STEMResearcHER Newsletter: November 2024 Edition

Happy November. Wishing you all a great start to the holiday season!

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STEM ResearcHER Team
November 02, 2024

STEM ResearcHER Newsletter: November

2024 Edition

Happy November. Wishing you all a great start to the holiday season!

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.

GET EXCITED: Chicago STEMStravaganza 2024!!

Exciting news! STEMStravaganza 2024 is heading to Chicago for the first time, bringing an incredible opportunity for middle and high school girls to get involved in STEM. This event includes hands-on STEM activities, guest speakers, opportunities to connect with peers, and interactive workshops. Plus, our generous sponsors have provided free swag for each participant to take home! Keep an eye out for more details on how to sign up.

Date: December 14th

Time: 11am - 3pm

Place: Albany Park Library in Chicago

Happy Native American Heritage Month!

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the cultures, contributions, and histories of Indigenous communities.

Spotlight on Nicole Aunapu Mann:

Nicole Aunapu Mann, a member of the Wailacki of the Round Valley Indian Tribes, made history as the first Indigenous woman in space. On October 5, 2022, the NASA astronaut from Northern California launched aboard SpaceX Crew-5, becoming the first woman to command a NASA Commercial Crew Program mission. Currently aboard the International Space Station, Mann and her team are conducting over 200 scientific experiments, including growing tomatoes in zero gravity and 3D printing human cells.

Mann, a Stanford-educated mechanical engineer and U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, holds six service medals and has served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Selected by NASA in 2013, she contributed to the Orion spacecraft and earned the 2015 Stephen D. Thorne Safety Award. Through her achievements, Mann hopes to inspire Native youth to break barriers and pursue their dreams, saying, “I carry your hopes and dreams with me.”

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! 

PAID High School Internships in STEM

Lockheed Martin Space High School Internship

This summer internship provides students with hands-on experience in the aerospace industry, working on real projects alongside scientists and engineers at Lockheed Martin. Interns can work 30-40 hours per week over 9-10 weeks, with some virtual options available.

  • Stipend: Paid hourly

  • Location: Lockheed facilities in CA, CO, AL, PA, FL, or virtual

  • Application Deadline: January

  • Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ within commuting distance of a Lockheed facility

Bryce Thompson Institute Internships

This 7-week internship takes place at Cornell University, where students conduct plant and life sciences research related to food security and sustainable agriculture. Interns are paired with mentors, working on bioinformatics, genomics, and other exciting projects.

  • Stipend: $4,200

  • Location: Cornell University campus, Ithaca, NY

  • Application Deadline: March

  • Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ within a 1-hour drive of Ithaca, NY

Fred Hutch Summer Internship

This 8-week full-time internship at the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center in Seattle is geared toward students from underrepresented communities interested in biomedical sciences. Interns receive lab safety training, hands-on research experience, and attend professional development workshops.

  • Stipend: Yes

  • Location: Seattle, WA

  • Application Deadline: March

  • Eligibility: Rising high school seniors interested in biomedical science

Department of Navy’s SEAP Program

An 8-week internship at a Department of Navy lab, SEAP allows students to work on real naval research projects with Navy scientists and engineers. Students gain valuable experience in science and technology while preparing a research abstract at the end.

  • Stipend: $4,000 for new participants, $4,500 for returning participants

  • Location: Various Department of Navy labs nationwide

  • Application Deadline: Opens in August 2024

  • Eligibility: High school students aged 16+ who are U.S. citizens

Introductory College Level Experience in Microbiology

iCLEM is an intensive research program for economically disadvantaged high school sophomores and juniors from specific California counties. Held at the Joint BioEnergy Institute, interns conduct research in fields like biotechnology, microbiology, and biofuel, while also receiving college application support.

  • Stipend: $3,000

  • Location: Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI), Emeryville, CA

  • Application Deadline: March

  • Eligibility: Economically disadvantaged high school sophomores and juniors from Alameda, Contra Costa, or San Francisco County, age 15+, with a GPA of 2.5+

Tips on Building a STEM Portfolio

A STEM portfolio is a great tool for high school students to showcase their skills, projects, and passion in STEM. For college applications, internships, and scholarships, a portfolio offers a way to present your abilities and dedication beyond grades, helping you stand out! Start by choosing a format that suits your needs. Digital platforms like Google Sites or Notion are convenient and easy to use, while a physical binder is great for in-person presentations. Organize your portfolio with sections like a personal bio, academic and independent projects, extracurriculars, and awards. For each entry, include a brief description of the project’s purpose, your role, skills applied, and key outcomes, along with visuals to make your work more engaging.

Creating a portfolio also encourages you to reflect on your growth and track your progress, helping you build confidence and identify strengths. This process prepares you for future college or job interviews, where presenting your work and achievements is essential.

Organization Spotlight

Society of Women Engineers

Society of Women Engineers (SWE) is one of our amazing partners! They have many initiatives supporting women in engineering, including K-12 programs. The SWENext program offers resources for girls in engineering and technology.

Membership is free, and girls aged 13-18 can register independently, while those under 13 can join with a parent as the primary contact. Key benefits they highlight include:

  • awards and recognition programs

  • leadership training

  • meetups and events

  • scholarships

  • SWENext Clubs and club challenges

  • monthly newsletters featuring downloadable engineering activities

  • networking

  • and more!

Opportunities, Careers, and Advice for Psychology!

These are some great opportunities for middle-high school students interested in psych.

Courses

  • AP Psychology: If available, AP Psychology can offer a solid foundation in key concepts.

  • Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera and edX offer free or low-cost courses in psychology from universities worldwide, including options like “Introduction to Psychology” by Yale.

  • Certifications: Some free certifications cover specific areas, such as Positive Psychology, or brief training in fields like mental health awareness.

Volunteering

  • Mental Health Clubs: Joining or founding a club focused on mental health awareness can provide leadership experience and an opportunity to promote psychological wellness.

  • Volunteering: Working with local mental health organizations or support groups, particularly those focused on teens, can give valuable insight.

Research

  • Research Programs: Programs like Polygence, CCIR, and Lumiere offer high school students a chance to work with mentors on psychology research projects.

  • Science Fairs and Competitions: Students interested in experimental psychology can create projects around cognitive processes or behavioral studies.

Career Exploration

  • Shadowing Opportunities: If possible, shadowing psychologists in clinics, hospitals, or research labs can provide real-world insights.

  • Professional Organizations: Many psychology organizations, like the American Psychological Association (APA), offer student memberships, which often include access to webinars, articles, and research resources.

  • Psychology-Related Events: Look for conferences or virtual events that focus on adolescent psychology, clinical practices, or mental health. Some may even have student sessions or volunteer opportunities.

Summer Programs

  • Pre-College Psychology Programs: Many universities, such as Stanford, UPenn, and Brown, offer summer programs in psychology for high school students.

Careers in Psychology

Psychology is an extremely versatile field, and there are many career pathways. Here are a few:

Clinical Psychology

  • Role: Diagnoses and treats mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.

  • Pathway: Requires a doctorate in psychology (PhD or PsyD) and state licensure. Clinical psychologists often work in private practice, hospitals, or mental health centers.

Counselor

  • Role: Focuses on helping people with personal and interpersonal challenges, such as coping with stress or navigating life transitions.

  • Pathway: A master's or doctorate in counseling psychology, along with licensure, is typically required. They often work in schools, private practice, and community organizations.

Industrial Psychology

  • Role: Studies workplace behavior and helps organizations improve productivity, employee satisfaction, and efficiency.

  • Pathway: Can require a master’s or doctorate in industrial-organizational psychology. I/O psychologists work in corporate settings, consulting firms, or government agencies.

Sports Psychology

  • Role: Helps athletes enhance their performance, manage stress, and overcome challenges related to competition.

  • Pathway: Requires a master’s or doctorate in sports psychology or clinical psychology with additional training. Sports psychologists work with professional athletes, teams, and organizations.

Research Psychologist

  • Role: Conducts studies to understand human behavior, often focusing on topics like cognition, development, or social behavior.

  • Pathway: Typically requires a PhD in psychology, with roles available in academia, research institutions, or government agencies.

Neuropsychologist

  • Role: Studies the relationship between the brain and behavior, often working with individuals who have suffered brain injuries or neurological disorders.

  • Pathway: Requires a doctorate in clinical psychology with a specialization in neuropsychology, along with licensure. Neuropsychologists often work in hospitals, research labs, or rehabilitation centers.

We would love to hear your feedback!

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