Hello everyone, I'm Amanda, currently a DAIS/DHS junior. I'm one of the girls passionate about STEM. That's why I've taken the initiative to establish an organization called "WinS" (Women in STEM). Let me share my journey into the world of STEM and the reason behind my initiative.

Amanda, could you please introduce STEM subjects, and describe your passion for STEM?

I am a junior. There are many excellent girls around me who are good at writing, public speech, and are fond of history and literature. I am a bit different from them as I am one of the few girls interested in STEM. In Grade 10, I enrolled in AP Physics 1 and took ATIC, which has been renamed as AP Pre-Calculus now. This year, I have registered for three STEM AP courses: Physics C Mechanics, Calculus BC, and Chemistry. In Grade 12, I plan to take Physics C Electricity and Magnetism as well as Statistics. By completing these courses, I aim to cover all AP courses related to physics and mathematics in our school.

Can you talk about how you developed an interest in STEM?

Before joining DAIS/Huamei in Grade 9, I wasn't enthusiastic about STEM. My experience changed upon meeting Dr. Liu. Her approach focused on understanding principles rather than rote learning. This approach intrigued me, leading me to self-study Algebra 2 and skip a grade. Concurrently, Mr. Sim employed physics techniques in teaching chemistry, which fascinated me. In Mr. Mazarakis' class in Grade 10, I grasped the importance of independent thinking and problem-solving over memorization. 

Additionally, the amazing experience with Mr. Sanchez began last summer when I received his first summative assignment: crafting a handmade 3D model to depict eyesight. It felt tortured at first, but eventually, it transformed into one of my most cherished accomplishments. I'm the only one who gets score 4 in this summative. Consequently, I've decided to pursue a career in STEM, driven by teachers' impactful teaching methods and encouragement to embrace challenges.

What inspired you to create the WinS organization? What does WinS represent?

In Grade 10, I noticed a scarcity of girls taking STEM courses in my batch. Initially three, it decreased to two in Grade 11. Many female classmates from my previous schools believed that girls couldn't excel in STEM like boys. 

During summer, I conducted a survey with 400+ participants spanning middle schoolers to university students as well as several interviews. The findings confirmed the existence of a gender stereotype in STEM. Numerous girls, interested in STEM, abandon it due to this stereotype, affecting their career choices. 

I observed foreign universities with specific organizations for STEM girls and contemplated initiating a similar one in our school. Hence, WinS, short for Women in STEM, was born, symbolizing success and goodwill as the word "wins" literal meaning.

What are the goals and objectives of this organization?

This organization aims to break gender barriers and stereotypes against women, empowering and supporting young women in their learning and career development in STEM fields. This is the logo I designed. The pink ribbon represents women, and there are many STEM elements inside. For instance, the letter "N" is a magnet, letter "I" is a test tube, and there are Edison's lightbulb and Newton's apple too.

Can you share some planned activities and projects for this organization?

We plan to invite accomplished women in STEM area to give thematic speeches as guest speakers. We also plan to visit companies run by female entrepreneurs with a STEM background. Additionally, we will organize STEM lectures in elementary schools. Moreover, through mentorship and peer networking, we aim to establish a supportive community among the members. All these activities will count as volunteer hours. I recently started an ASA focused on physics experiments, which is open to everyone, not just girls.

What are your expectations for the WinS organization in the future? Do you have any personal goals?

Though WinS is still in the sign-up stage, personally I have two goals. One is to try and positively impact as many girls as I can both at our school and even outside of it if possible. My second would be that even after I graduate years later, this organization will continue to exist, and I hope more and more girls will become interested in STEM and persist in achieving success in this field.

I invite all girls interested in STEM and committed to breaking gender stereotypes to join us in this initiative. Scan the QR code on the poster and be a part of Women in STEM (WinS). Let's revolutionize the landscape of STEM together!