Recently
the following girls from West and Hoover middle schools were treated to an
amazing opportunity by attending the fifth annual Building STEM Savvy in Middle
School Girls Conference.
The
girls from West included Katrina Nichols, Angela Vasha, Chesney Kowalske and
Hannah Scamp; from Hoover were Savannah Abraham, Aeryal Bell, Houston Clark,
Brianna Durant and Monterey Perkins.
This
program was held at Wayne County Community College District’s Downriver Campus in
Taylor. The purpose of this conference was to allow these students to explore
horizons in science, technology, engineering and math.
The
day began with the keynote speaker, Laurel Champion. Ms. Champion is the COO
for the American Center for Mobility located at Willow Run. She spoke of the
progress her non-profit company is making in the area of self-driving vehicles.
Her talk explained the variety of STEM jobs available today and will be needed
in the future. Ms. Champion encouraged these students to seriously consider
STEM careers.
After
the keynote speaker the students were able to attend a variety of workshops
presented throughout the day. Ms. Waugh, one of the presenters, is a plastics
manufacturing engineer. She discussed the process of turning a blob of melted
plastic into visual and functional automobile parts.
Ms.
Clarity Patton is a racecar driver. Her presentation inspired girls to consider
careers in STEM fields. She teaches racing science workshops to educate girls
on the rewarding opportunities in automotive and engineering fields.
Dr.
Rachel Henegar is a pharmacist. In her workshop girls learned that Pharmacy is
more than counting pills and putting them in bottles. Pharmacists interact with
health professionals and patients daily to improve quality of life.
Another
workshop was entitled “Yes! There is Chemistry in Ceramics.” This workshop
conducted by Heather Imlay showed girls how science and the arts are
interrelated. You don't have to deny your creative side when pursuing STEM
careers. In fact, creating is an integral part of all STEM careers.
Robomania
was another workshop included. Ms.Schmaeman, the presenter, is presently the
Grosse Ile High School robotics coach. Her goal is to help girls see the value
of building intelligent workhorses of the future ... robots.
Finally,
the last presenter is a friend and partner to West Middle School. Mrs. Jenny
Braatz, is a park ranger naturalist. Her passion is connecting people to nature.
There are so many wonderful careers for girls who love being outdoors, where
Nature is their office.
A
closing speaker, Dr. Marlo Rencher, issued a challenge to the attendees to change
the world by using STEM knowledge to solve problems.
This
program sponsored by the American Association of University Women
Wyandotte-Downriver Branch was a huge success. The experiences our students had
were invaluable in opening their eyes to future careers. We are grateful to
have been invited and look forward to next year's conference.
Submitted
by Sara Bochenek
