My Story
One of my first introductions to science was through my favorite show, Cyberchase, on PBS Kids. They had just done an experiment that involved cooking a pizza in the sun. Seeing two girls, Jackie and Inez, use their mad computer and math skills to defeat a cyber overlord was the highlight in my afternoon napping schedule. Even though I was young, it was important to have these strong female role models guide me within my STEM experience. With the theme song in mind, I knew “We’ve got the power.”
Fast-forward to the present day and I am searching for real-world examples of these strong women. I see this in women within my own family, but not within the field of engineering. In finding Engineer Girl after presented by one of my mentors, I am devouring the website. Falling in love with its mission in exciting other girls about STEM and Engineering, I wanted to increase its exposure to girls at a younger age. In becoming an ambassador, I can facilitate the necessary exposure within Tulsa, Oklahoma. With Kimberley Adams, Tulsa Girls Math Circle Director, I was able to start a team for Girl’s Adventures in Mathematics. It started with a group of uncertain girls, this just shows we need people to present others with these opportunities, especially for Tulsa girls who are unaware of the possibilities at hand.
My Project
Overall, this project will be comprised of three main components: guest speakers, engineering challenges, and robotics. The latter two will teach the girls how to work in groups and think like an engineer, and the speakers would introduce new types of engineering. This club will supply these girls with the tools necessary to grow in their love for and understanding of STEM.
I'll be engaging speakers from University of Tulsa like Hema Ramsurn, a professor in chemical engineer, to visit Tulsa Public Schools and tell their story. With exposure to the stories of hope and persistence, girls can visualize and interact with a woman who is achieving their dreams. By having these sessions within the girls’ schools and making transportation available, we are ensuring they have access to these experiences.