According to a 2016 study at the University of Washington, when asked to nominate classmates who they perceived to be “strong in their understanding of classroom material,” male biology students nominated men over better-performing women.

Other studies have shown that both male and female faculty members are more likely to spend time mentoring male students, responding to emails from men, calling on men in class, and hiring a man for a math-related job.

Even though grades and test performance differences between men and women are negligible, the obvious preference for male students stifles confidence and creates a seemingly unwelcoming environment for women. Other STEM fields like physics, math and engineering show even worse bias, making it more challenging for women to enroll and compete in such industries.

To read the full story in The Atlantic, click here.