“The Scully Effect” Proves If She Can See It, She Can Be It

When the science fiction television series The X-Files premiered on Fox in 1993 it was not only a huge ratings hit, it also had societal implications by breaking through career and gender stereotypes.  With the show’s co-lead character, Agent Dana Scully -- a medical doctor turned paranormal detective played by Gillian Anderson (pictured above) -- presented as an equal to her male colleague Fox William Mulder (played by David Duchovny) The X-Files became an off-screen catalyst and inspiration for women and girls to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers.  Scully was the only female STEM character in a leading role on primetime television at the time.