While a majority of teen girls believe they excel in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math, very few would prefer to pursue a career in those fields, according to a new study.

A report released by the Girl Scout Research Institute finds that girls have a clear interest in STEM studies, but only 13 percent say that would be their top choice for a future career.

"While we know that the majority of girls prefer a hands-on approach in STEM fields, we also know that girls are motivated to make the world a better place and to help people," said Kamla Modi, research and outreach analyst at the Girl Scout Research Institute. "Girls may not understand how STEM careers help people, or how their STEM interests can further their goals of helping people."

Eve Riskin, a professor of electrical engineering and associate dean for academic affairs at the University of Washington, said the disproportionate number of women to men in STEM fields has also influenced young women.

"You may not feel like you fit in and so it's just easier to go and find another career," said Riskin, who has worked as an electrical engineer for nearly 30 years. "The more we can do to encouraged kids and help them understands how engineers help people and impact society, I think the profession will become more welcoming to all groups of people, including young women."

Riskin said the university routinely sends female engineering students to local schools as a way to mentor young women interested in the STEM fields.

"They try and dispel the myths and the stereotypes," she said. "The girls in the room then see groups of young women to whom they can aspire to be like."

Tian Qing Yen, a sophomore at Ballard High School in Seattle and member of the school robotics team, said there is a lack of female professionals to look up to.

"In the actual industry and in the actual career business, you don't see that many girls," she said. "So it's like, 'Yeah I enjoy this. Yeah I'm good at it, but how come nobody like me is in that field then?"

Yen is one of five girls on the Viking Robotics team, which has roughly 40 members.

"I expected it to be that way," said fellow female member, Avida Knebel. "But it was still a little shocking."

Also shocking is that 57 percent of young women studied by the Girl Scout Research Institute believe that if they were to pursue a STEM career, they would "have to work harder than a man to be taken seriously."

Brandi Kruse, 97.3 KIRO FM