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- STEMResearcHER Newsletter: June 2024 Edition
STEMResearcHER Newsletter: June 2024 Edition
Happy June! Wishing you all a wonderful start to your summer!
STEM ResearcHER Team
June 03, 2024
2024 Edition
Happy June! Wishing you all a wonderful start to your summer!
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.
Webinar with Aishwarya Prasad Recap!
Thank you to everyone who joined the webinar with Aishwarya Prasad this weekend! Aishwarya gave valuable insights into her career journey in product management and STEM and her experiences as secretary at the Society of Women Engineers. Be sure to be on the lookout for future opporutnities, including upcoming boot camps!
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!
Summer Opportunities in STEM
Looking for a fun, enriching, chill summer opportunity? Need some volunteer hours? Want to learn how to conduct an experiment? Want to learn how to make a STEAM infographic with your results? Up Next Scientists, a student-driven initiative, is thrilled to launch their third (June/July) cohort of Creativity in Research, a 6-week long combined effort of their Literary and Visual Research teams. Cohort members get to immerse themselves in a world of research, science, and graphic designing while practicing skills in content creation, academic writing, and teamwork!
Look through http://tinyurl.com/CIR3Description for more information regarding details, timings, and benefits (like getting volunteer hours!), and then apply through http://tinyurl.com/CIR3Application.
Headwaters Science Institute is excited to invite you to their Summer Research Experience! Curious high school students interested in researching topics of their choosing will love this opportunity to drive their own research project from start to finish!
They have scholarship funds available for students with need and welcome applications.
From the week of June 10th through the week of August 12th, students will work with Headwaters and with a professional scientist mentor to develop a research question, collect and analyze data, and communicate about their findings in a manuscript and presentation! This unique program is a window into collegiate or professional science research and can be a boost to college applications and science fair competitions. The Summer Research Experience is remote, with an optional introductory first week in-person add-on opportunity at Sierra Pines Camp near Tahoe from June 9th to June 12th.
Join Kids Teach Tech’s Free Summer Camp!
Apply now to join Kids Teach Tech's signature Free STEM Summer Camp!
Join Kids Teach Tech and UC Berkeley Engineering, in partnership with Georgia Tech and Urban League of Greater San Francisco Bay Area for their 4th Annual Engineering Summer Camp on June 10th - 14th from 10am to 3pm in person at UC Berkeley College of Engineering or virtually if you live outside the Bay Area.
Students will learn Data Science and Artificial Intelligence concepts, and do fun hands on projects in Python Programming. An introduction to Python will be provided, so no experience is required.
This FREE camp is open to all High School and Middle School students ready to learn some seriously fun coding and technology!
FREE Python4Physics Course at UC Berkeley
Learn the basics of Python this summer!
In the summer of 2024, the UC Berkeley Physics department will be hosting a free coding class, and it will be casted live for anybody wishing to learn the basics of coding.
The class is designed to give students the key necessary tools to learn how to write simple code using a programming language called Python. In this class, you will learn some fun concepts in Physics, Math, statistics, and, of course, programming. You will do this by solving problems numerically. You will learn to solve equations, do data analysis, and model various systems, among other techniques.
Tips for Networking in STEM
1. Attend Conferences and Workshops
Why: These events are prime opportunities to meet professionals, learn about the latest research, and present your work.
How: Participate actively in sessions, ask questions, and introduce yourself to speakers and fellow attendees.
Resources: Society for Women Engineers (SWE) Conferences, American Physical Society (APS) Meetings
2. Join Professional Organizations
Why: Membership in professional organizations offers access to resources, events, and a community of peers and mentors.
How: Get involved by attending meetings, joining committees, and participating in online forums.
Examples: IEEE, American Chemical Society (ACS), Association for Women in Science (AWIS)
Why: Platforms like LinkedIn, ResearchGate, and Twitter are excellent for connecting with professionals and staying updated on industry trends.
How: Create a professional profile, share your work, join relevant groups, and engage with posts by commenting and sharing.
Resources: LinkedIn, ResearchGate, Twitter
4. Participate in STEM Competitions and Hackathons
Why: These events provide opportunities to collaborate with peers, showcase your skills, and connect with industry professionals.
How: Form teams, actively engage with mentors and judges, and network with fellow participants.
Resources: FIRST Robotics Competition, Hackathons
5. Seek Out Mentorship Programs
Why: Mentors can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights into your field.
How: Look for formal mentorship programs through your school, professional organizations, or companies.
Resources: MentorNet, Girls Who Code
6. Engage in Volunteer and Outreach Activities
Why: Volunteering can expand your network while allowing you to give back to the community and promote STEM.
How: Get involved in science fairs, tutoring, or community STEM events.
Examples: STEM Ambassadors, FIRST Volunteer Opportunities
7. Conduct Informational Interviews
Why: Informational interviews can provide insights into specific careers and help you build connections in your field.
How: Reach out to professionals with a polite request to learn about their career path and advice.
Resources: How to Ask for an Informational Interview
8. Utilize Alumni Networks
Why: Alumni networks can be a valuable resource for career advice, job opportunities, and professional connections.
How: Connect with your school's alumni office or online alumni networks.
Resources: LinkedIn Alumni Tool
9. Attend Career Fairs
Why: Career fairs are excellent for meeting potential employers and learning about job and internship opportunities.
How: Prepare a resume, practice your pitch, and follow up with contacts after the event.
Resources: Check your school’s career services for upcoming fairs and events.
10. Collaborate on Research Projects
Why: Collaborating on research exposes you to new ideas, methodologies, and professional networks.
How: Join research groups, apply for research internships, and attend lab meetings and research presentations.
Resources: National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
11. Stay Updated with STEM News and Journals
12. Practice Good Networking Etiquette
Why: Professional behavior leaves a lasting positive impression.
How: Be respectful, follow up with thank-you notes, and maintain your connections by periodically checking in.
Networking is a continuous process that can greatly enhance your career in STEM. By taking advantage of these opportunities and building strong relationships, you can create a supportive and enriching professional network.
Organization Spotlight
Check out these non-profits working to bridge the gap in STEM education for girls!
SWE (Society of Women Engineers)
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) runs various initiatives to encourage and support female engineers. One of these is SWENext, aimed at young people aged 5-18, providing them with opportunities to explore engineering and technology. Through SWENext, participants can connect with peers and industry professionals, start SWENext clubs at their schools, and even become influencers or ambassadors for SWE. Additionally, SWE offers the SWENext High School Leadership Academy, a virtual program designed to help young women in STEM build confidence in their fields.
Miss CEO
Miss CEO provides opportunities for training, mentorship, and career exploration for young women and professionals. Their programs for youth include workshops, their Leadership Lab, and expert-led certificate programs. You can also apply to be a Miss CEO Ambassador.
Careers in Physics and Opportunities for Students
As a young student interested in physics, there are many exciting career paths you can pursue and various opportunities to explore this field early on. Here are some career options and ways to delve into physics:
Careers in Physics
Research Scientist
Field: Academic, government, or private research institutions.
Focus: Conducting experiments, developing theories, and publishing findings in areas such as quantum mechanics, relativity, or particle physics.
Astrophysicist
Field: Universities, space agencies (like NASA or ESA), and observatories.
Focus: Studying celestial objects, cosmology, and the universe's origins and evolution.
Medical Physicist
Field: Hospitals, medical research facilities, and universities.
Focus: Applying physics principles to medicine, particularly in imaging and radiation therapy for cancer treatment.
Engineer (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical)
Field: Various engineering firms, aerospace companies, and manufacturing industries.
Focus: Designing and developing technology and systems that rely on physical principles.
Data Scientist/Analyst
Field: Tech companies, finance, healthcare, and various industries.
Focus: Using statistical and computational methods to analyze and interpret complex data sets.
Teacher/Professor
Field: Schools, colleges, and universities.
Focus: Educating and inspiring the next generation of physicists and conducting research.
Environmental Scientist
Field: Government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and research organizations.
Focus: Studying environmental processes and impacts, such as climate change and pollution.
Science Communicator/Writer
Field: Media, publishing, museums, and science centers.
Focus: Making complex physics concepts accessible and engaging to the public through writing, speaking, and multimedia.
Opportunities for Students
Join Physics Clubs and Competitions
Recommendations: PhysicsBowl, International Physics Olympiad
Attend Physics Camps and Workshops
Recommendations: American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) Summer Programs, MIT Summer Programs
Take Online Courses and Tutorials
Recommendations: Khan Academy, Coursera, edX
Conduct Home Experiments
Resources: Science Buddies, Exploratorium Science Snacks
Read Physics Books and Magazines
Recommendations: "A Brief History of Time" by Stephen Hawking, "The Elegant Universe" by Brian Greene, "Scientific American"
Follow Physics News and Podcasts
Recommendations: Physics Today, StarTalk Radio
Shadow a Physicist
Reach out to local universities, research institutions, or professionals to shadow a physicist and learn about their work firsthand.
Participate in Citizen Science Projects
Resources: Zooniverse, Globe at Night
Whether through hands-on activities, online learning, or connecting with professionals, there are many ways to immerse yourself in physics.
We would love to hear your feedback!
Contact Us:
Email [email protected]
Or connect with us on social media!