CNS introduces girls to engineering

  • Posted: Monday, March 28, 2016, 2:14 pm

Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC hosted some 150 female high school students from five area schools as part of Introduce a Girl to Engineering earlier this month. The goal of the event was to inspire girls to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math. This program was conducted in concert with Girl Day, an initiative founded by DiscoverE, and expands CNS' existing relationships with area schools.

Linda Bauer, CNS vice president of Mission Assurance, said "Introduce a Girl to Engineering is designed to showcase the breadth and diversity of engineering careers and inspire girls to be innovators of the future."

The inspiration is necessary because women remain underrepresented in STEM education and employment. The goal of Girl Day programming is to present the career options available for young women who are talented in science and math.

To encourage area girls who are interested in science and math, CNS and National Nuclear Security Administration employees and representatives from professional organizations and educational institutions volunteered to showcase the intersection of engineering mathematics, computing and business with panel discussions, hands-on activities and demonstrations. Megan Houchin, a CNS engineer and catalyst for this event, explained "It is an opportunity for girls and young women to learn about the possibilities of a career in engineering, engage in hands-on experiments and meet and learn from engineers." Houchin also moderated a panel of engineers who answered questions about choosing a field of study and a college and provided practical advice about work-life balance.

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