For Women’s History Month the Liberty Science Center blog is highlighting women working in STEM at the Science Center. Our hope is that their stories will inspire young girls and women all over New Jersey to consider a career in the STEM fields.
I grew up surrounded by the natural world of the ocean, and a backyard full of things to explore and discover. I was always interested in science and engineering, and I was fortunate to have parents who encouraged that passion. We visited many zoos, museums, and aquariums throughout our travels. It was between my 8th and 9th grade years that I was exposed to the nature of research science and given a clear idea of what I needed to do if I wanted to pursue a career in a STEM field.
I took harder math and science classes in high school, and started college with a plan to be an engineer. I ended up changing to geology, but still love the fields of engineering and tinker with things as a hobby. I credit the Oceanography Camp for Girls with putting me on the path to science, and later returned to Oceanography for a Master’s program. It was at that point that I gained an appreciation for teaching and, after a year of a student teaching fellowship, and two years mentoring in the Oceanography Camp for Girls, I shifted my career focus from research to education and joined Liberty Science Center.
For me, my love for STEM came through my diverse out-of-school experiences growing up. I hope to share the excitement I felt in museums as a child with the students and teachers I work with today. Most of my work is with teachers, demonstrating engaging ways to integrate technology, engineering, and mathematics into their science classrooms. I also have the pleasure of leading after school programs for girls in computer programming. It really feels like coming full circle working with these girls, showing them the creative approachable side of these subjects and hopefully inspiring them to pursue STEM in their futures.
Women’s History Month blog by Katie Gardner. Katie is an Interpretation Associate at Liberty Science Center.