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2022 STEMinist Program Series

Adventures in STEM with Everyday Superheroes 

Meet Kimberly Kowal Arcand, Ph.D! Arcand is the Visualization scientist & Emerging tech lead for NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, which has its headquarters at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is a leading expert in studying the perception and comprehension of high-energy data visualization across the novice-expert spectrum. Additionally, Dr. Kimberly Arcand is a leading expert in astronomy visualization and has been a pioneer in 3D imaging, printing, and extended reality applications with astrophysics data.

Don't miss Dr. Archand's STEMinist session on Aug. 20!

Join us on the 2nd Saturday of each month as we participate in virtual, hands-on, enriching, and age-appropriate STEM activities! Each program session is led by an Everyday Superhero—a woman working in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM).

Each month, our Everyday Superheroes will share their story and do STEM with Girl Scouts—making connections to real world problems and solutions. Plus, all sessions are strategically aligned to STEM badges.

Girl Scouts may attend individually or as a troop by signing up for a program pass! And, stateside Girl Scouts are invited to join us by registering for a program pass as well. 

GET YOUR STEMINIST PROGRAM PASS HERE

Troops and Overseas Committees that bulk register 10 or more girls receive a per girl discount and an autographed copy of STEMinist host, Erin Twamley’s book, Everyday Superheroes: Women in STEM Careers.

Interested in learning more about our past STEMinist hosts? Be sure to check out our STEMinist Host Directory to meet all of the amazing women who have shared their STEM super powers with our Girl Scouts Overseas! 

STEMinist Q&A

What happens in a STEMinist program?

The STEMinist series is held the second Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. or 11 a.m. EST. Please be sure to check what time that is in your corner of the world. The session may be attended live or watched via recording. All materials needed are sent to participants via a list prior to the programming. A program pass includes the following:

  • Individual or Troop level registration for the series of 12+ sessions.
    • Preparation is limited. All materials needed for participation are listed prior to each session. Each session also notes if adult supervision, group or additional technology is required.
  • Monthly 60-minute virtual enrichment sessions providing a hands-on, interactive STEM activity and conversation with a STEM Superhero.
    • Complete the session live or save the recording to complete the activity that best suits your timezone.
    • Each session is aligned to step(s) for STEM related badges and/or Journeys.
  • A STEMinist patch earned after completing 12+ sessions.

 

Why a STEMinist program?

This series serves three purposes:

1. Engage Girl Scouts in hands-on, enriching, and age-appropriate STEM activities to make connections to real world problems and solutions.

2. Encourage Girl Scouts to participate and earn STEM related badges and journeys.

3. Share diverse STEM careers and role models with Girl Scouts to foster excitement about STEM careers.

How does the STEMinist program operate?

This program is a collaboration led by USAGSO, in partnership with volunteer STEM Superheroes and program host Erin Twamley, a USAGSO Global Facilitator, educator and STEM author.

 

What are the STEMinist sessions I can participate in?
Date STEMinist Guest Career                 Activity  
Jan 22 Melissa Cristina Márquez Shark Scientist

Shark Tagging

  
Feb 12
 Sonya Carey Animator

Q&A

  
March 12 Genesis Velazquez Chemistry, Cosmetic Science    
April 9 Samantha Wynns Conservation Biologist and Science Educator Cadette Comic Artist Badge Activity  
April 30 Elizabeth Mendez Pharmacology and Cancer Biology    
May 14 Birthe Veno Kjellerup, Ph.D. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Food Waste and Mold

  
June 11
Sarah Wilson		 Mechanical Engineer who makes robots that pick strawberries.

Sustainable Farming

  
July SUMMER BREAK  
Aug 20 Kimberly Arcand Visualization scientist & Emerging tech lead for NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory    
Sept 10 Ashley Podhradsky Cybersecurity

Data in a Photograph

  
Sept 23 Daisy Huang Renewable Energy
Mechanical Designer

Build a Wind Turbine

  
Oct 8 Aisha Lawrey Electrical Engineer

Science of Sound

  
Oct 21 Melanie Long  3D Printing
    
Nov 12 Heather Chalender Maker Games    
Dec 10 Michele Waters Medical Mycology    
How do I register to attend all the STEMinist Sessions?

Our 1/2-Year USAGSO STEMinist Program Pass costs $20.00 per girl for 12+ programs. The cost of the program pass includes the STEMinist patch.

Troops and Overseas Committees that bulk register 10 or more girls receive a per girl discount and an autographed copy of STEMinist host, Erin Twamley’s book, Everyday Superheroes: Women in STEM Careers.

Additional merchandise, including autographed copies of our STEMinist host, Erin Twamley's book, Everyday STEM Superheroes: Women in STEM Careers , can be purchased separately in our Overseas Girl Scout World Shop !

How does this program make a difference to Girl Scouts Overseas?
 
  1. Girls meet, learn and interact with role models in STEM, making connections from anywhere in the world.
  2. Girls learn about the impact STEM careers have on solving everyday problems and improving our world. 
  3. Girls identify, cultivate and practice their STEM skills while earning specific badges and journeys. Note: Most sessions complete 1 step of a badge.
How does the STEMinist program align with our USAGSO mission?

The Girl Scouts Generation STEM Report (2012) highlights that girls are interested in the processes of learning, asking questions, & problem solving. The report also highlights the importance of adult networks and exposure to role models. Additionally, the Four Ways Girl Scouts Builds Girl Leaders in STEM Report  shows the effect that Girl Scout STEM programming has on girls. This program is able to cultivate STEM experiences for Girl Scouts Overseas with real professionals in STEM enabling them to code, build, or simply use their creative imaginations.

Are you a STEM Superhero, and interested in sharing your STEM superpowers with USAGSO Girl Scouts?

We are so excited that you are interested in sharing your time, energy, and STEM superpowers with our Girl Scout STEMinists! For more information, please check out our STEM Superheroes 1-pager and apply here to host a program. 

What is USA Girl Scouts Overseas?

This virtual series is geared to support our Girl Scouts living overseas. These Girl Scouts are daughters of military, foreign service, and American expat families around the world and to girls in American or International schools. There are over 12,500 members in 90+ countries. This program is open to individual Girl Scouts to participate as well as whole troops! While targeted for our USAGSO members,

Thank you to our partner!