March is Women’s History Month and a great opportunity to spotlight the Women in STEM Education (WISE) committee at Nelson Laboratories, Inc. The WISE committee is comprised of 17 women scientists and leaders at the company who are passionate about promoting STEM careers and education for young women and girls.
Nelson Laboratories, Inc. is unique because the company has a 50/50 ratio of women and men scientists. The WISE committee is working to inspire more young women to pursue careers in the sciences and close the gender gap existing throughout the industry. According to the members of the committee, young women and girls need to have exposure to life science careers and to learn that life science careers are a real option for them.
“How wonderful it is to live in a time when women are encouraged and promoted to explore the sciences, said Tina May, co-chair of the WISE committee. “Finding my niche in the field of Analytical Chemistry, I have been able to rise through the ranks of lab analyst to director of laboratory operations. I feel fortunate to work for a company such as Nelson Laboratories, Inc. that truly encourages women in science.”
Throughout the year, members volunteer their time and talents to travel to schools and other venues to spread the word about STEM careers to the students of all ages. In April the committee will be inspiring third graders at Hawthorne Elementary with hands-on science experiments, and some members will be teaching a science and math lesson to 16 girls who have signed up for Girls on the Run.