The Jacksonville University College of Arts and Sciences, alongside industry giant Johnson & Johnson, the University of North Florida and Expanding Your Horizons North Florida, hosted an immersive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) workshop, designed for 5th to 8th grade girls who are eager to learn more about the field. The event, held on JU's campus, attracted more than 50 students.
Dr. Kara Conway, JU associate professor of biology, spearheaded the effort for Jacksonville University. The workshop was divided into three captivating sessions, fostering a passion for science and technology and encouraging more females to enter the field later in life.
The three sessions included lessons led by STEM professionals on coding, injection molding and terrapin research, providing hands-on activities for the students and an opportunity to collaborate as a team.
“In this day and age, data clearly demonstrates that females are significantly underrepresented in most STEM-related careers,” Dr. Conway said. “STEM leaders at JU, J&J, and the city of Jacksonville sincerely believe this type of outreach is essential to engage our girls at a young age in exciting STEM activities and hopefully to ignite a passion in them as they move forward in their education and eventual careers.”
Several JU biology students including Reagan Carris, Alyssa Godlewski, Emily Kiker, Nyah Lam, Patrick Martinez and Lexi Schwartz helped plan and execute the workshop for the students.
“It was so rewarding, and I was so proud to see several of my undergraduate biology students really step up to the plate to put on this event,” Dr. Conway said.
See photos from the event below:
