According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, only 9 percent of American engineers are women. But many professionals would like to see that percentage change.

"We're trying to bring a diversity to the industry," said Herb Kaufman of Adams Township, chief technology officer for SAE International's Warrendale office.

According to an SAE press release, long-standing myths discourage young women from entering the traditionally male-dominated industry. Cultural beliefs like "boys are better at math and science," "girls don't like technology," and "a woman engineer cannot be feminine" have hurt engineering.

Area teachers and professionals are trying to do away with these myths.

Dale Wagner, a Seneca Valley High School science and history teacher, said the cultural stereotypes that keep women from studying engineering are breaking down.

"I see the imbalances lessening each year," said Wagner, who has been teaching at Seneca Valley for 20 years.

What is breaking down stereotypes, he said, is a combination of parents, teachers and other cultural factors.

He said the key for women is self-confidence. As a leader of Seneca's National Academic Games team, he has observed groups of girls and boys in science.

"I know their test scores, and I know the girls are every bit as good as the boys … but boys in the competition generally do better — once they are in a more competitive environment. I think confidence is a key factor."

Wagner said women are more likely to study engineering and science if they are exposed to the subjects early, such as in middle school or even elementary school. That may help another discouraging statistic SAE International reported: only about 20 percent of engineering degrees are earned by women.

"Women offer different thought processes and approaches. It's important we have that as much as possible," said Kaufman, who has worked for SAE for more than 30 years.

Kaufman's daughter, Jessica, graduated recently from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., with a degree in mechanical engineering technology. She now works on composite aircraft components at CTL Aerospace in Cincinnati.

She said her father helped guide her to engineering studies.

"I didn't have a real idea of what I wanted to do. Since my dad is in engineering, he suggested it because there are so many options with an engineering degree," said Jessica in a phone interview.

She said there were very few women in the mechanical engineering program at Purdue. "I had no problem fitting in. Of course the professors and the students and everyone makes you feel very welcome. But when I first walked in, it was like 'What am I doing here?'"

"It's wonderful Jessica is an engineer,"her father said. "The future of our profession is in the hands of young people like Jessica and her peers."

According to high school junior Whitney Mayer of Forward Township, more students would be attracted to engineering if they understood the variety of jobs engineers do.

Mayer is one of two Seneca Valley High School students who competed on March 30 and 31 at the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Mayer plans to study international relations and medicine or law.

"You have to show students what you can do with engineering and science. It's not just mechanics, it's more than sitting and doing a math problem."

Mayer said events like science fairs can teach students a lot about engineering. "It's a great experience. They say everything you learn is in school, but I really think it is (extra-curricular) events like this where you learn a lot more."

Ashley Biernesser, who also went to the Pittsburgh science fair, said she only began studying chemistry two years ago. Now the high school senior from Cranberry is planning on studying chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University next year.

She said she likes the conversations that take place at events like the Pittsburgh science fair.

"It's so exciting to talk to the judges. They are so knowledgeable," she said.

In giving advice to students, engineering professionals tell them to focus on engineering and science's real world applications.

"Let them see math and science working in everyday life. … People wake up in the morning, and you have all these things. Start thinking about what it took to create those items. Even at an elementary level, you can start thinking about 'How did that toothpaste get in the tube. How does that radio work?'" said Colette Wright, a program engineer at SAE.

"Engineering can lead to so many fields. Some head to research, some head to management. It opens a lot of doors," said Wright, who has been an engineer for over 25 years.

She said there should be more programs aimed at high school students, male and female, to attract them to engineering.

"Engineering is a good foundation no matter what you do. Don't be afraid of math and science," she said.