Edison State Community College welcomed 340 students ranging from sixth to 12th grades for a day of learning and fun during the 17th annual Women in STEMM Expo, held on Friday, November 8. The daylong program aims to boost young women’s interest in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) career fields.
Edison State Provost Dr. Melissa Wertz welcomed students to campus. She encouraged them to take advantage of the day to discover their passions within STEMM fields.
“This event showcases these fields and allows you to explore, learn, and understand how science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine impact the world,” said Dr. Wertz. “STEMM isn’t just a collection of subjects; it’s a gateway to understanding the world, solving complex problems, and positively impacting society. The world needs your skills, ideas, and perspective. The future of STEMM is bright, and each of you can be a part of it.”
While on campus, each of the girls chose three breakout sessions to attend in the morning with topics ranging from crime scene investigation, respiratory care, and coding to agriculture, engineering, and mathematics.
The day’s sessions provided an inside look at various career fields, such as “Help Eddie—He’s Sick and He Can’t Get Up!”, where participants interacted with “Eddie,” a breathing and talking manikin, using a stethoscope to listen to Eddie’s heart and lungs. In “Get a Clue—Ever Thought About Being a Crime Scene Investigator?”, students handled the equipment and supplies used by investigators to collect forensic evidence and learned how forensic scientists and investigators gather and analyze evidence from crime scenes to solve cases.
Thirty-one breakout sessions were available throughout the morning, including a session led by Cargill in which participants followed the life of Sam the Soybean to learn about the process of turning a raw product into a delicious food product. Wayne HealthCare employees provided a hands-on activity for students to explore the role of a pharmacist. Students measured, blended, mixed, and tested concoctions to ensure they were safe and effective.
In the afternoon, students visited STEMM career demonstrations, which included 14 tables with area businesses where students learned more about various career fields.
Representatives from Advanced Composites, Cargill, Copeland, Crown Equipment Corporation, Edison State, Hobart Institute of Welding Tech, Honda, MedVet, Midmark, OSU Extension Office—Miami County, Premier Health Dietetic, and Wayne HealthCare provided their expertise for the day’s breakout sessions and interactive career demonstrations.
Photo: Women in STEMM Expo participants learned how to intubate a manikin, which simulated placing a tube into a patient’s airway to ensure they could breathe properly and then connecting the patient to a ventilator, during a breakout session led by Drew Dukes of the Edison State Respiratory Care Program.