Sian Beilock, President of Barnard College and Cognitive Scientist

LHI's #HearHerStory podcast features Sian Beilock, President of Barnard College, renown cognitive scientist, and author of "Choke." 

Sian became the 8th President of Barnard College in July, 2017. A cognitive scientist by training, she is focused on further developing Barnard as a singular institution. She is raising the College’s eminence in math, science, and technology to parallel its renown in the arts and humanities. Building on our unique relationship with Columbia University, President Beilock is increasing options for students to transition directly from Barnard into a range of master’s programs at Columbia, including international relations, public health, and engineering.  In this interview, Sian talks pursuing a career in academia and equipping young female students with tools and resources to overcome self-doubt. She details her experiences as well as techniques in tackling anxiety and performing up to one's utmost potential. 

Featured Quotes: 

"I think whenever we're in a situation where there may be historical cues or cues in the environment that signal we don't belong, it can cause us to start worrying and doubting ourselves. This is certainly true for women in male-dominated fields. In my research, what I argue is that those worries and self doubt are all cognitive load."

"We know that simple things like getting your worries down on paper can help download them from your mind. We know that focusing on why you should succeed rather than why you should fail works as well. Talking to someone who can help you talk through these things can be really important too. Our thoughts can get the best of us and instead of worrying, we can actually harness them in a way that can be productive."

Check out the interview on the LHI publication here.