The Youngstown State University College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics makes it a mission to encourage young students — especially young women — to explore what STEM can do for them. This year, the 18th annual Edward W. Powers Women in Science and Engineering Career Workshop offered a full day of workshops and experiences to young women.
On February 21, young women from all around the Youngstown area explored several career options from forensic dentistry to dieticians to environmental engineers. The day started out with opening remarks from Dr. Diana Fagan, director of the WISE Career Workshop and a professor of biological sciences, and a welcome from YSU President James Tressel. Interim Provost Martin Abraham introduced this year’s keynote speaker, Ms. Rhonda Franklin.
Following the keynote speaker, the girls were able to attend two sessions where they were introduced to many kinds of careers, including engineering, biochemistry, technology development, and clinical pharmacist.
After lunch — where STEM Interim Dean Gregg Sturrus welcomed the crowd — the girls were then able to participate in a couple hands-on activities and labs. The hands-on activities are really what make the day for the students. They got to have experiences with programming, DNA fingerprinting, and bioengineering, to name a few.
On behalf of the STEM College, thank you to all of the speakers, presenters, and volunteers that come out to WISE. We couldn’t continue to encourage diversity in STEM without you!
