Jacob Dotson
CSU Fresno Chapter
By: Ixchel Urbano, SDSU Chapter Member
Meet Jacob Dotson, one of our Women in Science Society star male allies. Jacob was the first male to ever serve on the Women in Science Society’s executive board at California State University Fresno and is a fierce advocate for promoting equality for women in STEM fields. Jacob is now a fourth year at California State University Fresno and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology accompanied by minors in both Chemistry and Natural Science. Jacob’s holistic passion for science and advocating for all those who seek a career in the field truly shine through all the activities he dedicates his time to.
Along with serving as Secretary for California State University Fresno’s Chapter of Women in Science Society, Jacob spends a large portion of his time serving in leadership positions for health-related organizations. As a junior, he served as President for a pre-medical club on his campus, Wellness Ambassador and Treasurer for his school’s Student Health and Counseling Center, a key member on CSU-Fresno’s Dean’s Student Advisory Circle for the College of Science and Mathematics, and is a Chief Research Associate for an Academic Research Associate program at UCSF, Fresno. It is no secret Jacob has an incredibly impressive resume of activities; however, what makes him so special is his motivation behind all his work.
Jacob is a firm believer in the notion that it is imperative for every individual, no matter what their background may be, to have equal opportunities in the field of their choice and to feel a strong sense of belonging among their peers. Jacob’s mentality led him to Women in Science Society where he gained more perspective through learning about his friend’s journeys in STEM and understood the need to be an ally for the too often underrepresented community. Jacob is a great friend to many in his Chapter and enjoys empowering his fellow peers’ academic journeys through mentorship and guidance. Through his leadership role in Women in Science Society, Jacob has only become more driven to spread the positivity and sense of belonging the organization promotes. His passion for his female peers to be successful in their STEM field of choice, has made his experience in Women in Science Society all the more impactful. In addition to Jacob’s ability to serve as an ally for women in the STEM community, he is also motivated by a cause that lies near and dear to his heart, Women’s Health.
For the past five years, Jacob has worked at a local OB/GYN office in his community where he is responsible for medical records and medical assisting. In his time at the office Jacob has learned to administer injections, provide STI treatment protocols, and interact with patients. This unique first-hand exposure to Women’s Health has also carried over to Jacob’s research experience where he was able to author a study, “Birth Control use Among Women in Child-Bearing Age at CRMC”. The study he authored focused on identifying barriers that limit women from accessing contraceptive services. It is apparent from Jacob’s work in Women’s Health, advocating for women in STEM, and being a stellar scholar, that he will be very successful in the career of his choice. The Women in Science Society is proud to have such a driven, compassionate male ally in our organization, and we look forward to staying in touch with the future Medical Doctor of Obstetrics and Gynecology.