Skip to main content

SLU-Madrid STEM Students Talk Women in Science

by Isaiah Voss

Saint Louis University-Madrid's Department of Science and Engineering hosted a student presentation event Feb. 16 in the San Ignacio Hall Auditorium to mark the United Nations' International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

The all-women lineup featured six student speakers who explored women's contributions to STEM fields, from space exploration and computer science to finance, feminism and professional development.

Presentations included "From Freaking Out to Figuring It Out: Internships in Madrid," by Asma Yaiche; "How Japanese Homemakers Made Millions Outsmarting Global Finance," by Sabine Gillelen; "My Life Is a Website," by Ericka Jarin; "Raising Alice: How Generations of Women Made Autonomous Spaceflight Possible," by Josie Furr; "The Impact of Feminism on Women in Science," by Aitana Pedrero; and "Women in Tech: Women's Important Contributions to Computer Science," by Julia Evdokimov.

Three women standing look onward at camera next to three students posing with certificates standing in the same row. There are three other students posing with the same certificate who are kneeling with a woman standing behind them. There is a logo on the wall in the background.

SLU-Madid faculty pose alongside student presenters who received participation certificates in the San Ignacio Hall lobby. Photo by Fernando Béjar.

Furr's talk examined women's role in developing "Alice," one of two ultraviolet imaging spectrometers used by NASA and the European Space Agency to study the atmospheres of comets, Pluto and Kuiper Belt objects.

"This work didn’t start with me, and it didn't start with Alice. It started with tons of women who had to overcome sexism, boundaries, bias, judgment — so much more," she said.

Evdokimov encouraged students to consider careers in technology.

"Remember women have been making history in computer science for ages. And they will continue to do so in the future," Evdokimov advised "the girls thinking about switching to computer science."

"Looking back here at SLU-Madrid, I really love our STEM community. Initially, we were very small, but I love how we're growing," said Jarin while reflecting on her time as a student.

The United Nations marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science each year on Feb. 11 to recognize women's achievements and promote greater participation in STEM fields.