Image (L-R): Emily Campbell, Francesca Maclean, Emily Rose Rees and Katie Ward.
Four students from the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science have cemented their vision to achieve gender equity in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) after attending the Connecting Women in STEM National Symposium.
The engineering students, Francesca Maclean, Emily Rose Rees, Emily Campbell and Katie Ward are founding members of Fifty50, a student-led organisation dedicated to promoting gender equity within the College at ANU.
The Symposium provided an opportunity to share best practices and policies in academia and industry, as well as ground-breaking initiatives to foster an environment where more women in STEM can lead and excel.
“Throughout the conference, we heard a range of stories from notable women in their fields, and learnt how different companies and institutions are working to cultivate an equitable environment” says Katie.
ANU was well-represented at the Symposium.Professor Brian Schmidt, Vice-Chancellor and President of ANU introduced the keynote speaker - Professor Sharon Bell, Honorary Professor of ANU. Both are members of the Science in Australia Gender Equity Advisory Group, conducting research on gender equity in STEM fields.
“Attending the symposium was a fantastic opportunity to learn about how other institutions and organisations are working to improve gender equity and what they have been able to achieve. The shared stories and experiences gave us plenty of ideas for future events and programs and we’ve returned from the symposium ready to make a difference for everyone in STEM, and particularly those within the College.” says Emily.
For ANU Fifty50 president Francesca Maclean, the Symposium highlighted the importance of the work being undertaken by those within Fifty50.
“We will ensure that we achieve gender equity and an inclusive STEM culture within the university, and keep the pipeline flowing into industry.”