STEMResearcHER Newsletter: April 2024 Edition

Happy April! Welcome to the third issue of STEMResearcHER’s newsletter!

STEM ResearcHER Newsletter: April 2024 Edition

Happy April! Welcome to the third issue of STEMResearcHER’s newsletter!

STEM ResearcHER is a 501c3 nonprofit organization working to bridge the gender and accessibility gap in STEM research fields through speaker workshops, mentorship programs, and other community events.

Sign up for our STEMStravganza April 20th!

Signups for our 2024 STEM Stravaganza event are still open! The event will be held at Santa Clara Library on April 20th. It is an opportunity for middle-high school girls from the Bay Area to explore fields in STEM through hands-on STEM activities and networking! We will have guest speakers, workshops, opportunities to make new friends, and more. You will also receive free swag from our sponsors! Sign up here!

Exciting News!

Thank you to TECH Interactive for hosting our founder, Sumayyah, as a panel moderator, coordinating the Women in STEM for the Pave it Forward Luncheon!

Join the Team

STEM ResearcHER is currently accepting applications on a rolling basis for volunteers. We have positions on our marketing, sponsorships, and ambassadors team. If you’re interested in contributing to our mission and working with STEM ResearcHER, please consider applying with this link! Email us at [email protected] if you have any additional questions!

Upcoming Dates in the STEM World!

April 8 - Solar Eclipse

April 7 - World Health Day

April 6-13 - National Robotics Week

April 22 - Earth Day

5 Virtual Summer Opportunities for Girls in STEM - (Still accepting applications!)

Free Stanford Physics Summer Program

The Stanford Program for Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Physics (SPINWIP) is hosting a free summer program for high school girls and gender minorities in 9th through 11th grade. It will be held virtually through video chat and is completely free!  No prior knowledge of physics or coding is needed. Priority is given to first-gen students, students from underrepresented backgrounds in physics, and rising seniors. 

Black Girls Code

Black Girls Code is dedicated to bridging the diversity gap in the tech industry, particularly among women of color. The organization offers a wide range of programs designed to equip girls with essential skills in computer programming and technology. The program areas cover various domains, including web design, game design, mobile and app design, and robotics. Black Girls CODE offers workshops, summer camps, enrichment activities, code clubs, and hackathons to engage girls in interactive and educational experiences. Some programs are held locally in BGC chapters ans some are held virtually. 

Girls Who Code

The Girls Who Code Summer Programs are free for high school girls and non-binary students to learn coding. The Summer Immersion program invites students to learn game design in live virtual classrooms. The Self-Paced program is six weeks long, allowing students to explore tech independently.

Lumiere Research Scholar Program

Lumiere Education offers an individual research program, premium research and publication program, and the Lumiere fellowship. Students work on 1 on 1 with a researcher from a university to complete their own research project. Through Lumiere’s partnership with UC San Diego, participants are also eligible to receive 3 college credits and a digital transcript from UC San Diego. Students can complete research in a variety of STEM, humanities, and social sciences fields. 

Classes at John Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth’s (CTY) expert-led online courses will allow you to explore subjects you're passionate about on a deeper level. With two online course formats: Session-Based and Individually Paced, you can tailor your learning experience to match your schedule and goals. 

Advice Column: 7 Tips to Building Confidence as Girls in STEM

By taking small steps in building confidence in the sciences and maths as a girl, you can help overcome gender stereotypes and increase representation for women in STEM!

Here are 7 tips that can help you build confidence as a girl in STEM. 

  1. Find Role Models: Identify successful women in STEM fields as role models. Their stories can inspire and provide a sense of what's possible. Learn about their journeys and achievements.

  2. Seek Supportive Communities: Connect with fellow female students interested in STEM. Join clubs, online groups, or networks where you can share experiences, ask questions, and support each other.

  3. Participate: Engage actively in class discussions, group projects, and hands-on activities.

  4. Build a Growth Mindset: Embrace the idea that intelligence and abilities can be developed with effort and dedication. View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than obstacles.

  5. Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions when you need clarification. It's a natural part of the learning process, and seeking understanding demonstrates both confidence and a commitment to your education.

  6. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and recognize that everyone faces challenges. If you make a mistake or encounter difficulty, approach it as a learning experience rather than a setback.

  7. Explore STEM Beyond the Classroom: Pursue extracurricular STEM activities, such as clubs, workshops, or internships. Practical experiences can deepen your understanding and boost confidence in applying what you've learned.

Organization Spotlight

Check out these non-profits working to bridge the gap in STEM education for girls!

SF Young Women In Bio 

Young Women In Bio (YWIB) strives to provide educational, hands-on, and virtual experiences in STEM. Through their chapters across the United States and Canada, YWIB partners with leading companies, universities, hospitals, and other organizations to host highly engaging, educational, and motivational programs for young women interested in STEM. Learn more about how you can get involved with Young Women In Bio for your own local chapter here

Techbridge Girls

Techbridge Girls is a nonprofit organization that has made a nationwide effort to create equitable STEM learning experiences for BIPOC and gender-expansive youth. They provide educators with resources and training to reduce inequities in STEM education. Discover more about Techbridge Girls and how you can help here

For the April issue, we are highlighting some of the various careers paths in biotech! The field of biotechnology offers a wide range of job opportunities across various sectors including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sciences. Here's a list of some common job roles within the biotech industry:

  • Biomedical Engineer: Designing and developing equipment and devices used in healthcare, such as prosthetic limbs or artificial organs.

  • Biochemist: Studying the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms, including cell development, metabolism, and genetics.

  • Biomedical Scientist: Conducting research to understand human diseases and develop treatments or diagnostic methods.

  • Microbiologist: Studying microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and their effects on humans, animals, plants, and the environment.

  • Pharmacologist: Investigating the effects of drugs and chemicals on biological systems, including drug development and testing.

  • Geneticist: Studying genes, genetic variation, and heredity in organisms to understand how traits are inherited and how they contribute to health and disease.

  • Clinical Research Associate (CRA): Overseeing and managing clinical trials to test the effectiveness and safety of new drugs or medical treatments.

  • Bioinformatics Scientist: Developing and using computer algorithms and software tools to analyze biological data, such as DNA sequences, for research or medical purposes.

  • Environmental Biotechnologist: Applying biotechnological principles to address environmental issues, such as pollution remediation or sustainable agriculture practices.

These are just a few examples, and there are many more specialized roles within the biotech industry. The specific job opportunities available will depend on factors such as your education, experience, and interests.

We would love to hear your feedback!

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