Empowering Girls in Science and Engineering

016023852016Final Report(Project TO # UAB013) STRIDE Project UF-EIES-1200009-UAB TO13PDFTech ReportUF-EIES-1200009-UAB TO13105956, UAB013School childrenScienceTechnologyTransportation careersGenderFemalesEngineeringScienceTechologyEngineeringEngineering, and Mathematics (STEM)Education and TrainingTransportation (General)STEMUnited StatesAlabamaFloridaSoutheastern Transportation Research, Innovation, Development and Education Center (STRIDE)Sisiopiku, Virginia P.Southeastern Transportation Research, Innovation, Development and Education Center (STRIDE)University of Alabama in BirminghamUniversity Transportation Centers Program (U.S.)United States. Dept. of Transportation. Research and Innovative Technology Administration. Office of the AdministratorUS Transportation CollectionThe objective of this project was to expose Alabama middle school girls to science and engineering through engaging in interactive activities. The University of Alabama, Birmingham (UAB) Girls in Science in Engineering was conceived as an opportunity to introduce local middle school girls, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM). Through the planned activities, participants have the opportunity to explore engineering and science careers and interact with faculty and professionals in transportation engineering and related fields. The ultimate goal is to spark an interest in considering engineering and science disciplines as a future career option. The Girls in Science and Engineering Day (GSED) was held on May 7, 2016 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. More than 100 girls were hosted this year. Activities included: (1) Building magnets while learning about MRI; (2) Creating water filtration systems and structures to stabilize water balloons; (3) Dissecting sheep hearts and learning how to suture; and (4) Examining crime scene evidence. The program also provided female role models in STEM fields. Each group of 12 girls was paired with a workshop leader and two UAB students in STEM fields, such as engineering, biology or medicine. Dr. Lori McMahon, Dean of the graduate school at UAB spoke at lunch. She addressed her inspirations to pursue a PhD in STEM and answered questions from the students