‘Help Change the World’ – Science Centre Showcases STEM Career Paths
Over 150 Dundee Rainbows, Brownies and Girl Guides have discovered how they can ‘change the world’ by pursuing a career in STEM.
The Women in STEM event, held at Dundee Science Centre as part of UK Women’s History Month, showcased a range of exciting activities and exhibits, including testing houses with plant roofs, identifying marine organisms and removing disease-causing proteins.
The youngsters, aged from four to 14, enjoyed chatting with female professionals from the University of Dundee, University of St Andrews, Abertay University and Dundee and Angus College, and learning about their careers. Meanwhile, activities from St Andrews Botanic Gardens illustrated the variety of STEM careers which exist outwith laboratory and office environments.
“It was wonderful to host this event for Girl Guides,” said Lorraine Lemon, Head of Business Development at Dundee Science Centre. “Women make up just 24% of the STEM workforce in the UK so we hope this event will inspire young girls to pursue these sorts of careers and provide them with local female role models.”
Debbie Archibald, Deputy County Commissioner for Girlguiding Dundee, said, “Girlguiding believes that “Girls can do anything!” and so having the chance to speak to female role models who work in STEM subjects was a fantastic way to show the girls the career opportunities available to them. The girls had fun exploring the centre and the various exhibits and we are very grateful to the staff who made this possible for them.”
Dr Rebecca Wade, Senior Lecturer, Division of Engineering and Food Sciences at Abertay University, added, “As a STEM ambassador, I share my enthusiasm for STEM with young people, I think it’s particularly important to inspire women and underrepresented groups into STEM careers.
“As a University Lecturer, I know our graduates are entering a world where big challenges will require more collaboration, cooperation, communication, innovation and interdisciplinary working than ever before. To make the right decisions now and in the future, we need to ensure all voices are heard; we can do this by improving representation in STEM careers, encouraging and supporting women and underrepresented groups and ensuring the next generation have the skills and knowledge to build a sustainable future together”.
“Events like this are absolutely essential. The world is changing, and so are future careers, and right now, there are so many opportunities for people with a STEM education. With a STEM career, you can help to change the world, for instance, if you are worried about climate change, choose a STEM career where you can make a difference and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Dr Rebecca Wade from Abertay University with some of the Guides at this evening’s event.
The event was funded by the Scottish Government and is part of Dundee Science Centre’s ongoing commitment to promoting STEM education and careers. The organisation offers a variety of programmes and activities for students of all ages to engage in both in-centre and online.
For more information about holding an event at Dundee Science Centre, visit www.dundeesciencecentre.org.uk
ENDS