Female professionals—including several North alumni—from the health and physical sciences field discussed their experiences while pursuing a career in STEM during Women in STEM day, Friday, March 25.

According to junior Shyun Moon, a club officer, the lack of representation of women in the STEM fields inspired the club to hold the event. “We decided that having women who have already established themselves in the STEM field would be a good source to young women,” she said. 

Throughout the day, the experts and alumni encouraged female students interested in STEM to pursue their passion. While looking back on their experiences, they advised girls to fight for their voice to be heard, and to be confident and persistent.

Melinda Shockely, a science based consultant and entrepreneur, urged female students to speak up, especially when they are being shut down because they are women. 

“We need diversity in thinking because if everyone in STEM were thinking the same, we wouldn’t be going anywhere,” she said. 

Dr. Yukiko Yamashita, a biology professor at MIT, added, “Don’t let the statistics impact your life. You contribute to statistics, but not the other way around.”

“Oftentimes, when you think of people in STEM, there’s a single story of a white man doing all the stuff,” said junior Paige Bunn, a member of the Women in STEM club. “So Women in STEM day is a great time to see underrepresented voices.”

Julia Davis, ‘20, encouraged students to unapologetically ask professionals and colleagues for tips. “My advice is to reach out to people. One thing that I have just loved in college is talking to people about the path ahead and their journey.”

Throughout d-block, Women in STEM members demonstrated an elephant toothpaste experiment on main street. 

The day ended with a North alumni panel where panelists shared their STEM experiences since graduating as well as advice for those interested in pursuing a career in STEM.