union,” said Cederbloom. “My department chair advised me to do whatever would make me the best mom, even if that looked different than what other women did. For me, the answer was to quit my tenured position at the high school and teach part-time at Mount Union. I am very grateful for her advice because without it, I may have chosen to go back to full-time teaching earlier than what would have been best for my family and me. I also would have missed the opportunity to teach at Mount Union.”

Mothers will stop at nothing to help those that they love, even if they aren’t blood related. They try to instill in others the same love and passion that they have, as well as inspire people to do the same. It takes love to grow, and the inspiring women and mothers on Mount Union’s campus offer exactly that. 

Dr. Sheryl (Ames ’90) Mason

Strong women in society show a special bond, both with each other and with the people that they inspire. Working hard in every facet, it is obvious to many that they have strength and drive that others do not. Dr. Sheryl (Ames '90) Mason, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, credits a working mother as one of her role models.

“My mom resumed full-time teaching when I was four years old, so I grew up watching her manage a job and a family,” said Mason. “We had no ‘home office’ but our dining room table often had math papers stacked up for grading purposes in her ‘spare’ time at home.”

Mason recalls that seeing her mom balance career and family, showed her what it would take to be a competent professional and a mom; that she would need to work outside of “normal” school hours to accomplish all aspects of the job.

“My mom was the first person to show me that a woman can do a job as well--or better-- than a man, and, thus, women should be given equal opportunities,” said Mason. “The STEM fields are very rigorous, and besides intellect, you need certain personality traits such as perseverance, work ethic, motivation, honesty, and willingness to devote time to your studies. It is these traits that are important for success, not gender. Women who have these qualities should be supported and encouraged to pursue those paths.”

Supporting the lives of others in addition to their own is something that is easier said than done, but mothers can make it work. They defy the odds of balance, and work to please all that are surrounding them. Allowing growth, mothers and strong women around the world lift those to seek their passions, and it is with their courage and love that the people they inspire are successful.