The Mid-Michigan Graduate Women in Science chapter and campus RSO hosted a Girls in Math and Science Day on March 14. Over 170 "future scientists" registered for the event, some even traveling over an hour to come to Michigan State University.
This year’s event had the highest attendance since the pandemic, with around 150 kids, 150 volunteers and 80 parents in attendance. This was the club's first year expanding to other colleges and universities in mid-Michigan by inviting scientists from the University of Michigan.
"There’s of course the kids, and that’s who this event is for, and that’s why we’re doing it. But I run the presenters and volunteer side, and it’s also a day for them to get involved in their community,” said first-year Ph.D. student Ella Morrow.
Morrow emphasized that this event was a unique opportunity for graduate students to practice making their science accessible to people at different levels of knowledge across disciplines.
Sixth-year Ph.D. student Emily Bolger has been part of this event for over five years, watching it evolve. Since her first year as a volunteer, Bolger has returned year after year in different roles.
"I fell in love with watching the kids learn science from different perspectives and interact with so many different disciplines in one day, and that’s when I joined to be a co-organizer," Bolger said.
The event took place from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., kicking off with a keynote speaker, this year’s being Ph.D. holder Emily Josephs, followed by a Q&A where the kids can ask about Josephs' career in science. From there, students are split into groups, rotating between two featured activities and a science fair where volunteers present their research to kids through hands-on activities.
Ph.D. students in the aerospace engineering department and aerospace club members at the University of Michigan, C.J. Huey and Rachel Mead, came to Girls in Math and Science Day as volunteers to demonstrate pressure drag.
"I really like interacting with younger people and encouraging them to join STEM. I feel like it’s one of the things that impacted me when I was younger and encouraged me to join STEM," said Huey.
Brigitee Williams, who has a background in STEM as a registered nurse, prioritizes exposing her daughter to events like this so she can gain more awareness of the science field.
"I appreciate events like this, I hope that they continue for girls in the future, and I hope it’s really inspiring for them as well," Williams said.
Morrow emphasized that hosting this event holds a special place in her heart. Growing up in a small, conservative town, there were very few STEM resources available, especially for young girls. She also felt ostracized in programs where she was one of few women.
"I really love the presenters' side of it all as well, because you’ve seen their joy, and that’s why I say there’s really two parts to this event. To kind of be able to plant that seed in the next generation," said Morrow.
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