The Heart of Stark: Kent State Stark empowers girls in STEM through career exploration

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Kent State University at Stark recently hosted a hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) workshop aimed at inspiring young women in mathematics and science.

Funded by the Mathematical Association of America’s Tensor Women & Mathematics Grant, the event was part of a larger initiative called the Mathematics Excellence for Girls in STEM program — a collaboration between the university and 40 Ohio high schools that provides year-long enrichment opportunities for female high school students interested in STEM fields.

Blending theory with firsthand practice, this summer’s week-long workshop focused on lessons in math applications, biology and data science while incorporating fun activities and games like math yoga. Participants will continue to engage with the program throughout the year through virtual connections with peers from a high school in Brisbane, Australia.

During the upcoming spring semester, the students will also meet with local women professionals in STEM and participate in one-on-one sessions that will provide insight into future career opportunities.

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The initiative is led by Aloysius Bathi Kasturiarachi, associate professor of mathematical sciences at Kent State Stark. Kasturiarachi expressed his enthusiasm for supporting young women in STEM, drawing on his own experiences as a father of daughters who have excelled in these fields.

“It is with joy and pleasure that I embarked on this project to seek funding to support a group of female students who are driven to excel in mathematics and STEM,” he said. “I carry within me the wonderful experiences of watching our three daughters continue in STEM careers and breaking that glass ceiling many times over. The experiences I have gained from leadership roles during my tenure at Kent State University, both as a faculty member and former administrator, have sharpened my visionary thinking and expanded my perceptions of high-impact practices that are truly equitable. I firmly believe that the work advanced through this endeavor can create a foundational environment in which STEM will thrive.”

Dinah Qutob, an assistant professor of biological sciences at Kent State Stark, leads the biology portion of the program. She is passionate about integrating mathematics to understand and advance scientific research, and sharing that expertise with her students.

“The enrichment workshop gave me the opportunity to introduce incoming high school students to the exciting world of research that I do,” explained Qutob, emphasizing the important role of mathematics in molecular biology.

By offering this program, Kent State Stark continues to foster academic excellence and community engagement, empowering the next generation of women and supporting young talent in STEM.

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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Kent State Stark empowers girls in STEM through career exploration