UC women in engineering event connects high school students to STEM

On Nov. 5, more than 100 high school students came to the University of Cincinnati’s campus to participate in the College of Engineering and Applied Science’s (CEAS) Women in Engineering & Technology Day. The daylong event highlighted the many opportunities for students interested in STEM: science, technology, engineering and math.

“We’re giving these students the opportunity to learn more about women in engineering,” said UC Recruitment Coordinator Costina Luc, who organized the event. “As an engineering college, it’s our goal to work towards people. It’s our responsibility to enroll and educate students on the importance of engineering.”

Luc organized the day to reflect both the academic and industry experience for UC engineering students. The young women asked questions at student and industry panels and toured UC’s engineering facilities. Additionally, UC faculty led department breakout sessions that involved presentations and hands-on activities. Most of these sessions were coordinated by female faculty. 

“The whole day was there for us to help inform them about what engineering was like, what that pathway looks like,” said Luc.

“I met so many empowering women, and all of the speakers were so helpful,” said one attendee. “This event really helped shape my goals for what I want to get out of college.”

The day concluded with a keynote speech by Ashley Paz y Puente, PhD, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, who shared her experience as a woman in the STEM field and gave advice to future engineering students.

“You don’t absolutely have to love math and science classes to be a successful engineer,” she said. “If you’re interested in problem solving and making the world a better place, engineering might be for you.”

She ended her talk by encouraging the students to pursue what they love, no matter what obstacles they may encounter.

“You do you. If you want to be an engineer, rocket scientist, math teacher, you go for it. It’s worth it to love what you do.”

This is the second Women in Engineering & Technology Day that CEAS has hosted this year. As more women enter the STEM field, UC will continue to ensure this population has the support and confidence they need to succeed at UC and beyond.