Women in STEMM Leadership Institute Research Symposium
On October 21st, 10 students and Ms. Strickland traveled to Wright State for the Women in STEMM Leadership Institute Research Symposium. STEMM stands for science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine. This event featured 3 keynote speakers including: Dr. Melissa Flagg, Dr. Ayşe Şahin and Revonna Smith. Also, an exhibition of scientific posters created by women in the Dayton area and Wright State community about various areas of science were on display. The whole concept behind this event was to inspire women and school-aged girls to pursue their dreams and passions without worrying about gender inequality in the workplace.
Dr. Melissa Flagg spoke about her experience in moving from one career to the next and finding what she loves, Dr. Ayşe Şahin spoke about her experience being part of a diplomat family and finding her passion in math, and Revonna Smith spoke about being an anesthesiologist and helpful workplace tips. Even though there were 3 keynote speakers, one stood out from the rest. Melissa Flagg, Ph.D. spoke first and focused her presentation on finding what you want to spend your life doing. Dr. Flagg, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research, who currently works for the Department of Defense, spoke about the various paths she took in her career and how they shaped her both as a person and as an employee.
“All advice is bad if it doesn’t work for you.” Dr. Flagg’s opening statement rang through the packed lecture hall at Wright State’s brand new Student Success Center. Rows of high school and college students, professors, and special guests listened attentively to Dr. Flagg as she began her speech. She stressed the concept of exploration, trying out different things, and finding something that works best for you. Dr. Flagg went through many, many careers and passions before she found research and her current job. In addition, she will probably find many more as she moves on from her current job coming this January. Dr. Flagg spoke about beginning her career with an interest in using natural plants from South American countries to cure tuberculosis, in the hopes of gaining a Ph.D. through that work, and ended up doing classified government research for the Department of Defense.
Several times during her talk, she stressed how important it is to figure out what works best for you and your lifestyle. What you originally set out to do is not necessarily what you will end up doing. Dr. Flagg also touched on the subject of stress. She emphasized that while stress is a normal part of life and work; there are small things everyone can do to allow it to strengthen you instead of bring you down. She highlighted dealing with stress, appreciating the stress, and solving the stress. She emphasized that using techniques such as deep breathing and meditation can work in solving the stress caused by our everyday lives. Finally, Dr. Flagg told everyone to think in the context of something bigger than ourselves.
The main takeaway from this event for all the attendees and the participants was that women can do anything they put their minds to. Even if it takes a while to get there, each woman will get to do what she truly enjoys and has a passion for. If we, as women, stand up for the equality and balance in which we believe, we will be able to accomplish truly wonderful and groundbreaking things for our gender.
