Championing Women in STEM with Mission Unstoppable's Fionnghuala O'Reilly
Representation matters! For too long, men have occupied a vastly disproportionate number of STEM jobs. Why does this matter? Young women deciding on a career path are unlikely to choose one in which they don't see themselves represented. And since scientific innovation is a primary driver of economic growth and advancements in well-being, it's in our best interests to have as many bright minds as possible in STEM fields. Thankfully, many women in STEM are using the media to highlight their participation and inspire the next generation of women to change the world for the better (a topic we often bring up at our annual EMA IMPACT Summit).
And it is working! According to the US Department of Commerce, "This is changing as women increasingly enter STEM fields. According to the National Science Foundation, the STEM workforce increased by 20% in the decade ending in 2021. While women have not yet achieved parity with men in STEM fields, the number of women entering STEM fields increased faster — by 31% — than the number of men entering STEM (up 15%). Today, more than ever, women can look around their labs and offices and see younger versions of themselves conducting experiments, analyzing data and designs, writing code and equations, and running algorithms."
We spoke with one such leader in STEM, engineer and correspondent on CBS’s hit show "Mission Unstoppable," Fionnghuala O'Reilly, to learn more about her efforts to inspire women in STEM.
First, congratulations to you and the cast/crew of "Mission Unstoppable" for earning our EMA Green Seal for sustainable production! What motivated the show's commitment to sustainability behind the camera?
Thanks! I'm proud to be a correspondent on an educational and informational television program that centers women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). At the heart of the show, led by our host, Miranda Cosgrove, we explore science and innovative technologies. Environmental science and sustainability fall under that umbrella. Since we do many segments on people working to create sustainable technologies, limit the negative effects of climate change, and build a better future, our producers felt it aligned with the show's mission to implement green production practices. For me, incorporating sustainable goals behind the camera feels like a natural extension of the impact we aim to create, and I'm excited to contribute to that effort now that we are in our 6th season.
What ongoing sustainability challenges do you experience on set, and what were some green swaps that made production easier?
This season, we've made small yet impactful changes, like using reusable water bottles and carpooling. The team is leading by example by implementing green production practices such as reducing carbon emissions, cutting plastic waste, and composting. We travel all over the country to film segments in various locations. I've found that by being mindful in small, consistent ways, we can also contribute to environmental conservation behind the camera.
Your show ensures a younger audience is exposed to scientific ideas in a fun and understandable way. Why is that so important, particularly these days?
Science is all around us, and learning about it can be fun and empowering for the next generation. As an engineer and former NASA Datanaut, exposure to STEM at an early age encouraged my curiosity and gave me confidence in my problem-solving skills. Science literacy helps build a strong foundation for critical thinking, and in today's world—where climate change and technological advances are rapidly evolving—it's crucial that young people are equipped with multiple access points to educational resources, especially on-screen. Making science accessible through fun and engaging media ensures that students from all backgrounds can connect with these topics meaningfully, paving the way for future innovation.
What's your advice to Hollywood regarding how it depicts STEM careers in media?
Share dynamic, multi-dimensional stories about people in STEM roles, and increase the on-screen representation of underrepresented groups, such as women and people of color. Showcase their expertise, passions, and challenges, revealing the underlying multitudes that connect them with others. Scientists and engineers are often stereotyped, but audiences can connect more deeply with science-related content by depicting more diverse stories.
Watch 'Mission Unstoppable' now streaming on Paramount Plus!