June 26, 2018

Empowering More Girls to Pursue Career Paths in STEM

Science WoRx® mentors volunteered to engage interest in science, technology, engineering and math during iBIO’s annual 2018 STEMgirls Summer Camp

From creating their own instruments to learning about soundwaves, the students at iBIO Institute EDUCATE Center’s STEMgirls Summer Camp had a busy first day exploring the science behind sound engineering.

Last week, Astellas USA Foundation recruited 17 Astellas volunteers, referred to as Science WoRx mentors, to support iBIO’s annual five-day summer camp in Waukegan and Red Bud, Ill., for 200 girls aged 3rd-8th grade. Through fun hands-on activities, projects and speaker sessions focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), the camp aimed to spark girls’ interests and inspire them to pursue careers in these fields.

On the first day of camp, the Science WoRx® mentors helped girls create their own flutes, guitars and percussion instruments from household materials, providing an opportunity for the girls to solve design problems. They also experimented with a wave machine, pitch pipe and theremin (an electronic musical instrument that can produce sound without physical touch) to learn about soundwaves, and ended the day performing a fun concert with their handmade instruments.

The mentors were able to work closely with girls, providing an opportunity for the students to interact with real STEM professionals and learn about the career options available to them.

“We had so much fun helping the girls learn about the science of sound, build their instruments and learn to problem solve,” said Amy E. Wilson, Senior Corporate IP Attorney, Astellas. “Learning to think critically is an important skill for any career. I’m so glad I volunteered today and shared my own career story with the girls. I think it helped them better understand the endless options STEM has to offer, and that it’s not all just lab coats and test tubes.”

Through its Science WoRx program, Astellas USA Foundation has proudly supported iBIO since 2011 to help close the gender gap in STEM careers. By engaging girls during a critical development point in their lives, the camp volunteers and guest speakers help girls feel empowered to pursue their passions and interests.

Throughout the week, the girls participated in a number of STEM-focused activities, a field trip and inspiring presentations from guest speakers. The week’s activities closed out with the camp’s annual Family Day on June 22, where parents, siblings and other relatives joined their camper for lunch and a fun, educational day, including a STEM fair to show what they had learned during the week.

During the Family Day events, Science WoRx® mentor Keya Pitts, Executive Director, Clinical and Pharmacovigilance Quality Assurance, Astellas, gave a keynote presentation on her STEM career journey, emphasizing the value of making mistakes and using them to learn and grow.

“I feel a responsibility to encourage young girls to follow their passions in science, because I had several teachers and mentors do the same for me,” said Keya. “By sharing my story, I hope girls are empowered to realize and seek their full potential, no matter the odds.”

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