Empowering Girls in Science and Engineering

The 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.

• Record URL:
  https://stride.ce.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/STRIDE-Empowering-Girls-Final-Report-UAB013.pdf
• 

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $4523
• Contract Numbers:

  105956

  UAB013

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Southeastern Transportation Research, Innovation, Development and Education Center (STRIDE)

  University of Florida
  365 Weil Hall
  Gainesville, FL  United States  32611
• Project Managers:

  Kline, Robin

• Performing Organizations:

  University of Alabama, Birmingham

  1170 Administration Building
  701 20th Street South
  Birmingham, AL  United States  35294
• Principal Investigators:

  Sisiopiku, Virginia

• Start Date: 20160222
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 20160523
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers Program

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Adolescents; Education; Engineering; Females; Mathematics; School children; Science; Technology; Transportation careers
• Identifier Terms: Science, Techology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); University of Alabama, Birmingham
• Geographic Terms: Alabama
• Subject Areas: Education and Training; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01602385
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Southeastern Transportation Research, Innovation, Development and Education Center (STRIDE)
• Contract Numbers: 105956, UAB013
• Files: UTC, RiP
• Created Date: Jun 20 2016 3:30PM