Woman in STEM of the week:

Dr. Neri Oxman – Redefining Design Through Biology and Technology

Source: elle.com

Dr. Neri Oxman is an architect, designer, and professor at the MIT Media Lab, where she leads the Mediated Matter research group. Her work sits at the intersection of biology, technology, and design, creating innovative and sustainable solutions for the future. Born in Haifa, Israel, Neri was influenced by her architect parents, which shaped her unique perspective on design and science.

Neri Oxman is known for pioneering the field of Material Ecology, which involves the study and application of natural biological processes to design and fabrication. Her innovative approach combines materials science, digital fabrication technologies, and organic biology to create designs that are both beautiful and sustainable. Her projects range from wearable biosensors to large-scale architectural installations, all inspired by nature's efficiency and beauty.

Source: IG @oxmanofficial

One of her most notable works is the creation of structures and objects using 3D printing technologies with organic materials, such as silk and cellulose. This approach not only reduces waste but also creates products that are more in harmony with the environment. Neri's work has been exhibited in some of the world's most prestigious museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.

Beyond her innovative designs, Dr. Oxman is a passionate educator and mentor. She encourages her students to think beyond traditional boundaries and to approach problems with a multidisciplinary mindset. Her commitment to pushing the limits of design and science has made her a role model for aspiring architects, designers, and scientists worldwide.

"We must learn from nature not just to mimic it, but to create new things that nature could never achieve on its own."

Thank you, Neri! Your work is a powerful reminder that when we blend creativity with science, we can reshape the world around us in extraordinary ways. Your vision inspires us to think big, challenge the status quo, and strive for a future where design and nature work together in harmony.

Personal Development Exercises

Source: mit.edu This week, our Personal Development exercises are inspired by Dr. Cynthia Breazeal, a pioneering roboticist renowned for her innovative work in human-robot interaction. As the founder and director of the Personal Robots Group at MIT Media Lab, Dr. Breazeal is dedicated to creating social robots that can understand and respond to human emotions and behaviors, aiming to enhance how we collaborate with machines. One of her groundbreaking projects includes Kismet, a robot designed to engage in meaningful social interactions. Dr. Breazeal's passion for advancing robotics technology shows her commitment to pushing the boundaries of what robots can achieve, making her an inspiration for anyone interested in innovation and technology. Download the PDF to explore exercises that will help you tap into your creativity and consider how technology can be used to improve our daily lives. Through these activities, you'll reflect on your passions and how they can be used to make a positive impact on others.

STEM Inspiration Video of the Week

Step into the world of groundbreaking science and technology through the eyes of three remarkable women. In this captivating video, Scripps News interviews Seema Kumar, Tracy Fanara, and Meredith Broussard—leaders in health care, environmental science, and artificial intelligence. Despite their incredible contributions, women like them are often overlooked and underappreciated in their fields. This video shares their personal journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and their expertise in vaccine safety, climate change, and AI. Watch now to be inspired by their resilience and innovations.

Watch the video here.

Global STEM Resources for Aspiring Women Innovators

STEM education and opportunities for girls are expanding across the globe, with numerous programs designed to inspire and support the next generation of women innovators. I compiled this list of global resources which offers insights into initiatives across the globe, providing educational tools, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on experiences. Whether you're a young woman eager to explore STEM, a parent seeking to guide your daughter, or an educator aiming to empower your students, these programs are here to help you make a meaningful impact. If you know of any other resources or organizations that should be included, please let us know by emailing me at sasterling72@gmail.com.

Global

AFS Global STEM Programs

• Website: afs.org/global-stem/

• Description: AFS offers a range of programs designed to empower young people and educators worldwide through STEM education and global competence. These include the Global STEM Academies, a 16-week program combining online learning with immersive travel experiences in Brazil, China, Egypt, India, or the USA; the Global STEM Accelerators, a 12-week online program for young women focusing on sustainability and social innovation; the Global STEM Educators program, a 6-week virtual exchange for secondary school teachers; and the Global STEM Innovators, a 5-week initiative for young leaders with in-person workshops in Indonesia and the UK.

Rwanda

Starlight Initiative (Rwanda)

• Website: starlightafrica.com

• Description: Starlight Initiative works to address gender inequality in STEM by providing a holistic learning program that includes career guidance, role models, life skills, and practical projects. The program is part of Rwanda’s broader strategy to become a regional tech hub.

Nigeria (and Africa-wide)

WAAW Foundation (Nigeria)

• Website: waawfoundation.org

• Description: WAAW Foundation aims to increase African girls' participation in STEM through educational camps, coding workshops, and scholarships. The foundation operates across several African countries, providing hands-on learning experiences and mentorship.

United Kingdom

Stemettes (UK)

• Website: stemettes.org

• Description: Stemettes is a social enterprise that encourages girls and young women in the UK to pursue careers in STEM through panel events, hackathons, and exhibitions. The organization provides mentorship and inspiration by connecting participants with female role models in STEM.

Argentina

Chicas en Tecnología (Argentina)

• Website: chicasentecnologia.org

• Description: Chicas en Tecnología focuses on closing the gender gap in technology by offering training, mentorship, and networking opportunities for young women in Argentina. The organization promotes technology and entrepreneurship through various educational programs.

Australia

Robogals (Australia)

• Website: robogals.org

• Description: Robogals is a student-run organization that inspires young women to pursue engineering and technology careers through robotics workshops. The organization operates across Australia and other regions, making STEM accessible and fun.

United States

National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP)

• Website: ngcproject.org

• Description: NGCP connects organizations across the U.S. to encourage girls to pursue STEM through resources, mentorship programs, and exposure to female role models. They offer a variety of programs and digital resources aimed at increasing the participation of girls in STEM fields.

Girls Who Code (USA)

• Website: girlswhocode.com

• Description: Girls Who Code is a nationwide organization that aims to close the gender gap in technology by offering free summer programs, after-school clubs, and resources for young women interested in coding and computer science.

Techbridge Girls (USA)

• Website: techbridgegirls.org

• Description: Techbridge Girls focuses on breaking the barriers that keep girls, particularly those from low-income communities, from entering STEM fields. They provide hands-on learning, mentorship, and advocacy to inspire girls to pursue careers in STEM.

Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon is a remarkable figure in the STEM world, known for her extraordinary achievements and dedication to fostering diversity. Born in London to Nigerian parents, Anne-Marie was a prodigy from a young age. By 11, she had passed two GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education exams typically taken by students aged 15-16 in the UK), and by 20, she had earned a Master’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Oxford.

Her impressive career includes roles at leading tech companies such as Goldman Sachs, Hewlett-Packard, and Deutsche Bank. However, her most notable contribution is as the co-founder of Stemettes, a social initiative she created in 2013. Stemettes aims to encourage and support young women in STEM fields. Since its inception, Stemettes has reached over 65,000 young people across Europe, promoting a more diverse and inclusive tech community​​.

In recognition of her work, Anne-Marie was awarded an MBE in 2017 (Member of the Order of the British Empire, an honor given by the British monarchy for significant achievements or service to the community). She has also served as the President of the British Science Association and holds several honorary doctorates from prestigious universities. Additionally, she is a member of various advisory councils, including Research England and the Royal College of Art.

Dr. Imafidon's journey is not only about personal success but also about creating opportunities for others. Through her book, "She's in CTRL", and numerous speaking engagements, she continues to inspire the next generation of female scientists and engineers, emphasizing the importance of diversity in driving innovation.

Watch this beautiful video interview here to see how Anne-Marie is reshaping the world of tech.

Dr. Hayat Sindi is a trailblazer in the fields of biotechnology and global health, recognized for her groundbreaking work and dedication to making healthcare accessible worldwide. Born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, she overcame numerous cultural and societal challenges to become one of the first female biotechnologists from the Gulf region. Her educational journey took her to King’s College London, where she completed her degree in pharmacology, followed by a Ph.D. in biotechnology from the University of Cambridge.

Throughout her career, Dr. Sindi has focused on creating innovative solutions for healthcare challenges faced by underprivileged communities. As the co-founder of Diagnostics For All, she has developed low-cost diagnostic tools designed for use in resource-poor areas. Her work has significantly impacted how medical care is delivered in developing regions, allowing for early detection and treatment of diseases that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Dr. Sindi’s contributions extend beyond her scientific achievements. She was appointed a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for her efforts to promote science education and empower women and youth in the Middle East. Additionally, she served as one of the first female members of the Saudi Arabian Consultative Council, advocating for science and technology advancement in her home country​.

Watch this video where Hayat talks about her efforts to promote science for sustainability in developing countries.

Dr. Adriana Ocampo is a renowned planetary geologist whose work with NASA has helped unravel the mysteries of our solar system. Born in Colombia and raised in Argentina, Adriana moved to the United States as a teenager, where she pursued her passion for space science. She began volunteering at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory while still in high school, a stepping stone that led to her long and impactful career in planetary exploration.

Adriana Ocampo's achievements include key roles in several NASA missions, such as the Juno mission to Jupiter and the New Horizons mission to Pluto. Her work has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of planetary geology and the dynamic processes that shape the celestial bodies within our solar system.

One of her most notable contributions is the discovery of the Chicxulub impact crater in the Yucatán Peninsula, which provided critical evidence linking an asteroid impact to the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs. This groundbreaking discovery has transformed our understanding of Earth's history and the role of cosmic events in shaping life on our planet.

Dr. Ocampo is committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists. She actively mentors young people, particularly those from underrepresented communities, encouraging them to pursue careers in STEM fields. Her dedication to education and outreach has made her a role model for aspiring scientists worldwide:

"It is truly important to have somebody who is a mentor, developing that relationship and seeing that a young woman could see herself working in this team, having someone who believes in her. Just responding to those dreams, sometimes a thing as simple as taking the time to respond to a message, as someone once did for me, can make a tremendous difference."

Thank you, Adriana! Your story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of diversity in science. Your work not only advances our understanding of the universe but also inspires future generations to reach for the stars.