When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, Cindy Arvidson always said, "a doctor," and she was always told, "No, you mean a nurse."

Arvidson, an assistant professor of microbiology and molecular genetics who now holds a doctorate degree, was one of five women to speak at a forum on women in academic careers sponsored by the College of Natural Science and the Women's Advisory Committee on Wednesday afternoon.

"Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it," Arvidson said.

From finding a mentor to balancing work with having a child, each of the panelists had something to say during their 10-minute speeches.

Glenda Lappan, a university distinguished professor in mathematics, talked about the things she's learned since she started at MSU in 1965. Lappan, who left MSU from 1998-2000 to head the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, described math as something she has always loved and been good at, so teaching it only made sense.

"Start with something that is a personal passion," Lappan said. "I've been incredibly lucky."

Visiting Professor Angelica Ottova and Associate Professor Marianne Huebner talked about being educated in their respective home countries of Czechoslovakia and Germany before coming to the United States.

Both also discussed the complexities and rewards of having children as aspiring women in academia.

"Small children equals small problems, big children equals bigger problems," Ottova said, quoting a popular saying from Czechoslovakia. Ottova said it was hard for her to deal with the psychological stress while she was on maternity leave because she had to keep up with the competition of her male counterparts.

"We have to work harder to convince (administrators) that we are equally qualified," Ottova said.

Huebner agreed, as did most of the panelists, recognizing it was hard getting ahead as a woman in such a competitive field, especially while raising a family.

"There definitely is a double standard," Huebner said. "Especially when it comes to getting grant money."

As the number of women in academia increases, the panelists all said it's important to reach out and find role models to help them in their fields.

"Find mentors in or out of your department," Lappan said.

Ottova said she is happy to see more women entering academia in this changing world.

"I think personally it is very important especially in toady's global world," Ottova said.

"Women should be equal and we wish to encourage women in science, we want equal representation now in the 21st century."