I really was happy when I read the news the other day that NASA’s new astronaut recruits are half women. Four men, four women. Then–as I often do–I questioned my enthusiasm. Does this mean that being an astronaut means lower pay and status because the Shuttle Program is no more?  Is that why more women are now in the field?  I hope that’s not the case, as it has been in other areas. But regardless, it’s good news that more women are in engineering and science. Like these little girls, I’m optimistic. Here is my Forbes piece on this topic.