Investigation into Women in STEM Fields: An Examination of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Careers
In June 2016, an online professional development session titled "Explore Women in STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics" took place, showcasing a series of inspiring women working in the STEM field in New Zealand and beyond.
The session, which is part of a larger series, aimed to celebrate historical and contemporary role models in STEM, providing a comprehensive view of inspirational women who have made significant contributions to these fields.
The four-part session featured guest presenters from various backgrounds, each sharing their personal experiences and insights. Andrea Soanes, a project manager at the Science Learning Hub, kicked off the session in Part 1. Melinda Stevenson, a digital technologies teacher at New Plymouth Girls' High School, was featured in Part 4.
In between, Part 2 showcased Liz Cleary, the lead for the Women in STEM profiles at the Ministry of Education, while Part 3 introduced Dr. Victoria Metcalf, the national lead for the Participatory Science Platform (PSP).
The session began with a focus on historical figures such as Ada Lovelace, known as the world’s first computer programmer in the mid-19th century, and Marie Curie, a brilliant physicist and chemist who won two Nobel Prizes in different scientific disciplines.
However, the session was not limited to historical figures. It also highlighted contemporary female leaders in STEM, such as Federica Di Palma, the Director of Science at Earlham Institute. Di Palma spoke about the importance of female role models, balancing career and personal life, and the need for broader representation of women in leadership and STEM career pathways as inspiration for younger generations.
The session emphasised the importance of strong female mentors and role models at various career stages, the balance between work-life demands while maintaining ambition and determination, and the broader representation of women in leadership and STEM career pathways as inspiration for younger generations.
The session received positive feedback, with one viewer expressing enjoyment and finding it informative. An index for the PowerPoint and videos is also available for download, making the session easily accessible for those who missed it or wish to revisit it.
The projects discussed in the session, such as the Women in STEM website and the Participatory Science Platform, have scientific value and are relevant to local concerns, providing excellent teaching and learning opportunities. These projects aim to prepare sufficient students for careers in science and to equip them with the skills needed to confidently engage with science on a personal and societal level in the 21st century.
The online professional development session, which covered 'science,' 'online-education,' and 'learning,' showcased various paths of 'education-and-self-development' in the STEM field. Ranging from historical figures like Ada Lovelace to contemporary leaders such as Federica Di Palma, the session highlighted the importance of strong women in science, serving as role models for future generations.
