STEMResearcHER Newsletter: May 2024 Edition

Happy May! Welcome to the fourth monthly issue of STEMResearcHER’s newsletter!

Author

STEM ResearcHER Team
May 03, 2024

STEM ResearcHER Newsletter: May 2024 Edition

Happy May! This is the fourth monthly 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.

Exciting News: FREE Online Webinar with Aishwarya Prasad!

On June 1st at 10am, STEM ResearcHER will be hosting a free online webinar with Aishwarya Prasad!

Aishwarya works as a Product Manager at ServiceNow. She is part of the Cloud Observability team which focuses on creating capabilities that enable developers and engineers to maintain a reliable application. She worked as a Product Manager at Dell Technologies creating a seamless e-commerce experience. She earned her Masters in Business Analytics from the University of California Davis. Currently, she serves as the Secretary of Society of Women Engineers - Golden Gate Section. She helps students break into product management and curate the path to their dream careers.

STEMStravganza RECAP!

Thank you to everyone who attended our STEMStravaganza event! It was so fun meeting you all. We would like to give a big thank you to our amazing sponsors who helped support our event: Berkeley Engineering, Techbridge Girls, LifeScienceCares, SWE, Agilent, and Nirvana Soul. The event would not have been possible without their gracious donations and support!

We also would like to thank our guest speakers! Dr. Hillary Hurst, our opening keynote speaker, gave an amazing talk on her career journey as a physics professor and researcher. Dalia Rayes, Leanne Chan, and Dr. Burcu Vitrinel from SF Women in Bio spoke in our panel to give valuble insight into their careers in STEM and opportunities for students. Lastly, Nita Singh Kaushal from Miss CEO empowered our guests by providing amazing advice in becoming female leaders. Our hands-on DNA Petri dish STEM activity was also super fun!

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!

Happy AAPI Month!

The May 2024 AAPI month theme is Advancing Leaders Through Innovation. Shoutout to all the amazing Asian American women and Pacific Islanders making an impact in their communities!

Exciting Opportunities @ Society of Women Engineers

The Society of Women Engineers provides programs to promote and support female engineers. SWENext is a program for 5-18-year-olds to get involved in engineering and technology. They provide opportunities to connect with peers and industry professionals. Young women can even start SWENext clubs at their schools or to become an influencer/ambassador for the Society of Women Engineers! They also hold the SWENext High School Leadership Academy, a virtual program for young women in STEM to build self-confidence within their fields. 

SF Young Women In Bio Event

Explore Your Future: Biotech Careers for Young Women

Join The Young Women in Bio (YWIB) San Francisco Bay Area chapter for an exclusive opportunity sponsored by Verge Genomics, a leading biotech company, as they open their doors to young women eager to explore the world of biotechnology. ‘Explore Your Future: Biotech Careers for Young Women' is a career discussion inviting high school students to delve into the world of cutting-edge therapeutics and groundbreaking research.

Join us for an immersive experience where young women can witness firsthand the power of biotechnology in shaping the future of medicine. From a captivating lab tour to enlightening panel discussions, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse career pathways within the dynamic field of biotech.

Register now and seize the chance to ignite your passion for science while forging connections with peers and industry leaders.

Tips for Studying for AP Exams and Finals

Its exam season for many high schoolers! Here are some tips on how you can prepare for and ace your exams. 

  • Practice Past Exams: Utilize past AP exams and practice tests to simulate exam conditions and assess your readiness. Pay attention to the types of questions asked and practice pacing yourself within the time constraints.

  • Create Study Guides: Condense your notes and textbook readings into concise study guides or flashcards. Summarize key concepts, definitions, formulas, and important facts. Use visual aids, mnemonics, or diagrams to help reinforce your understanding.

  • Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weakest areas or topics and prioritize them in your study schedule. Allocate more time and resources to these areas to ensure you have a solid grasp before the exam.

  • Seek Help When Needed: Don't hesitate to ask for help if you're struggling with certain concepts. Reach out to your teachers, classmates, or tutors for clarification and additional support. Form study groups to collaborate with peers and share knowledge and study resources.

  • Take Care of Yourself: Maintain a healthy lifestyle during the study period. Get adequate sleep, eat nutritious meals, and exercise regularly to keep your mind and body in optimal condition. Take breaks during study sessions to avoid burnout and maintain focus.

  • Stay Positive and Confident: Maintain a positive mindset and believe in your ability to succeed. Visualize yourself performing well on the exams and stay confident in your preparation efforts.

Ways to Maximize your Summer!

  • Internships: Seek out internships with local businesses, research institutions, or tech companies. Even if they're unpaid, internships provide valuable experience and networking opportunities.

  • Volunteer Work: Offer your time to local STEM-related organizations, museums, or community centers. You could help organize events, assist with workshops, or participate in STEM outreach programs.

  • Online Courses and Workshops: Enroll in online courses or workshops related to your STEM interests. Websites like Coursera, edX, and Khan Academy offer a wide range of courses in STEM subjects.

  • Independent Projects: Undertake your own research project or develop a STEM-related product. This could involve conducting experiments, building prototypes, or programming software applications.

  • Job Shadowing: Shadow professionals working in STEM-related careers. This could involve spending a day or more with engineers, scientists, programmers, or researchers to gain firsthand insight into their work.

  • Summer Research Programs: Apply to summer research programs at universities or research institutions. These programs offer opportunities to work alongside faculty members or graduate students on cutting-edge research projects.

  • Coding Bootcamps: Enroll in coding bootcamps or workshops to develop your programming skills. Many organizations offer beginner to advanced-level courses in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++.

  • Tutoring or Mentoring: Offer tutoring services in STEM subjects to younger students or peers who may need assistance. Teaching others can deepen your own understanding of the subject matter and demonstrate your leadership skills.

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. 

FUN FACT: May 18th is National Astronomy Day

In honor of national astronomy day, here are some career paths in astronomy! 

  • Astrophysicist: Astrophysicists apply the principles of physics to understand the behavior and properties of celestial objects and phenomena. They study topics such as stellar evolution, cosmology, and the structure of galaxies.

  • Planetary Scientist: Planetary scientists study planets, moons, and other objects in our solar system and beyond. They investigate topics such as planetary geology, atmospheres, and the potential for life on other worlds.

  • Astrobiologist: Astrobiologists study the potential for life beyond Earth. They investigate extremophiles on Earth, search for habitable environments in the solar system and other planetary systems, and explore the conditions necessary for life to exist elsewhere in the universe.

  • Observational Astronomer: Observational astronomers use telescopes and other instruments to observe celestial objects and phenomena. They collect data, analyze observations, and contribute to our understanding of the universe.

  • Theoretical Astronomer: Theoretical astronomers develop mathematical models and simulations to understand the underlying physics of astronomical phenomena. They use computational techniques to explore the behavior of celestial objects and the evolution of the universe.

  • Instrumentation Engineer: Instrumentation engineers design and build telescopes, detectors, and other instruments used in astronomy and space exploration. They develop new technologies to improve the capabilities of observational and experimental equipment.

  • Science Policy Analyst: Science policy analysts work at government agencies, non-profit organizations, and research institutions to develop policies and funding priorities for astronomy and space science research. They advise policymakers on scientific issues and advocate for funding and support for scientific research.

We would love to hear your feedback!

Contact Us:

Email [email protected]

Or connect with us on social media!