STEM ResearcHER Newsletter: October

2024 Edition

Happy October! Welcome to the tenth monthly edition of the STEMResearcHER 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.

UPDATES: Chicago STEMStravaganza 2024

Our STEMStravaganza 2024 is coming to Chicago for the first time! It is an opportunity for middle-high school girls 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! More information on how to sign up is coming soon.

Date: December 14th

Time: 11am - 4pm

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! 

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month (Sep 15-Oct 15)!

Special shoutout to all the amazing Hispanic women paving the way in STEM!

STEM Competitions to Join

Brain Awareness Video Contest

The Brain Awareness Video Contest invites anyone to create an educational video about the brain in collaboration with a member of the Society for Neuroscience. This is a unique opportunity to explore neuroscience and raise awareness about brain-related topics in a creative way. Winning videos will be featured on the BrainFacts.org website and viewed by a global audience. It’s a great way to combine creativity and science to educate others!

For more information, visit: Brain Awareness Video Contest.

Change the Game 

Change the Game, an initiative by Google Play, aims to uplift women in the gaming industry and foster greater diversity and representation in mobile gaming. By providing mentorship, resources, and challenges, the program supports women developers, helping them navigate the traditionally male-dominated gaming world. Participants have the opportunity to learn about game design, development, and the broader tech industry, encouraging them to create innovative games that reflect diverse experiences and perspectives. For more information: Change the Game.

Space Settlement Contest

The Space Settlement Contest invites students up to the 12th grade worldwide to create innovative space settlement designs and related projects. Participants can submit their work individually or as part of a team, and their entries will be judged based on creativity, scientific accuracy, and feasibility. The contest provides an excellent platform for students to explore future possibilities in space colonization and contribute unique ideas toward space settlements. You can find more information about this contest here.

NASA OSPARC Missions

The NASA OPSPARC Missions challenge students to solve real-world problems by redesigning NASA technology. Winning teams get an exclusive opportunity to visit NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, where they participate in VIP tours and workshops. This contest encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving, giving students a chance to engage with actual NASA projects. For more details, visit this page.

FLEET 

FLEET is a free, web-based STEM competition designed for U.S. high school students (grades 9-12) to explore naval ship design. By gamifying the learning process, FLEET engages students in real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts, allowing them to design virtual naval vessels and solve practical engineering challenges. The competition fosters critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, preparing students for potential careers in STEM fields. For more details: FLEET.

Congressional App Challenge

Middle and high school students are invited to showcase their coding talents by creating an app for any platform using any programming language—whether it’s C++, JavaScript, Python, or even block code. Hosted by U.S. House Representatives, the challenge allows students to compete within their district, either individually or in teams of up to four. There are no limits on app themes or platforms, so creativity is encouraged! Winning teams will be invited to Capitol Hill for #HOUSEOFCODE, where they’ll present their apps to their Representatives and have their work displayed in the U.S. Capitol.

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop coding skills and make an impact! Registration is open until October 24, 2024, so don't miss out!

Spotlight on Latina Women in STEM: Evelyn Cortez-Davis

Evelyn Cortez-Davis, originally Wfrom El Salvador, is the Chief of Staff for the Water System at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), where she supports major strategic initiatives like sustainability and equity. With over 30 years of experience in water operations, pipeline construction, and environmental compliance, she became the first Latinomea to serve as LADWP Director of Water Engineering. Evelyn is also the author of Decen mber Sky: Beyond My Undocumented Life, where she shares her immigration journey and path to U.S. citizenship.

Making a Social Impact in STEM

Making a social impact in STEM means using your skills and knowledge to improve the world around you! Whether it's working on solutions for climate change, developing technology to improve healthcare, or creating sustainable energy alternatives, STEM careers offer countless opportunities to address global challenges. As high school students, you can start by joining community projects, raising awareness about STEM’s role in solving societal issues, or creating innovative solutions through school clubs and competitions. Even small actions can have a large impact on your community! :)

Organization Spotlight

Scientific Adventures for Girls

Scientific Adventures for Girls (SAfG) is a nonprofit organization that delivers after school programs for TK-6th grade students. Their mission is to, “To remove systemic barriers to all girls’ participation in STEM.” They host an afterschool STEAM program for TK-6th graders at various Bay Area schools as well as other events. Learn more about how you can support Scientific Adventures mission here.

Become a PAID INTERN with Scientific Adventures!

As a Near Peer, (open to girls and girl-identified youth ages 15+) you'll help engage elementary-age girls and support Teachers and Assistants in hands-on STEM activities. This is an in-person classroom role at public schools primarily in Richmond and Oakland.

Details:

▪ Commitment: Minimum of 1 day per week for 1-2 hours, for 27 weeks

▪ Hours: Between 2:00 and 5:30 pm based on the school site (Start time depends on school schedule)

This opportunity will help build communication and leadership skills, and provides an opportunity to further engage in STEM. It is also rewarding work to become a role model for K-6 girls!

Join Scientific Adventures for Girls STEM Scholar Club

The STEM Scholar Club for Girls is designed to ignite and sustain the passion for STEM among middle school and high school girls and gender expansive youth. This club aims to provide an enriching and enjoyable space that nurtures their STEM interests well into college and their future careers. Sign up for their newsletter to stay up to date on STEM resources, internship and scholarship opportunities, STEM Career Events, and more.

Careers and Tips for Students Interested in Math

These are just some of the potential pathways for students interested in math!

Data Scientist:

Path:

• Focus on statistics, algebra, and computer science

• Take AP Statistics and AP Computer Science

• Participate in coding competitions or data analysis projects

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Mathematics, or Statistics

Fields:

• Machine learning, data analysis, business intelligence, AI, etc.

Path:

• Focus on probability and calculus

• Take AP Calculus and AP Statistics

• Join math clubs or take part in math competitions

• Bachelor's degree in Actuarial Science or Mathematics

Fields:

• Insurance, risk management, pensions, financial consulting, etc.

Cryptographer:

Path:

• Focus on discrete mathematics and computer science

• Take AP Computer Science and AP Calculus

• Learn about encryption and data security through online courses or clubs

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Cryptography, or Mathematics

Fields:

• Cybersecurity, encryption, data protection, national security, etc.

Operations Research Analyst:

Path:

• Focus on optimization, statistics, and algebra

• Take AP Statistics and AP Calculus

• Participate in problem-solving competitions or math Olympiads

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Research, Mathematics, or Statistics

Fields:

• Logistics, supply chain management, consulting, financial planning, etc.

Financial Analyst:

Path:

• Focus on economics, statistics, and calculus

• Take AP Economics and AP Calculus

• Join investment or finance clubs and explore financial math

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Mathematics, or Economics

Fields:

• Investment banking, stock market analysis, risk assessment, portfolio management, etc.

Mathematician (Theoretical or Applied):

Path:

• Focus on advanced math like calculus, algebra, and geometry

• Take AP Calculus and AP Statistics

• Join math competitions like AMC or Math Olympiad

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics (Applied or Pure)

Fields:

• Research, education, government agencies, technology companies, etc.

Statistician:

Path:

• Focus on statistics and data analysis

• Take AP Statistics and AP Calculus

• Participate in data analysis projects or competitions

• Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Data Science, or Mathematics

Fields:

• Market research, healthcare, government, sports analytics, etc.

Advice and Opportunities

• Build a Strong Foundation in Math:

  Take advanced math classes like AP Calculus and AP Statistics. These courses will prepare you for more complex concepts in college.

• Join Math Clubs and Competitions:

  Join math clubs, participate in Math Olympiads and AMC (American Mathematics Competitions)]. These experiences will sharpen your problem-solving skills.

• Practice Problem-Solving:

  Challenge yourself with math puzzles and competitions. Solving problems outside of class can help you develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

• Explore Online Resources:

  Use platforms like Brilliant.org, Khan Academy, or Coursera to learn more about specific math topics like number theory, combinatorics, or differential equations.

• Get Involved in Research or Projects:

  Try to find math-related research opportunities, such as working with a teacher on a project, or exploring mathematical modeling in fields like economics, biology, or physics.

• Pursue Internships or Job Shadowing:

  Seek internships in fields like finance, data analysis, or software development where math skills are highly valued. Even volunteering at financial institutions or research labs can give you exposure to real-world math applications.

• Develop Programming Skills:

  Many math-based careers, especially in data science, cryptography, and operations research, require a solid foundation in coding. Learn programming languages like Python, R, or MATLAB.

• Consider Summer Programs:

  Look into math-focused summer programs such as MathILy, PROMYS (Program in Mathematics for Young Scientists), or Stanford University’s Math Camp (SUMaC). These programs offer an immersive experience in advanced mathematics.

  By exploring these paths and taking advantage of the opportunities available, you can build a strong foundation in math and prepare for a wide range of exciting careers!

We would love to hear your feedback!

Contact Us:

Email [email protected]

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