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- STEMResearcHER Newsletter: August 2024 Edition
STEMResearcHER Newsletter: August 2024 Edition
Happy August! We hope you all have had an amazing summer so far!
STEM ResearcHER Team
August 02, 2024
2024 Edition
Happy August! We hope you all have had an amazing summer so far!
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.
Executive Board Application Updates
Thank you to everyone who applied to join the team as an executive board member! Application decisions are currently being finalized and will be released in the coming month.
General Volunteer Applications
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!
STEM Clubs You Can Start this School Year!
Its back to school season! If you want to improve your leadership skills, consider starting a STEM-focused club! Read on for STEM club ideas and activities:
Robotics Club:
Description: Focuses on designing, building, and programming robots.
Activities: Competing in robotics competitions like FIRST Robotics, VEX Robotics, and Botball. Hosting workshops on coding and engineering principles.
Coding Club:
Description: Improve programming skills through collaborative projects and competitions.
Activities: Participating in hackathons, learning different programming languages, developing apps or games, and entering coding competitions like Codewars and Google Code-in.
Science Club:
Description: Explore various scientific fields through experiments and research projects.
Activities: Preparing for and participating in Science Olympiad, hosting guest speakers from scientific fields, conducting experiments, and visiting science museums or research labs.
Math Club:
Description: Learn advanced math concepts and improve problem-solving skills.
Activities: Competing in math competitions like the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC), Math Kangaroo, and participating in math circles and workshops.
Engineering Club:
Description: Provides hands-on experience in different branches of engineering.
Activities: Designing and building projects, entering engineering competitions, visiting engineering firms or universities, and collaborating on community service engineering projects.
Astronomy Club:
Description: Explore the field of astronomy and space science.
Activities: Stargazing nights, building and using telescopes, participating in astronomy contests like the Astronomy Olympiad, and discussing recent developments in space exploration.
Biotechnology Club:
Description: Focuses on the application of biology and technology.
Activities: Conducting DNA extraction experiments, learning about CRISPR and genetic engineering, visiting biotech companies, and entering competitions like the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM).
Stem Competitions to Check Out!
Joining a competition is a great way to challenge yourself and expand your knowledge in STEM.
Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF):
Description: A prestigious science fair for high school students to present original research.
FIRST Robotics Competition:
Description: Teams design, build, and program robots to compete in themed challenges.
Science Olympiad:
Description: A team competition covering various scientific disciplines through events and challenges.
American Mathematics Competitions (AMC):
Description: A series of competitions to promote the development and enhancement of problem-solving skills.
Google Science Fair:
Description: An online science competition for students aged 13-18 to present innovative projects.
Regeneron Science Talent Search:
Description: A research-based competition for high school seniors to present original research projects.
VEX Robotics Competition:
Description: Students design, build, and program robots to compete in various challenges.
Technovation Challenge:
Description: A competition where teams of girls create mobile apps to solve real-world problems.
International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM):
Description: A synthetic biology competition where students design and build biological systems.
Organization Spotlight
Agilent
Agilent is one of our sponsors! These sponsors are instrumental to the success of our events, and we appreciate our partnerships with them greatly. Agilent supports, “scientists in 110 countries in cutting-edge life science research; patient diagnostics; and testing required to ensure the safety of water, food and pharmaceuticals.”
B.A.T.S.
B.A.T.S., or Bay Area Teen Science, is a monthly newsletter that posts amazing information for teens in STEM. They have up-to-date opportunities, especially for teens based in the Bay Area, but they also post online virtual opportunities.
Check out some of their past issues, or sign up to join their newsletter here.
Career Paths, Advice, and Opportunities for Students Interested in Medicine
Career Paths
These are just some of the potential paths and careers in medicine. Discover your own strengths, weaknesses, and interests to find the path that is best for you!
Medical Doctor (MD):
Path: Bachelor's degree → Medical school (4 years) → Residency (3-7 years) → Fellowship (optional, 1-3 years)
Specialties: Pediatrics, surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, etc.
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO):
Path: Similar to MD, with additional training in osteopathic manipulative treatment.
Nursing:
Path: Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) → Registered Nurse (RN) → Advanced practice roles like Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
Physician Assistant (PA):
Path: Bachelor's degree → PA school (2-3 years) → Certification and licensure.
Medical Researcher:
Path: Bachelor's degree in a science field → Master's or Ph.D. in medical research.
Pharmacy:
Path: Bachelor's degree → Pharmacy school (4 years) → PharmD degree → Licensure.
Allied Health Professions:
Fields: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, radiology, medical laboratory science, etc.
Path: Varies by profession, typically involves a bachelor's or master's degree and certification.
Public Health:
Path: Bachelor's degree → Master's in Public Health (MPH) → Careers in health policy, epidemiology, health education, etc.
Advice
Seek Mentorship:
Find a mentor in the medical field who can provide guidance, advice, and support. You can reach out through online networking platforms, cold-email, or find a mentor through personal connections.
Stay Informed:
Keep up-to-date with medical advancements and news. Read medical journals, articles, and books.
Plan Ahead:
Understand the long path to becoming a doctor, including undergraduate education, medical school, residency, and possibly fellowships.
Develop a Strong Work Ethic:
Medicine is a demanding field that requires dedication!
Balance Your Life:
Maintain a healthy balance between academics, extracurricular activities, and personal life to avoid burnout.
Opportunities
Summer Programs:
Programs like Stanford Medical Youth Science Program (SMYSP), Johns Hopkins Summer Programs, and NIH Summer Internship Program.
Volunteering:
Volunteer opportunities at local hospitals, Red Cross, and community health clinics.
Medical Clubs:
Join clubs such as HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) and participate in health-related competitions.
Online Courses:
Take free online courses in medical-related fields through platforms like Coursera or edX.
Science Fairs:
Participate in science fairs like Intel ISEF or local and regional science fairs.
We would love to hear your feedback!
Contact Us:
Email [email protected]
Or connect with us on social media!