SALT LAKE CITY (AP)-After her daughter asked for a Barbie, University of Utah forest ecologist Nalini Nadkarni decided to re-fashion the iconic dolls as a scientist-explorer in rubber boots rather than high heels.

Nadkarni said Barbie-maker Mattel wasn’t interested in the idea then, so she decided to redo dolls herself.

Last year, Mattel began working to create a new line of scientist Barbies and Nadkarni joined a team of female scientists advising the company.

She believes Mattel’s  investment in the dolls reflects a broader cultural shift toward recognizing women in science, math and technology that could spark an appreciation for science among kids.