- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science

John Hill — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 21:59:25 +0000

In celebration of , ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is highlighting some of the women in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, their amazing research, and their journeys to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Dr. René A. Shroat-Lewis, Associate Professor of Earth Science

Tell us about yourself? I’m from San Diego, California, but spent my childhood in West Palm Beach, Florida. I did not start college until I was 35 years old, having served in the United States Navy as a weapons specialist and a variety of other jobs including elementary school secretary, deckhand on a fishing boat, and as a housing officer for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. I earned my associate degree from Cape Fear Community College, my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and my Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. I started my career as a marine biology student, but took a geology class and was immediately hooked (thank you, Dr. Garwood). My specialty is invertebrate paleontology with a focus in echinoderm paleoecology and geoscience education. One of the highlights of my work at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock is that every two years I get to take students to San Salvador Island in the Bahamas to share my love for both the geology and the marine environment. I am incredibly lucky! I have two adult sons, William and Richard, who support my love for science every day. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, watching chick-flicks, riding roller coasters, and spoiling my 14-year-old dog, Honor Pookie. What is your role as a woman in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? I am an associate professor in the Department of Earth Sciences. I’ve been at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock since 2012. I teach a wide variety of topics from undergraduate introductory courses to upper level and graduate courses, such as Physical Geology, Paleobiology, Oceanography, Natural Disasters, and Geology and Ecology of the Bahamas. I also teach Science & Society I and II for the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program. I currently have two graduate students involved in research – one is studying landslide activity near Round Mountain in northern Arkansas, and the other is studying how to make introductory labs more relevant to the everyday lives of our students.

Dr. René A. Shroat-Lewis

What inspired you to pursue a degree in the sciences? I knew by the age of five that I wanted to be a scientist. My grandfather, who really inspired my love for all things marine, used to take me fishing on the weekends. When the fish weren’t biting, we would take a stroll through the tidepools, and he would share everything he knew about the critters with me. I also used to get both of my grandparents outside in the middle of the night to watch meteor showers and look at the stars. My grandmother found more bugs, worms, shells, and rocks in my pockets on laundry day than should ever be allowed. My favorite classes in school were always the science classes. I used to beg the teachers to let me do extra experiments and labs. As a parent, my favorite part of the year was when my sons had to do either invention days or science fairs. It was only natural that when I decided to go to college at the age of 35 that I would pursue a science career. Marine biology was my first love, but my work in geology allows me to use modern extant organisms to better understand how ancient extinct organisms fit into their ecosystems. Why do you think diversity is important, especially in the science fields?

Dr. René A. Shroat-Lewis during a research trip to the Bahamas.

We are a product of our upbringing, each with different experiences and perceptions that impacts our decision-making skills. It is this diversity that creates a well-rounded group of critical thinkers. I am especially interested in engaging more women of color in geosciences as their voices are underrepresented in this discipline. Currently, women represent about 28% of all geoscientists, and women of color represent less than 5%. We must increase these numbers if we want to remain at the forefront of discovery and innovation critical to understanding Earth and its interactions with human societies. To that end, I serve as the South Central Delegate for the Association for Women Geoscientists. Our mission is to enhance the quality and level of women in the geosciences and to introduce girls and young women to geoscience careers. What advice would you give to girls and women who want to pursue a career in the sciences? Don’t be afraid to ask to meet with other women in the sciences. We want to engage you in our research! We get so excited when someone wants to know more about what we do. There are so many different types of careers available to scientists including those in academia, industry, environmental remediation, medicine, museums, NASA, and other government positions. A degree in the sciences means you will be in demand for your critical thinking skills and knowledge.

Ronia Kattoum, Advanced Instructor of Chemistry and Ph.D. Student��

Tell us about yourself. My family moved to the Chicago area from Palestine when I was a child. After overcoming the language barrier, I began to prosper in all subject areas, but I was particularly drawn to the sciences because they were the most challenging. I was accepted in a selective STEM Program in high school which set the stage for my undergraduate college career at Loyola University Chicago, where I earned a B.S in Chemistry: Biochemistry.

Ronia Kattoum

Having been married at a younger age, I took a break from my studies to take care of my growing family after we relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas. Shortly after settling down in Arkansas, I set out on my journey into graduate school and earned two master’s degrees in chemistry and higher education, which helped me land a job as an instructor of chemistry at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. After eight years of teaching full-time, I am currently on the path to earn my Ph.D. in Applied Science: Chemistry. Although I miss Chicago and visit often, I enjoy exploring the many beautiful national parks in Arkansas with my four children. I also enjoy baking, cooking, painting, and playing sports with my kids. What is your role as a woman in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? I am currently a full-time advanced instructor of chemistry and on track to earn my Ph.D. in Applied Science: Chemistry. I teach General, Fundamentals, and Organic Chemistry and their respective labs. As the Freshman Program Coordinator in my department, I mentor and train graduate teaching assistants in evidence-based pedagogical practices to strengthen their teaching and prepare them for a career in academia. I have also helped launch the Learning Assistant Program in the Chemistry Department to help train more advanced undergraduate learning assistants to assist in facilitating group work alongside the instructor or in their own workshop sessions. The focus of my research is exploring the effect of evidence-based teaching practices and teaching reform on students’ sense of belonging and performance in high attrition courses from a lens of a diversity, equity, and inclusion standpoint. What inspired you to pursue a career in the sciences? As far as I can remember, I have always been curious and drawn to solving difficult problems. If I saw a puzzle, I wouldn’t rest until I figured out how to put it together. No matter how much I learned, I was always excited to learn more and explore further. I��found everything fascinating in school, but I gravitated toward studying the��sciences because I loved challenges and competitions. My high school chemistry��teacher really inspired me to study chemistry in college. The further I studied��the subject, the more fascinated I became by it. It helped explain so many��things that I observed in my everyday world. I still discover something new��every day! Why do you think diversity is important, especially in science fields? If you were to have asked me 15 years ago if I saw myself as a scientist, I would have seen it as highly unlikely. As a first-generation college student and woman of Middle Eastern descent, I didn’t see myself fitting in that role because I didn’t see many��scientists that looked like me. I thought it was reserved for those who were much more capable and creative than I was. But my professors saw something in me that I hadn’t seen in myself and encouraged me to find my calling. I realized how important those role models were in helping me shape my path and realizing my full potential. Now, I have the privilege of being that figure that will inspire others to pursue their dreams. By encouraging students from all backgrounds to pursue science, we bring fresh voices and unique ideas that will help us solve problems, catapulting discovery and innovation to the next level. We also lay down the groundwork for inspiring the next generation of scientists. What advice would you give to girls and women who want to pursue a career in the sciences? First, realize your own potential and capabilities and don’t underestimate what you can accomplish. There is no cookie-cutter version of what you should be. It is your unique��traits that will set you apart from the rest and help you reach milestones that��previously seemed unattainable to women. What you may have perceived as a��barriers will end up being your biggest strength. Second, don’t be afraid to reach out to your teachers/mentors and build connections with them. They are your biggest champions and will help you reach those milestones that you have your heart and mind set on. Lastly, be proactive and seek equity and justice for all human beings. Just because something has been done a certain way for a long time doesn’t mean that it is necessarily the right way. We have made so many strides as women, but it is up to you to carry that torch and take it to the next level so future generations of women in science do not face the same barriers you have experienced.

Dr. Stefanie Leacock, Instructor and Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Biology

Tell us about yourself. I grew up in South Carolina and studied biology at Florida State University before attending Yale University for a Ph.D. in Genetics. I did post-doctoral research at UT-Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, then transitioned into teaching at University of Texas-Austin for five years.

Dr. Stefanie Leacock

I moved to Little Rock in 2016 with my spouse and our three kids, the youngest was just two months old at the time! I was a consultant for biology higher education publishing for a couple of years before returning to teach and learn with undergraduate students at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in 2018. What is your role as a woman in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? I am a biology instructor and coordinator of undergraduate studies for our department. I teach a lot of our biology majors in introductory courses and then get to teach them again in upper division courses. Seeing their growth as students uplifts me! I love being a member of a community of faculty here who are interested in improving teaching and learning. I have been a PALM Fellow (Promoting Active Learning and Mentoring), which is a national network devoted to learning as well as participated in developing a LibreText (open access textbook) for my genetics class to help students by reducing cost of courses and well as targeting the book to my teaching. What inspired you to pursue a career in the sciences? I was interested in biology starting in high school, but the idea of medical school wasn’t appealing to me. I started doing undergraduate research as a junior at FSU, and my research mentor there encouraged me to pursue a Ph.D. I didn’t even know where to apply – so she had to help me come up with a list of choices! Graduate school was difficult for me at first, but I credit my program at Yale with providing amazing support and guidance so that I could succeed. Why do you think diversity is important, especially in science fields? I love being an instructor here. Our diverse students have great experiences and ideas to bring to my understanding of biology and how to teach it. I recognize that one aspect of diversity is the privilege I had to focus on my schooling as an undergraduate. Broadening science has to include broadening when we can become scientists, allowing reaching, teaching, and learning for more than just full-time/first-time undergraduate students. What advice would you give to girls and women who want to pursue a career in the sciences? 1. Don’t believe the myths about scientists. Scientists don’t have to be lonely or introverted. We love collaboration and community! Sure there are times we have to concentrate, but that is true of many professions. 2. Mentors, mentors, mentors. I had amazing mentors as 1 – undergraduate, 2 – graduate work, 3 – postdoctoral fellow, and even now as a faculty member I have other faculty that are terrific at listening, helping, and giving advice. Two of my three research advisors were women, but the third was not and he was an excellent role model for the importance of work/life/family balance, so don’t assume that all good mentors have to be female either. 3. Don’t lose the sense of awe and wonder! Discovery feels amazing!

Mayor Inna Gurung, Graduate Student, Software Developer, and Research Assistant at COSMOS

Tell us about yourself? I am Mayor Inna Gurung from Nepal, a graduate student in the Department of Information Science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. I completed my undergraduate degree in computing in 2020 from Leeds Beckett University, and I have been working as a software developer for about three years now and planning to do my Ph.D. in information science after my graduation. Besides work and studies, I am a travel enthusiast. I love exploring new places and cultures. What is your role as a woman in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? I am working as a graduate research assistant in COSMOS as a part of YoutubeTracker. It is a tool that can track, monitor, and identify influential YouTube groups and content. What inspired you to pursue a career in the sciences?

Mayor Inna Gurung

Well, I don’t have a very specific reason. In part, it was a mere curiosity as a kid to understand how devices were working and how they made certain applications. But as I grew up, I understood there is way more to it. As a family with a business background, my parents were always hesitant for me to pursue a career in computer science. Eventually, I was able to convince them and started my undergraduate in computing. Being able to inspire many women in my community where computer science is still a big dream for women is what motivates me to do better every day. Why do you think diversity is important, especially in science fields? One of the hardest challenges that I had to face while working as a developer back in my home country is that I was the only woman developer. Sure, they were helpful but I always felt like I would have been more comfortable if I had the opportunity to discuss my confusions and ideas with diverse colleagues. I believe a diverse work and research environment brings new approaches and ideas to every problem. A monochromatic approach never brings out the best in anything. What advice would you give to girls and women who want to pursue a career in the sciences? Please do not get discouraged by the lack of women leadership. We need you and your ideas. Try making your first application, or a coding challenge, join a hackathon, explore your interests, and always remember your dreams are valid. In your path, you are never denied, you are only redirected.

Jne Banner, Nursing Major

Tell us about yourself? Born in Wilmington, Delaware, I was raised by a single mother which created some challenges. However, I learned to be kind, selfless, and my dreams were never far reaching. My family and I relocated to Little Rock in 2002 to be closer to my family. At the time, I was also preparing for motherhood. My only child is now a 19-year-old freshman attending Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When we moved to Arkansas, I gained a love for animals, hiking, fitness, and traveling. I also have a circle of friends I love to hang out with. What is your role as a woman in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?

Jne Banner

Women are innovators. Representing ��Vlog��ý Little Rock as a woman in science is an honor. My goal is to inspire others, young and seasoned, to consider opportunities science has to offer. I strive to be more than a role model that others look to from afar. Being one who will walk beside other women sharing my own experiences but also learning from others through their journeys as well is what I hope to achieve. Although nursing is my passion, STEM stretches far beyond nursing. So many opportunities are open and await other women to walk into. What inspired you to pursue a career in the sciences? A nurse’s care is pivotal in the healthcare industry. Nurses are typically the first healthcare professional you come into contact with. Also, the person you communicate with most often. Unfortunately, my experience when being cared for after having a newborn that passed away was subpar. Processing the grief of losing a child and being treated in that manner is what motivated me to become a nurse. Relying on others to care for you requires vulnerability on some level. When caring for patients, my own experience is not lost to me. I do my best to ensure patients are comfortable and receive the highest quality of care. Continuing to educate and develop my skills beyond my current role as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to a Registered Nurse (RN) and beyond will afford me more opportunities to provide high-quality care and to teach others to do the same.

Jne Banner

Why do you think diversity is important, especially in STEM fields? The ongoing narrative today is that women of color are not receiving the same level of healthcare as our counterparts. Being in a position to share lived experiences in healthcare and other STEM fields requires open eyes to address inequalities. Our vision cannot be tunnel based on our own culture. We have to push the needles to think outside of the box, educate ourselves and learn from others from different walks of life. What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue a career in STEM? Women are needed and wanted in STEM programs. If you have a passion, there is a place for you. The opportunities are endless and yours for the taking.

Lucca Garcia, Nursing and Spanish Major

Tell us about yourself. I am a fourth year undergraduate Donaghey Scholar double majoring in Nursing and Spanish. I was born and raised in Arkansas, however, my family is from Chicago, Illinois. After I graduate with my bachelor’s degree and work to gain experience at the bedside as a nurse, I would like to commence travel nursing.

Lucca Garcia

Having studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain, I would like to incorporate international health into my future plans in some form. I intend to continue my education with a master’s in business and/or by becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Some of my hobbies include yoga, hiking, and journaling. What inspired you to pursue a career in the sciences? My parents inspire me; they both have careers in science. My father has his bachelor’s degree in computer science and his master’s degree in computer science with an emphasis in network design and development. My mother has her bachelor’s in nursing, her master’s in nursing informatics, and over 26 years of experience as a nurse. Growing up, I saw how hard they worked to provide for our family, and it demonstrated to me that if you work hard enough for something it will pay off. Nothing worth having comes easy, but the work that you put into obtaining a goal makes you feel even more appreciative when you earn it. I think that feeling of accomplishment and sense of added value motivates me every day. Why do you think diversity is important, especially in science fields? I think diversity is important because it creates an atmosphere of inclusivity. An environment where anyone can feel welcome is important because it encourages change and fosters growth. Diversity, specifically in STEM, inspires creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. Lastly, it demonstrates that STEM can be for anyone that dedicates the time and effort to it. What advice would you give to girls and women who want to pursue a career in the sciences? Take one class at a time, and see adversity as a challenge to do better and work harder. Do not tell yourself that you cannot do something before you even try. If you have a goal you would like to achieve, do your research, find someone who is in the position you want to be in, and ask them questions about how they got there. Chances are they had the same negative thoughts or were in a similar position as you are when they were first starting out. If you want to read about more ��Vlog��ý Little Rock women in the sciences, please visit our feature on International Day of Women and Girls in Science from 2021.

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science

John Hill — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 15:31:06 +0000

In celebration of , ��Vlog��ý Little Rock has highlighted some of the women in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, their amazing research, and their journeys to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Dr. Beth McMillan, Chair of the Department of Earth Sciences

I am a geologist who studies landscapes — their forms and the processes that shape them. I grew up in Neosho, MO, and attended Colorado College, earning a bachelor’s in Geology. I also attended Colorado School of Mines for a master’s in Environmental Science and Engineering. Finally, I graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Ph.D. in Geology.�� My husband and I have two children, both will be freshman in the fall 2021. My son will be attending Colorado College, and my daughter will be a freshman at Little Rock Central High School. My hobbies are mostly outdoor related. I love to hike, camp, ride my bike, and travel.�� What is your role as a woman in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?�� I am the chairperson of the Department of Earth Sciences, a position that I aspired to from the earliest days of my career and one that I am very proud to have attained. My role is to help remove obstacles and provide opportunities for our students and our faculty, ultimately in order to better understand how the Earth works and how we can live sustainably with our environment. As a female geoscientist, I want to demonstrate how women can be successful in balancing work and family even when pursuing careers that often take them to distant and remote field areas. What inspired you to pursue a STEM career?

Dr. Beth McMillan

I was drawn to science and math from an early age. I collected rocks as a very young child just because I liked their shapes. I never knew that you could pursue a career in studying how they formed and why they had those shapes. I was very fortunate to have parents who supported my interests and to have had teachers in middle school and high school who also fully encouraged my interests in the natural world.�� When I was a freshman in college, I took an Introductory Geology course. Other students told me it was a great field-trip class. That really appealed to me — to be able to go out to see and touch the things that were usually only seen as pictures in textbooks. My academic advisors were also very supportive of me, even when I had my first child during my Ph.D. studies. Why do you think diversity is important, especially in STEM fields? Diversity is of the utmost importance in STEM. We are all motivated by the accumulated experiences of our backgrounds. These experiences guide us to ask questions that are relevant to us as people. For me, I care very much about women’s health, my children’s future, and how the health of the Earth will impact these issues. What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue a career in STEM? First of all, there is a place for you in STEM.�� Second, work with those people who see you and value you for who you are and who you want to be.

Sandra Leiterman, Managing Director of the Cyber Gym

Sandra Leiterman

I am originally from Wisconsin, but I moved to Little Rock in 2006. I attended ��Vlog��ý Little Rock and received my bachelor’s in Middle School Education (Math-Science) in 2010. I have a graduate certificate in Gifted and Talented Education also from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, and a master’s degree in Digital Teaching and Online Learning from Kansas State. I am currently working on my Ph.D. in Urban Education with a specialization in Math Education.�� I have been married for 24 years. I have one son who will graduate in May from Oklahoma State University, and I have a dog named Humphrey. When I am not at work or working on schoolwork, you can find me at CycleBar, or on a run with my dog at one of the bridge parks such as the Two Rivers or Big Dam Bridge. I also find sewing very therapeutic and mind-calming.�� What is your role as a woman in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?�� I am currently the Managing Director of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Cyber Gym. The Cyber Gym provides massively scalable cloud-based cybersecurity workouts (problems and threat exercises) appropriate for every level of the cybersecurity workforce pipeline. We provide realistic, hands-on activities in a variety of cybersecurity subject areas to reinforce security learning objectives and develop the skills needed to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure. I work with recruitment and outreach to bring people, especially women and other typically underrepresented students, to our program via workshops, summer camps, and, ultimately, our degree programs.�� I am also on the steering committee for the Annual I have hosted several women/girls in STEM workshops in the past five years, both on and off campus. Most recently was the Women in Cyber Security Summit on International Day of the Girl 2020.��

The Just a Prototype robotics team members include: Back row (L-R) Jamie Burrows, Rachel Smith, Shala Nail, and Donetha Groover. Front row (L-R) David Shurley , FLN the robot, and Faculty Advisor Sandra Leiterman.

What inspired you to pursue a STEM career? I have always enjoyed math and science. However, I did not enjoy the way it was taught. I became a STEM educator to have an impact on building competence and confidence for students in the math and science fields. In my first year teaching, I saw how inequitable opportunities were for the girls in my class, mostly because they had no one to encourage or believe in them. I began to encourage all of my girls to participate in extracurricular activities such as robotics, science fairs, and the science olympiad. I coached the first all-girls robotics team in the state of Arkansas.�� Why do you think diversity is important, especially in STEM fields? I think everyone has something to offer as far as creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving. Far too often, we see women’s ideas and approaches being dismissed or diminished. If women are not invited to participate, then the STEM fields are missing out on talent.�� What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue a career in STEM? One of my favorite quotes is from : “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”�� Have the confidence in yourself to believe you belong there.

Khristina Huff, Junior Biology and Chemistry Student��

I was raised in the small, rural town of Cleveland, Arkansas by my parents Cary Huff and Carin Knopfer. It was a quiet area to say the least, but nonetheless taught me many valuable life lessons that I will always hold dear. I found a wide range of hobbies to keep me busy in such a small area, including martial arts, art classes, piano, video games, and poetry.

Khristina Huff

The area provided opportunities that others my age may not have been able to experience.�� My neighbors have a farm and for seven years, I worked as a farmhand and farmer’s market helper. The summer after my freshman year in college, I worked at the farm and interned at the local hospital to aid in my aspirations as a future orthopedic surgeon. It was here that I shadowed a variety of careers including orthopedics, wound care, radiology, emergency medicine, rehab and more. The summer after this, my study abroad trip was canceled due to COVID-19. I decided to pursue experience in home health and became a personal care aide to help patients in daily routines at their homes. What is your role as a woman in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?�� After graduating from Clinton High School and being accepted into the Donaghey Scholars Program, I began my journey at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock on a pre-med track to gain my bachelor’s in biology and in chemistry. Since attending ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, I have found some really amazing opportunities. I joined the VEX Robotics team during my freshman year and later shadowed research within our Nanotech department. In my second semester of freshman year, I was selected to be a learning assistant, leading a weekly chemistry workshop each semester. This semester, I have begun to work behind the scenes with the university’s Learning Assistant program, studying the impact of this program on increasing the success of diverse students, especially those from marginalized groups. Additionally, this semester I was selected to begin biomedical research at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, beginning in the next few weeks.�� What inspired you to pursue a STEM career? The many exciting experiences that I have had the chance to participate in all prepare me for my future career as a healthcare provider. I grew up with two disabled veterans as parents, and as someone who has witnessed their hardships, it has created a passion within me to care for patients like them. Watching members of underserved groups struggle for quality healthcare is heartbreaking to me.�� Why do you think diversity is important, especially in STEM fields? With the increasing diversity of patients within medicine, it is imperative that providers are able to understand their concerns. The same goes for those working in STEM fields. By introducing this kind of diversity into the workplace, we are repaid with understanding, brilliant, and beyond capable physicians, engineers, teachers, and more.�� What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue a career in STEM? By bringing diversity such as this into the workplace, young women are fully able to pursue any career that they desire. It is these women that will bring equity as well as equality to our society. It is these women that will open doors never seen before to those before them. It is these women who are the future of our ever-changing world. The first step for these girls is to see their potential and know that no career goal is ever too big for them to achieve. The second is to show others that they can do the same. With a mindset such as this, these young women will pave the way for others such as themselves, creating a future in which little girls can pursue their goals without a shadow of doubt.

Dr. Noureen Siraj, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry

Dr. Noureen Siraj

Born and raised in a middle class family, I started tutoring science and mathematics to my junior students when I was only in eighth grade. Since then, I have considered myself a part of the academic world and found a natural teacher inside me.�� I was raised in a family and a part of the world where girls do not get equal opportunities of higher and quality education compared to boys. My admission to university had several hurdles, including cultural resistance and financial expenses. However, I was able to overcome all these barriers with my severe persistence and father’s assistance. I am the first one in my family who was admitted to a university for higher education. Because of me, my younger sister found it easier to follow my route and complete her master’s in Chemistry. I graduated from the university as a top rank student not only in my class but also in the chemistry department. I was awarded with four gold medals at the same university where I was admitted on probation. After completing my master’s degree in chemistry, I started teaching in college and then joined the university as an instructor. I received a fully funded scholarship for my Ph.D. in Austria. This was the first time in my life to travel abroad, and it was a life changing experience for me. During my stay in Austria, I met and made friends from different countries, cultures, religions, and language. I learned a lot from my friends and class fellows of diverse backgrounds. I travelled to many European countries (Germany, Denmark, France, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Czech Republic, Netherland, Slovakia, Slovenia, etc.) My hobby was to explore different places, cultures, and languages, as well as visit churches and mosques. This exposure made me flexible, adaptable, and respectful to people of different ethnicities and languages and enabled me to appreciate the importance of diversity. I came to the U.S. as a postdoctoral scholar in the Warner Research group at Louisiana State University. The research group was also very diverse. The contribution of Dr. Warner for African American students was tremendous. My goal is to develop a very strong research group of diverse people who thrive in research and innovation.�� What is your role as a woman in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?�� I am the only female research professor in the department. At present, I am running the largest research group in the department as well. Currently, there are six female graduate and seven undergraduate research students working in my laboratory. My research group includes first-generation college students, African American students, women, international students, and white students. These numbers corroborate that women can be good researchers and excel in STEM fields. My current research focuses on exploring the application of ionic nanomaterials in the arena of health, environment, and energy. I have published 18 manuscripts since joining ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. Research grants are critical to develop a strong and successful research group. In the last 4 years, I have secured funding from federal agencies (NSF and NASA), state (Arkansas Division of Higher Education, INBRE) and local grants (college and signature awards). I travelled to the Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT) with my graduate student via a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to perform superior research with well-known scientists. Learning there helped me to enhance the scope of research projects in my lab.�� My students have presented research in different conferences including ACS national and regional meetings, IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) conferences, at the Arkansas State Capitol, the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock EXPO, and more. Many of my undergraduate and graduate students have received awards for their research oral and poster presentations. Last year, my undergraduate students received first position at an INBRE conference and first and third place at the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Expo.

Dr. Noureen Siraj works in her chemistry lab. Photo by Ben Krain.

I mentor three to five K-12 school students every year who present their scientific findings and learnings in their school, regional, state, and international science fairs. Many high school students from my lab have received distinctions and cash prizes at regional, state and international competitions. In 2018, Meghana Bollimpali, a junior high school student who worked under me, won the 2nd place grand award of $50K at Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). No other student from Arkansas has ever achieved such distinction. In 2019, another student from my lab, Amna Khan, won third place in the chemistry category at Intel ISEF. In 2020, two high school students secured first place in the regional science fair and were selected to participate at ISEF.�� I serve on many committees within the university that work to improve the diversity in STEM. I provide volunteer service to various journals. I serve on the review panel for proposals as a member of the editorial board and reviewer committee. I am also a member of the Donaghey Scholars Program Policy Council. I serve as a judge for the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Poster Expo. I am also a member of the Mock PreMed Interview Committee. In the department, I am a chair of the Safety Committee, member of the Assessment Committee, and a part of the Awards and Recognition Committee. I am a Chemistry Olympiad Exam coordinator for the Central Arkansas region. I am also a member of the scientific review committee of ISEF. What inspired you to pursue a STEM career? I am a chemist today because a chemistry teacher in my undergrad inspired me to the extent that I fell in love with this subject and chose to become a researcher as well as a teacher in this amazing field. It is my turn now to inspire the next generation to do wonders and serve humanity by making new discoveries and inventions in this field.�� Why do you think diversity is important, especially in STEM fields? Innovation in STEM comes from out-of-the-box thinking. People think differently because of their different backgrounds, experiences in their lives, and values. Diverse students in STEM innovate solutions that were not possible with people of the same experiences and backgrounds. Diversity allows students to share their unique experiences with the group and their unique approach to solving the problems. What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue a career in STEM? Girls, you can excel in STEM fields. Initially, things look difficult but a little patience, hard work and perseverance make things easier. Once you develop interest, you will start enjoying it. Hands-on experience in the lab helps to develop interest and understand difficult concepts in classes.

Dr. Laura S. Ruhl-Whittle, Associate Professor in the Earth Science Department

Dr. Laura Ruhl-Whittle

I’m from Ft. Myers, FL, although I spent some of my childhood in Monroe, LA. I went to the University of Florida for my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Although I began as a pre-med major, I found that I really enjoyed learning about the Earth processes and majored in Geology. I’ve combined my interest in Health with Geology and do research in the field of Medical Geology, specifically looking at the formation and mineralogy of kidney stones. I got my Ph.D. at Duke University in Earth and Ocean Sciences.�� In my spare time I enjoy reading, running, hiking with my family, playing with my 3-year -old, and baking.�� What is your role as a woman in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?�� I am a woman scientist at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in the Department of Earth Sciences. I teach many classes from introductory Physical Geology and Earth and the Environment to upper levels such as environmental geology, hydrogeology, Geology and Ecology of the Bahamas, and Geochemistry. My research consists of understanding the behavior of contaminants in the environment from mining activities, urban activities, and energy uses and resources. As I mentioned above, I am also pursuing research in the field of Medical Geology, looking at the impact of geological materials on human health (urban road dust or coal ash that one may breathe in) to how geological materials form in the human body (kidney stones).�� What inspired you to pursue a STEM career?��

Dr. Laura Ruhl-Whittle

I’ve always had an interest in science (biology, pre-med, etc). One of my favorite places in the world is the beach, so naturally geology was a good fit for me. I didn’t know about geology when I began my undergrad, but after taking one class I was hooked. I loved the way that science explained the happenings in the world around me from why we have mountains and volcanoes where we do to the reason we have ocean basins.�� Why do you think diversity is important, especially in STEM fields? Diversity is essential in STEM fields. I’ve found that many scientists use their backgrounds and experiences to approach problems, therefore having a diverse STEM population brings many new and great ideas to STEM. I also think it is important to have diversity to show that anyone who wants to can be a scientist, engineer, or mathematician. What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue a career in STEM? You can do it! If you have an interest in science, engineering, or math, check out the possibilities for careers. There are so many more than I ever thought possible, and you can have it all — a career in science, a life, and a family.

Iris Denmark, Ph.D. student in Applied Sciences specializing in Chemistry

I am from Jacksonville, Fl. I’m the youngest girl of five and the daughter of a nurse and a teacher. I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in chemistry by day and work full-time as a supervisor at a local Marriott by night. My favorite pastimes are confiding in my siblings and making and selling personal care products for my Etsy business. Family is my priority and the main motivation for everything I do.

Iris Denmark

Being a woman in science has incited many opportunities for me such as having my undergraduate education funded by NASA, governmental and international research opportunities, jobs, and graduate education. I highly recommend it, and think others should definitely try it.�� What is your role as a woman in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? I am currently a third-year Applied Sciences Ph.D. student in the applied chemistry graduate program. My current research is in the sector of electrochemistry, in which I make and characterize supercapacitor materials from bioavailable resources under the mentorship of Dr. Noureen Siraj. During my time in the lab, I also serve as a mentor to undergraduates and high school students who have taken interest in electrochemistry and applications for renewable energy. What inspired you to pursue a STEM career? My father teaches math and science. Also, I attended high school at an engineering magnet academy in Florida, so my exposure to STEM has always been there, as well as my encouragement to pursue an education and career in STEM. I initially wanted to be a biomedical engineer, but my academic journey and experiences solidified my interests in analytical chemistry instead. Why do you think diversity is important, especially in STEM fields? I can attest firsthand that diversity in the STEM field is especially important. It is imperative to demonstrate to those from all walks of life that they can be successful in every endeavor, including STEM, despite their background, or circumstances. Michelle Obama says that if you are committed to doing what it takes, anything is possible. What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue a career in STEM? I would say to them that there will absolutely be times of adversity and discomfort for women pursuing careers in STEM, a male-dominated field. The key to overcoming this adversity is to remain focused and humble and let your work speak for itself.

Dr. Elizabeth Pierce, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Information Science

Dr. Elizabeth Pierce

I grew up outside of Pittsburgh, PA. I was very fortunate to grow up in a community that employed a lot of engineers, teachers, scientists, and professional people who really valued hard work and education. I attended Penn State where I discovered the field of Management Science (an early version of the Management Information Systems).

This choice of major led me to a job as a Programmer Analyst at IBM where I later picked up a master’s in Computer Science. I then decided I would really like to teach at a university so I got my Ph.D. in Statistics and Management Science from the University of Michigan. This really helped me to achieve my career goal of becoming faculty, first at one of the state schools in Pennsylvania and then at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. What is your role as a woman in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? My role is to provide educational services in information systems, technologies, and data sciences to undergraduate and graduate students. My research interests include data governance, data quality, and data analytics. Our department is now home to one of the top online Information Science and Information Quality graduate programs in the country. Plus, we have a very successful track record of training and placing our undergraduates in tech jobs in Arkansas and surrounding states. What inspired you to pursue a STEM career? I liked working with data and trying to figure out what you can do with data. There are lots of neat things you can do with data such as using it to describe the world around us, help diagnose issues, make predictions, and help us figure out the best course of action to take. But to make this happen, you need to have the systems and technologies in place to collect, store, manage, use, and protect the data as well as ensuring the quality of the data. Why do you think diversity is important, especially in STEM fields? Diversity brings thinking from lots of different perspectives. We need lots of different viewpoints to help make sure that our information systems, technologies, products and services help all people. What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue a career in STEM? You can do this. You can make a difference. There are lots of different types of jobs in the IT Industry and lots of organizations that need people who can help them manage, protect, and make the most use of their data for solving tough problems and for helping to serve their customers better.

Julia Green, Senior Computer Science Major

Julia Green

I’m from Maumelle, AR, and I am a senior here at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. Outside of school and work, you can often find me reading, drawing, or playing video games. After I finish my bachelor’s, I plan on pursuing a master’s and eventually a Ph.D. in Computer Science. I really enjoy research and want to pursue a full-time career in it. I am really curious about the applications of computer science in meteorology and would love to work for the National Weather Service one day! What is your role as a woman in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?�� My role as a woman in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock currently consists of several endeavors. I have been working as an undergraduate research assistant in the Emerging Analytics Center since October 2019. I really enjoy getting to put my art and programming skills to the test on the various AR/VR research projects I work on.�� I also enjoy getting to help tutor other students in computer science courses through my position as a CSTEM Ambassador. In addition to my jobs, I am the president of the eSports Club as well as the treasurer and webmaster of the ��Vlog��ý Little Rock ACM Student Chapter. Through my participation in these organizations, I get to work on many different projects that I am passionate about, further improve my abilities as a Computer Scientist, and (most importantly) have fun. What inspired you to pursue a STEM career? Several things inspired my pursuit of a STEM career, with the primary factor being my love for computers. I have loved working with computers since I was very young and have known that I wanted to work with them for much of my life. Another thing that inspired me was the abundance of need for people in Computer Science and STEM as a whole. This abundance of need, I hope, will provide job stability for me and many others in the future. The last thing that inspired me to join STEM is my own desire to provide for myself. I have always been a very independent individual and desired to be my own breadwinner from a young age. I felt that a STEM career was one of my best chances to achieve this. Why do you think diversity is important, especially in STEM fields? Diversity is an invaluable resource in any field as it provides different viewpoints and ways of thinking. STEM fields are notorious for being male-dominated. As their diversity increases, these different viewpoints and ways of thinking will allow for creativity and innovation to flourish even more so than is currently. This will lead to more creations and discoveries which, in turn, will be more inclusive of the population as a whole. Since STEM fields are what drive a lot of our development as a species, it is good that they are more representative of the population as a whole.�� What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue a career in STEM? My first piece of advice I have for young girls wanting to pursue a career in STEM is to advocate for yourself. Your thoughts and ideas are important, but it is up to you to make sure they are heard. You can’t always depend on others, sadly, so don’t be afraid to speak your mind or stand up for yourself. My second piece of advice is to not be afraid of STEM just because of its notoriety for a lack of diversity. Despite this lack of diversity, I have met many good people and made many close friendships with my STEM colleagues. Moreover, STEM’s lack of diversity won’t be mended unless more people from different backgrounds decide to pursue a career in it. I am excited for more young girls to join STEM and see what all we are able to accomplish together in the future.

Mujeebat Bashiru, Doctorate Student in Applied Chemistry

Mujeebat Bashiru

I am Mujeebat Bashiru, a third-year student currently pursuing her Doctorate Degree in Applied Chemistry at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock. As an international student who hailed from Nigeria, I am delighted to be among this great diverse community. I obtained my bachelor’s degree from University of Ilorin, Nigeria, but was passionate to seek more knowledge from a totally different environment abroad in a more diverse community with people from various backgrounds and cultures.�� What is your role as a woman in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? I currently work as a teaching assistant in the department to impact knowledge to students. The Chemistry Department is a community of good people. To the best of my knowledge, they are willing to support and help achieve my career goal. As a researcher undergoing the learning process, meeting people, learning new ideas, sharing ideas, impacting lives, proffering solutions to problems, and sharing time with my family and friends are my interests. The department is occupied with various active research groups. Joining one of them known as the Siraj’s Lab (Analytical/Physical/Material Chemistry Laboratory) is indeed priceless with similar career goals and objectives. Briefly, Siraj’s lab is composed of 95% female chemists! Under the supervision of a female mentor, the group focuses on solving problems facing health, energy, and environment with the use of inexpensive materials that are environmentally friendly to greatly improve the living quality and prosperity of people. What inspired you to pursue a STEM career? Since I was little, I was faced with the thought of being a problem solver. And the various potentials of chemistry in terms of its versatility to almost all aspects that one can ever think of inspired me. With this, I must say it is a great field. Obtaining a doctorate degree in chemistry will develop me to conduct independent research at the highest academic level. With this, I can achieve my dream. Life will not only be impacted but it will also make me fulfilled. Why do you think diversity is important, especially in STEM fields? Since the STEM field is very broad, diversity is of great importance due to the unity involved. There is much more quality in coming together of great minds with a similar vision and mission. This will really help in achieving goals that seem impossible and�� should be encouraged.

Tina Hesabizadeh, Doctoral Student in Applied Biosciences

Tina Hesabizadeh

My name is Tina. I graduated with my B.S. in Biology in December 2020, and I am currently a Ph.D. student in the Applied Biosciences program at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock.�� I am Persian, originally from Iran, but I have called Little Rock my home for the past 12 years! I enjoy being outdoors, and I love looking at a clear sky at night and travel among the stars in my mind! I am very honored to be in the STEM field and to be able to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science!�� What is your role as a woman in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock? I am currently conducting research with the Department of Physics and Astronomy, as well as the Biology department. I started my research when I joined the McNair Scholars Program as an undergraduate, and I have been working on Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles using Laser Ablation. I love teaching and informing others about my research, and I have hope to inspire other women to pursue their dreams in the STEM field.�� What inspired you to pursue a STEM career? From the first moment I was introduced to the laser lab by my mentor and advisor��Dr. Guisbiers, I knew that I was going to enjoy and love working in the lab, and I have always had hope that my research can one day leave an impact or change lives for the better. When I am working in the lab, I only think about the future of humankind and the positive impact our research can have. Why do you think diversity is important, especially in STEM fields? Each person brings a unique character and skill to the field. If we are not diverse, our research will be very limited, and our results and discoveries will decrease as the result of that. Diversity is the key importance for our future innovations, discoveries, and achievements.�� What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue a career in STEM? I would advise any young girl to know that you are the future, and you can change the world with your dedication and hard work. Remember that our future depends on you, so never give up on your dreams of changing our world for better because I know you can! Keep on inspiring!�� “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” – Marie Curie

Ruby Trotter, Chemistry and Spanish Major

I am a premedical student majoring in Chemistry and Spanish, with a minor in Biology. My career aspirations are to become a physician (likely a pediatrician, internal medicine physician, or family physician) while also dipping my toes into public health so that I can address health disparities in the Black and Latino communities, as well as health policy.

I was born and raised in Arkansas, but went to high school in Houston, Texas, before making my way back to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock in the Donaghey Scholars Program. Here at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, I’ve been blessed with countless opportunities to learn more about where I want to be in the near and distant future! Some hobbies include playing the violin, learning the guitar, visiting local coffee shops, and hiking Arkansas.

What is your role as a woman in science at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock?

At ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, I have been blessed to have many opportunities to explore the sciences. I am involved in research at the Center for Integrative Nanotechnology Sciences where I have been studying bone tissue regeneration technologies since Fall 2019 and will be starting a final project for the Donaghey Scholars Program surrounding how certain cells in our body interact with a material that we have functionalized in lab which supports bone growth. I have secured a Signature Experience Grant for this research project and am very excited about it!

Ruby Trotter

I have been a Learning Assistant in the Fundamental Chemistry classroom for three semesters, and plan to start again in the Fall 2021 semester. In this role, I have helped to lead students to understanding more about Chemistry through interactive workshop sessions. This experience has given me so much confidence in my ability to potentially teach others in the future (maybe I’ll come back and teach medical school after a few decades in the profession).

I am also a Chemistry Education Researcher on campus, where I am studying how students perceive Active Learning strategies employed in our Chemistry classrooms and how that impacts final course outcomes. I was rewarded a Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) grant from ADHE for this research in Spring 2020. This research has opened my eyes and confirmed my interest in health disparities with the parallels that I have seen in education opportunities.

During the summer after my freshman year, I secured an internship at the Arkansas Department of Health, where I was able to do research surrounding the state’s hospitals and their efficiency in minimizing Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs). I began networking in the healthcare field, and learned so many skills in research, Excel, presentations, and a new knowledge of what all goes into caring for a patient. It was amazing to get this other perspective of it all.

The summer after my sophomore year, I was accepted into the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) – a highly selective program for aspiring medical, dental, and nursing professionals at universities around the country. Through the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, I learned a lot about different specialties in medicine, made incredible connections, and participated in a research project with a group of fellow scholars. At the end of the summer, we had developed a project proposal to address health disparities (specifically rate of prenatal care and preterm labor/maternal mortality rates) among African American women in Arkansas entitled, “The Prenatal Promise: Addressing Prenatal Care Disparities in Arkansas.” This experience was really exciting as I was able to introduce my group to an issue we had back here at home, and they latched onto it and helped me brainstorm ways to address it.

I have volunteered at Harmony Health Clinic and 12th Street Health & Wellness Center here in Little Rock, which were both recommended to me by former scholars.

I am also in the Louis Stokes’ Alliance for Minority Participation – an organization which desires to increase minority participation in the STEM majors and the field itself. Dr. Lakeshia Jones has encouraged me to attend several conferences to present my research and has found countless internships and opportunities for us to apply to.

What inspired you to pursue a STEM career?

I can’t say that there was ever one defining moment that made me want to go into medicine. I have always been interested in the world around me, how science affects it, and how cool the human body is (come on, it heals itself). I do think that I had very supportive parents who inspired me to pursue this career. My dad always encouraged me to learn more about what I was passionate about, and my mom being in public health herself and sharing her knowledge with me along the way.

Why do you think diversity is important, especially in STEM fields?

My Donaghey Scholars admission essay was actually about this exact topic. Diversity is incredibly important in general and especially in the STEM fields. As a Chemistry Education Researcher, I know that many students can feel uninspired or incapable of making it in a field where they are consistently told and shown that the best scientists do not look like them. They think, “Is this the field for me if I am not even represented in it?”

Not only that, but there are also perspectives that people of different races, genders, ages, and other backgrounds can bring to a problem in STEM that others may not have thought of. Certain barriers make it such that our nation is missing out on some of the brightest and most innovative minds in STEM. It is vital that we increase diversity in these disciplines to give hope to the next generation of STEM professionals, and to show them that they do belong in this field – no matter what they are hearing otherwise.

What advice would you give to young girls who want to pursue a career in STEM?

The advice that I would give to a young girl pursuing a career is: Listen to your heart telling you what you are passionate about, the way in which you think you can make the most difference in this world, or even just what you are super drawn towards. You don’t have to know exactly what that is right now. But when you hear that voice in your head telling you that this seems exciting and you really want this, don’t let any barrier or any person tell you that you can’t. It will be incredibly difficult to make it all the way, but also incredibly rewarding.

As a piece of tangible advice: Take every advantage that you can of having a mentor figure in your life. There’s no way I would be where I am right now without mentors that I have made along the way who have believed in me and directed me to the right resources to find the opportunities that I have, and I am forever grateful for them.

- University News Archive - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Dr. René A. Shroat-Lewis, Associate Professor of Earth Science

Ronia Kattoum, Advanced Instructor of Chemistry and Ph.D. Student��

Dr. Stefanie Leacock, Instructor and Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Biology

Mayor Inna Gurung, Graduate Student, Software Developer, and Research Assistant at COSMOS

Jne Banner, Nursing Major

Lucca Garcia, Nursing and Spanish Major

����Vlog��ý Little Rock Celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science

- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science

��Vlog��ý Little Rock Celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science