Embracing Curiosity in STEM

Students network with professionals and build skills at annual Women in STEM Tea

The theme of this year’s annual Women in STEM Tea may have focused on “Hidden Women in STEM,” but the message was loud and clear: women are leaders and innovators, and their voices deserve to be heard.  

Hosted by Clark N.E.R.D. Girls and G.E.E.K.S. on May 13, the event invited students to connect with each other and with professionals while enjoying finger sandwiches, pastries, and tea while they explored what it means to be women professionals in STEM, both historically and today.  

Keynote speaker Professor Tanya Diaz-Kozlowski from the Women’s Studies department (pictured right) challenged the false dichotomy that art and science do not mix. She explained that this narrative has long contributed to sexism in STEM fields. But, just as our students are proving every day, women do belong in the STEM field, and she encouraged the audience to be curious and allow themselves to be surprised by what they discover. 

“You belong here,” she said. "You don’t have to prove your worthiness.” 

After the keynote, students participated in a variety of hands-on workshops designed to cultivate that sense of curiosity and exploration. 

At the lip balm chemistry workshop, participants combined coca butter, shea butter, beeswax, and their choice of oils to formulate their own lip balm. In another session, math professor Sarah Luther led a tutorial on creating tessellations through origami, demonstrating how patterns appear in both art and science. Students also designed custom keychains using colored beads with encoded messages in binary, offering a look at how computers process information. Meanwhile, Niira Krupnick from Career Services led a workshop on building a LinkedIn presence and the best way to showcase STEM achievements and connect with professionals in the field. 

Following the workshops, students connected with professionals at networking tables, asking questions and discussing their goals while exploring careers in STEM fields, including healthcare, chemical engineering, and mechanical engineering. Each table also featured a different “Hidden Woman in STEM” for participants to learn more about.

About NERD Girls and GEEKS

N.E.R.D. (Not Even Remotely Dorky) Girls and G.E.E.K.S. (Gentlemen Engineering Enthusiasts and Kindred Spirits) is a student-led club dedicated to breaking down stereotypes of women in STEM. The group provides opportunities for diverse learners through a network of dedicated participants and mentors. They host outreach events in schools throughout the year, encouraging youth to pursue STEM careers. Learn more on the NERD Girls Facebook page. 

Photos: Clark College/Carly Rae Zent 

Story by Malena Goerl, Staff Writer, Communications and Marketing