Women in STEAM conference at Atkins High School

On Nov. 14, the third annual conference for Women in STEAM was held at Atkins Academic & Technology High School. Students in grades 4 through 12 from all Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools were invited, along with students from charter and private schools.

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics. Forty-five students from such high schools as from Atkins, Carver, East Forsyth,  Parkland, Walkertown, Winston Salem Preparatory Academy such middle schools as Hanes, Downtown, Paisley, Flat Rock, Wiley, Clemmons, Mineral Springs, Jefferson, and Meadowlark and such elementary schools as Vienna participated.

“The goal for organizing this event from the start was to give our female students of any ages and schools around our community an opportunity to explore – an opportunity to explore different fields and maybe find their passion and continue with it to build their future,” said Monika Vasili, who teaches math and coordinates the SciVis program at Atkins.  

“This year we had panel discussion where six successful women of different age groups talked about their path into STEAM.

Panelists included:

Amy Styers – Business Development Manager, Enterprise at Eastridge also provided section of fiber art

Kimberly Marion- Program Manager, Magnet Schools & STEM Programs

Dr. Karyn Gordon-Mason- Pediatrician

Stephanie Dance-Associate Professor of Cell & Molecular Biology at Winston-Salem State University

Denise Johnson-Ed.D. Associate Professor School of Education and Human Performance, WSSU

Makenzie Whitener & Elizabeth both students at WFU biotech and computer science

After the panel discussion came “Atkins Girls in Action,” a series of activities organized by Atkins students. They included:

Biotech & Health-What is your color?

Math and technology: Discover the encrypted code

Art and Technology: Scientific Visualization (Photoshop, Illustrator, 3ds-Max) & Game Art Design

Engineering: Spaghetti Bridge Competition 

During the final session of the day, business partners made presentations. They included Wake Forest Nanotech, SciWorks, Forsyth Tech, Winston-Salem State University, WF computer science, WFU Pediatric Department, Fiber Arts.

“It was a lot of fun,” Vasili said. “We have set the date for next year. The fourth annual conference for Women in STEAM will take place November 19, 2016 at Atkins High School. We invite all female students 4-12 grade to come and explore their opportunities.”