Girls Dive into STEM Careers

A place where young women can explore the fascinating worlds of DNA, robotics, and coding. This is exactly what happened during the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program held at North Idaho College. Organized by the University of Idaho's Colleges of Engineering and Science, the event gave high school girls a chance to get hands-on experience and learn from professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The students didn't just sit and listen to lectures. They got to build DNA models, solve robotics problems, and even learn about coding. They also had the opportunity to ask questions and hear real-life experiences from women working in STEM fields during lunchtime panels. Sascha Mai, a student ambassador from the University of Idaho, loved seeing the girls' enthusiasm and curiosity. "It's so much fun to see them problem-solve and get excited about science and engineering," she said. Students from Coeur d'Alene High School, Lake City High School, Venture Academy, Clark Fork High School, and St. Maries High School attended the event. Dr. John Shovic, the director of the Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics, also led tours of the university's robotics lab, reminding students that computer scientists do more than just sit behind computers. The hope is that WISE will spark an interest in STEM careers for these young women. With both bachelor’s and graduate degrees available locally, there are plenty of opportunities for them to continue their education in Coeur d’Alene. Ellen Crabtree, director of Strategic Initiatives, Academics, and Student Affairs with the University of Idaho in Coeur d’Alene, emphasized the importance of the event. "Seeing these young women explore their educational possibilities right here is truly exciting," she said. During the event, girls from St. Maries High School worked together to solve a robotics problem, showing off their teamwork and problem-solving skills. Meanwhile, other students learned about DNA through a fun building exercise, making science come alive for them.