MCC’s Annual Women in STEM Event Emphasizes Representation

In support of all students studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Middlesex Community College hosts an annual Women in STEM event which features a panel of speakers who are working in the industry. This year’s event took place on Zoom on Wednesday, February 16 – a few weeks ahead of Women’s History Month.

“At this event, students had the opportunity to learn about new career paths and employment options in this field,” said Dr. Marie Hronik-Tupaj, MCC’s Associate Professor of Computing and Engineering Technology. “Through listening to the panelists’ journeys, students hear about experiences and lessons that they may use when navigating their own careers.”

The 2022 Women in STEM event was co-sponsored by the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS) Boston and the IEEE Women in Engineering (WiE) Boston. Aseem Singh and Maira Sammmary acted as chairs, as panelists Summer Ford, Caitlin Cartwright and Madison Shano described their experiences as female professionals in the biomedical industry.

Singh, Chair of the EMBS-Boston section, has worked in the industry for over 10 years. Her goal for the event was to show female representation in the field to inspire the next generation of students and for them to know that women have proven themselves as “great leaders, great managers and great employees.”

“Women have traditionally been under-represented in the STEM industry, hence it was essential to have students gain some first-hand information from other successful women in their early careers and impress on their career paths, and the motivations behind their journey in the STEM field,” Singh said. “Aside from serving as role models, I think that it brings a sense of normalcy of attitudes towards the STEM industry, so that more women are encouraged to follow their passion and contribute to the industry.”

Ford has been involved in STEM since she was younger, working on a Lego League Robotics team. She has a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Arizona. Currently, she is a Research and Development Engineer III at Becton Dickinson and Co. where she works in New Product Development for oncology products.

“It can be a very daunting journey when first starting one’s career, and with the uncertainties stacking up, it is important to deliver a firm foundation for our younger generations,” Ford said. “Seeing women represented in STEM is a crucial part of career aspirations and empowerment. It is important to have the women who are currently in STEM roles empower and encourage women interested in STEM by providing advice, guidance and mentorship.”

An Associate Project Manager, Cartwright’s background is in marketing and medical devices, but works closely with engineering team members. She wanted to participate in MCC’s event to show the value of “cross functional partners and mentors” in a work environment. Her hope is to have inspired students to be confident as they navigate their careers.

“Women mentors help you navigate through industries that are normally men driven and allow for and reserve a space ‘at the table’ for women for their voices to be heard and valued, which I think is extremely important to have,” Cartwright said. “Women represented in STEM show that we can achieve great goals (high leadership positions) and lead successful teams while giving valuable individual contributions to a company and/or team.

Holding events such as Women in STEM allows the college to provide career exploration and networking opportunities outside of the classroom. Students have the opportunity to learn about different careers and the paths professionals took to get there, which helps them better understand what they need to do to reach their goals.

MCC’s STEM pathway helps students go into – and succeed in – the workforce or transfer to four-year schools with its award-winning and affordable offerings, small class sizes and flexible schedules. Visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/discover/dyp_stem.aspx for more information and to discover your path to a degree in STEM at Middlesex.

With three-week, five-week and eight-week sessions, MCC’s Summer semester helps students fit education into their busy lives. Visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/registration/ or call 1-800-818-3434 to register.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, MCC has been a proven leader in education for more than 50 years. Middlesex puts the student first. Meeting each learner where they are, MCC provides them with a safe, welcoming and engaging place to learn. Offering more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – Middlesex features flexible course formats and a variety of award-winning student support services and resources. Student success starts at MCC!