A Look into T’Bay’s Superior Science Program
As March ends, so does Women’s History Month. The tides are changing for women in STEM. If you are navigating this path, know you are not alone. Instead, think of yourself as a pioneer for other young girls who follow in your footsteps.
I had the privilege of chatting with Abby Fillipetti, the girl’s club coordinator at Superior Science. Fillipetti outlined the objectives of the program and described the various challenges she faced as a young woman in STEM.
What is the Superior Science program?
“Superior Science is a not-for-profit science outreach organization that is run by a passionate group of Lakehead undergraduate students. Our mission is to provide engaging STEM education to youth from our community through our summer camps, workshops, and outreach events. By sparking curiosity and creativity, we strive to provide a space where students of all backgrounds can discover the joy in science, and receive guidance through the beginning of their scientific journeys.”
“By sparking curiosity and creativity, we strive to provide a space where students of all backgrounds can discover the joy in science, and receive guidance through the beginning of their scientific journeys.”
What is a major challenge you have faced as a female STEM student?
“A challenge I have faced growing up as a woman in STEM is the limited amount of female scientists throughout history that I had to look up to. When most of the esteemed scientists I had learned about were men, it was difficult to be able to see myself in such a position, and it gave me an unrealistic stereotype of what a scientist should be. Finding female role models that are close to me such as my mother, teachers and professors, allowed me to expand my horizons and feel confident in my abilities in pursuing science.”
“A challenge I have faced growing up as a woman in STEM is the limited amount of female scientists throughout history…”
How would you like to pave the way for young girls who want to pursue math and sciences?
“Something very important to me when mentoring young female scientists is to provide a safe environment where they can learn, discover new interests, and find confidence in their abilities. I strive to be a positive role model that they can look to for inspiration and encouragement to help guide them on their paths in the future. As an instructor and coordinator with Superior Science, I am able to provide a space that fosters all of these important principles through programs like our Girls Club and our Girls Week summer camp session.”
So, to all my upcoming graduates or fresh(wo)men, be bold. The gender gap will not change overnight but just know through perseverance and trying our best, we are making history.