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Women in STEM Give Straight Talk at PHS

On January 7, a panel of women working in STEM fields spoke to students at Portland High School about what it’s like to work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The event, held in teacher Rosalee Lamm's physics and engineering classroom, was open to all students, with a focus on strategies for success, and challenges specific to women and nonbinary people working in STEM. Guests included Sarah Meyer Waldo and Clair Muscat, software engineers; Dr. Briana Dym, professor of computer science; Tami Ward, CPA; and Loyde Vumpa, biology student and PHS graduate.

About 18 students attended the small informal conversation. The first question students asked was about strategies for dealing with being one of the only girls in a STEM class of boys. "Don't be afraid," "You don't have to be the best or be perfect," and "Make connections and find good mentors" were a few of the responses.

Dr. Briana Dym advised, "At some point, you are going to have a male boss who is less competent than you. So just tell yourself: If that guy can do it, I sure can." 

There was a lot of advice for college, especially about finding a good advisor who supports you, and remembering that college is for YOU, you are paying for it, and if something isn't working for you, you can make a change. Two of the guests also spoke about switching to a computer field after majoring in humanities in college, and that the skills they learned were actually very transferrable.

It was a frank discussion that allowed girls to talk freely about sexism and bias, to hear women at various stages of their careers address it openly, and to find strength and encouragement in the connection. "It was so inspiring," said PHS senior Ife Tubi.

Thank you to Andrea Levinsky, PHS extended learning opportunities coordinator, for coordinating the panel of speakers for this event.