CDU scientists forge path for women in STEM

Charles Darwin University (CDU) scientists are determined to encourage more women into the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields as the sector strives to become more gender diverse.

Several CDU key female scientists and engineers will take part in an interactive International Women’s Day STEM event on March 11 to help celebrate and raise awareness of the research women are doing in the Territory and to encourage more young girls and women to enter these fields.

CDU Lecturer in STEM Pathways Carla Eisemberg said it was critical that gender balances were addressed across the board to attract more women to careers in STEM.

“CDU is fortunate enough to have wonderful female researchers in the STEM field and this event provides an opportunity to showcase the important work they do in the Territory,” Dr Eisemberg said. 

“Unfortunately, women are underrepresented in the STEM fields and through this event we will feature the many pathway options available to young girls and women to help the STEM fields become more gender diverse, which is a key goal for CDU.”   

CDU Senior Lecturer in Medical Laboratory Science (Haematology), Gabriela Minigo will demonstrate a medical science station designed to showcase one of many STEM fields available for young girls and women to work in.

“Our Medical Science station will showcase what blood cells look like through a microscope and we will be able to see examples of healthy cells and how they change in disease, for example in iron deficiency,” Dr Minigo said.

“Public events like this are a fantastic opportunity for girls and women to gain hands-on experience and have conversations with female researchers to better learn about the different STEM fields and how they can realise their interests.”

“Women are underrepresented in the STEM fields, so it is really important to encourage women from a young age to get involved in these fields, although it is never too late to get involved.”

CDU Vocational Education and Training (VET) lecturer in Aviation (Remote Pilot) Rebecca Rogers will display several drones and showcase how they can be used in research.

“It’s critical that we show young girls and women that anything is possible when it comes to the STEM fields,” Dr Rogers said.

“You don’t often see women in the technology space so this is a great opportunity to showcase the possibilities for our young girls and women and show the different ways that the STEM field can be fun, interesting and applied to real life situations.”

The International Women’s Day STEM event will see Casuarina's Public Library turned into a fun and interactive scientific and technological playground for primary and middle school students and their parents with 12 interactive stations that represent the many areas of STEM.  The event will run Friday, March 11 from 3pm to 5pm.

This event is run in conjunction with City of Darwin Libraries, Inspired NT and Women’s Innovation Network NT.

For more information on the event at Casuarina's Public Library, head to the Facebook event page which can be found here.