On October 23, Fontbonne Hall Academy students traveled to the CUNY Graduate Center in Manhattan to attend the forum entitled STEMinism: Inspiring Women Scientists.
The purpose of the conference was to bring together the best and brightest STEM students in the New York City area with professionals, academics and graduate students to discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers. Students from Fontbonne’s AP Biology classes, AP Chemistry class and the Science Research Program attended the conference.
The keynote speaker was Professor Meg Urry, director of the Yale Center for Astronomy and Astrophysics. She spoke about her research at Yale and how she obtained her position.
She discussed the positive influences she encountered along the way as well as the problems she faced. She gave the students in the audience tips on how to be successful in a STEM career. After her speech, she was interviewed by Claudia Dreifus of the New York Times.
The students were also able to attend breakout sessions where they could learn more about specific issues in the STEM fields. These small groups discussed topics such as coding, video game design, 3D printing, the history of women in science, career paths in science and the value of mentorship.
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Fontbonne’s Bonnies for Health organized a Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign in October. Members of the group sold bracelets and T-shirts, and held their second annual Volley for a Cure student-faculty volleyball game. The school also received a banner from the American Cancer Society for Fontbonne’s contribution of over $2,000 in 2013.
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