1. Gender Discrimination: Thomas worked in a male-dominated field, where women were often marginalized and their contributions overlooked. She had to navigate a culture that often undervalued women's abilities and expertise.
2. Lack of Role Models: As an African American woman, Thomas had few role models to look up to in the scientific community. This made it harder for her to envision a successful career for herself and to find support and guidance.
3. Bias and Stereotypes: Thomas encountered bias and stereotypes about black women's intellectual capabilities. She had to overcome the preconceptions that many people held about her abilities based on her race and gender.
4. Limited Opportunities: Black women had fewer opportunities for education and advancement in science and engineering during Thomas's time. Institutions were often reluctant to hire or support women in these fields, especially women of color.
5. Lack of Funding: Thomas faced challenges in obtaining funding for her research. Grant-making organizations and institutions were often more inclined to support research conducted by white male researchers.
6. Imposter Syndrome: Thomas, like many women in science, experienced imposter syndrome—the feeling that she didn't deserve her accomplishments and was not as smart or capable as her colleagues.
7. Isolation: As one of the few black women in her field, Thomas often felt isolated and alone. She had to navigate professional environments where she was the only person of color and where her experiences and perspectives were not always understood.
8. Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Thomas, like many women in STEM fields, had to balance her professional responsibilities with her personal life and family commitments. This was particularly challenging for black women, who often face additional burdens due to societal inequalities and discrimination.
Despite these obstacles, Thomas persevered and made significant contributions to her field. Her experiences paved the way for future generations of women and underrepresented minorities in science and engineering.