Female STEM Faculty Mentor Students
Pictured above, from left to right: Cassie Beahler ’16, Katie Benson (Mathematics), Jane Kenney-Hunt (Biology), Erin Martin (Mathematics), Colleen Donnelly (Lab/Environ Heath Safety Manager), Dawn Holliday (Biology), Irene Unger (Biology & ENV Science), and Ashley Reisig ’16.
Every month, the female STEM faculty at Westminster host an informal lunch together. It’s a great opportunity for them to voice concerns, share triumphs, and generally keep in touch with each other.
This month, the week before Thanksgiving break, the faculty invited female students who had declared majors in the STEM fields to join them for the lunch. It was an opportunity to sit with some amazing female faculty and get to know fellow STEM students better. We brought some tables together and had a fun time discussing family Thanksgiving traditions, funny stories, and current events.
Westminster prides itself in cultivating leaders. The female faculty members in STEM fields are a testament to the willingness and ability of the professors to include students and mentor them to success.
Advice from faculty for students
- Stay confident. A lot of people in your life will seem like they know what they are doing while you are wondering about your mistakes. Don’t worry, they make mistakes, too. You can do it.
- Set lofty goals and surround yourself with people who will help you achieve them.
- Be persistent; don’t let anyone tell you, “No.”
- Work hard, but strive for balance in your life. Make time for your friends, family, and simple pleasures. Live life!
