Can We Talk? Students Join the Conversation in STEM
Whether it’s a first job or graduate school, it’s important for students to be able to maneuver in their work environment. On one level, students need to adjust to the culture and work protocols, but it’s equally important to know the subtle barriers all women face in STEM professions. “Can We Talk?”—the first event of the Women in STEM Speaker Series sponsored by Bay Path University’s Center of Excellence for Women in STEM—allowed students and other members of the audience to hear first-hand the day-to-day challenges from working women in various areas of the sciences.
“It was great to hear successful women discuss how they got to where they are today, how important it is to find mentors and the value of keeping women in STEM fields,” said Morgan Slate ’20, a biotechnology major who attended the event to begin networking in her area.
The panel of professionals included: Olga Anczuków, assistant professor at the Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, a breast cancer researcher investigating gene regulation and how it contributes to cancer; Michelle Markstein, assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (UMASS), a researcher focusing on the basic properties of stem cells and how they can contribute to cancer; Karen Kelley, Water Resources Engineer and Head of R&D at CDM Smith, a highly-regarded leader for a company that provides lasting and integrated solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities to public and private clients worldwide; Niloufar Shoushtari, a practicing physician specializing in Internal Medicine affiliated with Baystate Medical Center; and Theresa Riethle, Director of the Physician Assistant Studies Program and associate professor at Bay Path University.
Panelists shared with the audience some of the challenges for women in STEM fields such as discrimination in the workforce, while also asking students what they think it takes to promote women in STEM and keep them in these careers. This event also offered students the opportunity to network with professionals and guide them towards potential internships and future employment.
“This could really help me in my career because I would love to intern at a facility like Jackson Laboratory,” Slate said. “That is now a possibility because I started networking early. The panelists were outstanding and I’m glad I could connect with them. They could make my dreams a reality.”
Dr. Gina Semprebon, professor of biology, and the Founding Director of the Center of Excellence for Women in STEM and the Women in STEM Honors program (WISH) at Bay Path University was responsible for coordinating this event and bringing the professionals and students together to create a partnership that will help them thrive in their careers after they leave college.
"I am continually amazed by our talented pool of students in the STEM program at Bay Path,” said Semprebon. “This was a great opportunity to link professionals in various scientific fields with our students, to help them learn how to navigate and succeed in their first professional position and beyond.”
Panelist Karen Kelley of CDM Smith was particularly impressed with the student engagement.
“The students responded enthusiastically to the personal stories of the panelists and we were able to learn more about each other,” said Kelley. “Several themes emerged over the course of the evening, including the necessity for persistence, the importance of seeking out mentors, and the value of asking for help and guidance when needed.”
All agreed the evening was a success and the event was a great launch pad to begin the dialogue of what it will take to keep women from leaving STEM careers. Other events are planned throughout the year—all keeping the conversations going!