Mathematics and Philosophy

Philosophy was the start of anything relating to STEM, originating in countries such as Greece, Egypt, and Rome. From philosophy, mathematics began to form, and many scholars studied both at the same time. One of these scholars was Hypatia of Alexandria. Hypatia was born in Alexandria, Egypt, and followed in her father’s footsteps in mathematics and Philosophy. Hypatia continued his effort to preserve the Greek mathematical and astronomical heritage during a time they were being erased. She also worked on original pieces  such as commentaries on Apollonius of Perga’s Conics (geometry) and Diophantus of Alexandria’s Arithmetic (number theory). She also worked and commentated on the  astronomical table. These commentaries pushed the program initiated by her father into more recent and more difficult areas and ideas. Hypatia, unfortunately, died from an extremist group against the science and discoveries of Alexandria. However, that did not erase her influence on STEM today.

Psychology and Social Work

The late 1800s and early 1900s was filled with discoveries, more specifically for Psychology and the start of sociology as its own practice. Social science was being taken more seriously, and therapy was developing the practices used today. One of the most common forms of therapy, psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, was coined by Bertha Pappenheim. After the death of her father, she began having extreme anxiety attacks and hallucinations, and began treatment with Joseph Breuer. It started with hypnosis, but then morphed into the early versions of psychotherapy. Breuer published an article about his time with Pappenheim, under the pen name Anna O, and how she experienced the therapy. Pappenheim later went on to be the pioneer of social work in German and put an emphasis on how important the practice was. It paved the way for the practice to be common among middle class women.

Technology

Finally, modern technology wouldn’t have been possible without two outstanding women in the 20th century. Famous for her acting career, Hedy Lamarr moved to America right before the start of WWII. She continued her film career in America, but was also an excellent inventor. She created a Secret Communication System with composer George Antheil during the war. The system used frequency hopping to guide torpedoes and make them untrackable. The invention was incorporated into the US Navy during WWII and was later used during the Cuban missile crisis. This technology was also the predecessor to inventions such as Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth. Despite this, Lamarr and Antheil were both not paid a cent for their work. However, they jointly won the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s Pioneer Award in 1997.

Shortly after Hedy Lammarr, Marian Croak came into the technological world. She joined AT&T Bell Laboratories in 1982 and saw the potential in the newly forming Internet. She made the internet and cellular phones her focus and developed Voice Over Internet Protocols (VoIP). This technology converts voice into a digital signal, creating a call directly from a computer or other digital device. She also invented the technology of text-based donations to charity. She won the Edison Patent Award in 2013 and 2014 and is currently working at Google as the Vice President of Engineering.

Our day-to-day life wouldn’t be possible without these incredible women. They have brought us strides in STEM and paved the way for young women all over the world. Women have created today through hard work in the past, and they are still working to create the next future.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Sources cited:

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hypatia

https://www.lbi.org/collections/german-jewish-feminism-in-the-twentieth-century/bertha-pappenheim/

https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/marian-croak

https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/hedy-lamarrs-wwii-invention-helped-shape-modern-tech

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies

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Aerodynamics. The study of the properties of moving air and the interaction between the air and solid bodies moving through it. This study is based on fluid mechanics, which is the study of the behavior of fluids and the forces acting on them. Applications of aerodynamics are used frequently in our everyday life. For example airplanes, cars, and even construction are based or heavily influenced by aerodynamics. Since this subject is one that is very present in our everyday life, there has to be scientists who study the workings of aerodynamics. I interviewed Dr. Amy Lang Professor at the University of Alabama’s Aerospace engineering department. 

Her Journey

Dr. Langs journey to aerospace engineering began when her calculus teacher recommended engineering to her, which led to her majoring in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Then later when she was in a thermodynamics class, her professor mentioned an undergraduate research opportunity that he thought would be the perfect fit for her. The lab was a fluid mechanics based lab, and through that she discovered studying fluid mechanics was the perfect fit for her.  That same professor encouraged her to apply to graduate school at CalTech, which she did and later attended. Dr. Lang later received a NSF(national science foundation) graduate research fellowship and got her PhD in aeronautics.

Dr. Lang states that the biggest impact on her career development has been her faith. She states “I feel God gives each of us talents that we are meant to use, and a purpose to glorify God with those talents.  Sometimes it takes humility too.  Even Jesus said, “I can of mine own self do nothing.”  I often think of that and know that it is God that supplies the intelligence and ideas I need.”

Research

As previously mentioned, Dr. Land received a NSF graduate research fellowship. She has continued to be a part of NSF as a project director, specifically coordinator, for a NSF Research Experience for undergraduate sites in fluid mechanics. The program is a 10 week long summer internship for students to do summer research before they commit to graduate students. The students get to work in a lab, and they meet weekly with the interns to help them improve their communication skills to better present their research. Then all of the students attend the American Physical Society Division of Fluid Dynamics in November to present their research. Dr. Lang states that she wants to “inspire capable students in engineering, especially women, to pursue a PhD in fluid mechanics” like she did.

Research: Take 2

Dr. Lang also conducts research related to bio-inspired flow control. She has conducted research related to studying shark skin and butterfly scales. Through her years of conducting research she discovered that her expertise is in fluid mechanics and not manufacturing the surfaces. She hopes that someday other researchers can develop the technology so that it can be used on aircraft to reduce drag and increase maneuverability.

A Slice of Life

Like many other fields in STEM, aerospace engineering is male dominated. Dr. Lang agreed to this statement and said that she never let that bother her. She mentioned that she would make friends with the other women in her class, but also with the men. She thinks that the biggest obstacles happened once she became a professor: Learning how to balance work, marriage, and having a family. But her husband was very supportive towards her career, which she states was a huge help.

Closing Advice

For anyone aspiring to pursue a career in engineering, Dr. Lang  suggests that you should just go for it. It is a rewarding career that is deeply engaging and has the potential to benefit society. She advises that you do well in your math and science classes and consider going to a good state school. She says that college will help you find a particular area of engineering  and help develop your skills and talents.

Additionally, Dr. Lang states that if you plan to get a PhD take it seriously. In engineering, getting a PhD can get you jobs working as a consultant or at a national lab, not only just teaching academia. She closes out by stating “Getting a PhD keeps you working in the field at the cutting edge of innovation. With us going back to the moon in 2026, there are so many wonderful career opportunities especially in aerospace engineering.”

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Thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and subatomic particles are just a blip of the topics within the study of physical chemistry. Physical chemistry, the study of physical and chemical properties of matter, is an intersection of chemistry, physics, engineering, and math. Making this a broad, yet very detail-oriented subject. I interviewed Dr. Alice DeSimone, an Associate Professor at the University of Alabama, to gain a perspective of a woman in this complex field.

Background

Dr. DeSimone excelled in both chemistry and physics in high school. She shared an anecdote of when she was in 10th grade and missed a week of her AP chemistry classes. She had to learn all the material on her own and still earned the highest grade in the class when the next test came around. Dr. DeSimone noted that the class was challenging, yet she memorized and manipulated the equations well and got by on her math skills. She attended Harvard University and majored in chemistry and physics as a single major. Dr. DeSimone found herself gravitating toward classes that offered definite answers rather than interpretive, defendable ones.

College Choice: Harvard

Dr. DeSimone earned her Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and physics at Harvard University, known for its prestige and low acceptance rate of around 3.5%. When asked what Dr. DeSimone thought was the driving factor in her admission to Harvard, she lauded her extracurriculars and determination. Dr. DeSimone attended a private school in Georgia; she was the girls’ valedictorian for her class (her school had separate girls’ and boys’ valedictorians), took the maximum number of AP classes available at her school, and participated in 3 varsity sports —cross-country, swimming, and track — as well as other extracurriculars. She comments that she was more well-rounded than specialized, which may have looked good to admissions officers. One of her essays was an extended metaphor about her quitting swimming at 15, with ‘following the black line on the bottom of the pool representing the straightforward, focused path of continuing to swim every day’.

Physical Chemistry’s Impact

Additionally, Dr. DeSimone has published multiple research papers. These new discoveries in physical chemistry could lead to clean, sustainable energy production, the development of materials that capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and many other technological advancements. Physical chemists often study atmospheric reactions and surface chemistry. Additionally, many technological advancements start in a physical chemistry lab, for example, transistors, which are now found in every piece of modern technology.

Women in Physical Chemistry

Like many STEM careers, her field is male-dominated. There are only three women who primarily teach, and only four women out of the whole chemistry tenure-track research faculty. Dr. DeSimone comments that she had to move many times for her husband’s career, and after she had a baby, she couldn’t find any postdoctoral positions in the area. When she moved to Tuscaloosa, she was lucky to get a position at UA with her husband. Dr. DeSimone states that ‘she is happy where she ended up, but my priority was to keep my family together during the critical time after graduate school, when career building is usually the focus for men, and moving is typical in academia.’

A Closing Word

If you have an interest in physical chemistry, or any subject, Dr. DeSimone says, ‘If you love it, go for it! Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t understand what your teacher or professor is saying, get clarification. Other students are always wondering the same thing, but they may lack the confidence to ask. Follow your curiosity!’

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Neurosurgery is one of the most difficult and demanding careers in the world. The act of cutting into and repairing someone’s brain takes years of dedication and hard work. There are only around 49,000 neurosurgeons worldwide, representing just 0.00000595% of the population, of whom only 8%-11% are female. I interviewed Dr. Elizabeth Liptrap, MD, a neurosurgeon at UAB, to gain a perspective on women in the male-dominated field of neurosurgery.

Discovering Her Love for Medicine

Dr. Liptrap’s father influenced her love for medicine and her decision to pursue neurosurgery. A refugee in the Vietnam War, he dreamt of becoming a physician but could not afford it when he came to the U.S.  Growing up, her father encouraged her to consider a path in medicine; she felt the calling and decided to answer. While going through medical school, it was difficult for her to choose a specialty, as she loved every aspect. It was during her neurosurgery residency that she discovered her love for neurosurgery, especially aneurysm and skull base surgery. Though there was a moment when she pursued a career as an ENT (ears, nose, and throat) medical professional, she ultimately switched back to neurosurgery in her 4th year of medical school.

Pathways for Success

“Neurosurgery is a notoriously difficult field requiring significant medical management and surgical technical skills.” Being able to keep going is a struggle, and persevering is a skill. Dr. Liptrap always approached her endeavors, whether it was medical school, residency, or other challenges, with the expectation that they would be difficult. She comments that it was usually not as bad as she expected. She says that whenever she starts feeling sorry for herself, she remembers all the sacrifices her dad made for her and all the people who would pay to be in her position. Lastly, she likes to remember that “all things are finite, nothing lasts forever, and all bad times will eventually end.”

Dr. Liptrap made many significant achievements during her medical schooling and career, including being awarded membership in the Gold Humanism Honor Society and the Faculty Gold Medal for Outstanding Qualifications for the Practice of Medicine. Dr. Liptrap credits some of her success to her stubbornness, noting that she was not the most intelligent person, but she worked hard and stayed on task despite the hardships. She also says self-help books helped her identify principles to live by. Some of her favorite books are: Principles by Ray Dalio, The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday, Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, Good to Great by James Collins, and Grit by Angela Duckworth. I really recommend reading some of these if you have the time.

The Difficulties of Being a Female Neurosurgeon

As mentioned, neuroscience is a challenging field, and the number of female neurosurgeons is relatively low. Dr Liptrap says she was the only female during her residency program and the third female to graduate from it. Additionally, there were no female faculty members either. Dr. Liptrap found it fascinating to meet other female neurosurgeons. She felt that she needed to work twice as hard as her male peers to get the same credit.

After she became a senior resident, she faced challenges in leading male residents who were not used to having women as superiors or in the field at all. She mentions that there were many cases of sexual harassment that her male colleagues did not have to deal with during residency. Dr. Liptrap remarks that there is a significant number of female faculty at UAB, who are all very supportive of each other. Dr. Liptrap believes that female residents can be successful anywhere, but it is beneficial to go to a place with fellow female faculty and mentors. 

A Little Bit of Advice

Dr. Liptrap suggests you consider what you want your life to be like if you are interested in neurosurgery. Consider whether you want to have children and be able to spend time attending all of their activities and events. Neurosurgery is a tough specialty, and it can put a strain on your social and family life. You can still have children, get married, and build a family; you will just face a few more challenges along the way. Additionally, she suggests thinking about your ability to handle stress. You have to manage multiple patients at once, and since medicine isn’t linear, things may not go as expected. Neurosurgery is unpredictable. You may have plans outside of work, but if a patient has an emergency, plans will change. Dr. Liptrap recommends shadowing multiple neurosurgeons to get a feel of the field, as there are variations in practices at different institutes.

Dr. Liptrap is happy to talk to anyone interested, so feel free to reach out to her.

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At GirlSpring, we believe in shining a light on young women who are pushing boundaries, asking bold questions, and dreaming beyond the stars. One of those remarkable dreamers is Nina, an undergraduate engineering student, scuba diver, citizen science researcher, and aspiring astronaut. We caught up with her to talk about her journey, her challenges, and her bold dreams of walking on Mars.

GirlSpring: What first inspired your dream of going to Mars?

Nina: At the age of seven, I received a children’s encyclopedia about space. I remember reading the chapter about the Moon landing and upcoming plans to send humans to Mars. That was it, I was hooked. I dreamt of being one of those explorers, setting foot on the red planet. People told me it was just a phase and that I’d grow out of it, but I never did. I’m still walking step by step toward that dream, hoping that one day, those steps will turn into giant leaps on Martian soil.

GirlSpring: What challenges have you faced, and how have you worked through them?

Nina: One of the recurring challenges I’ve experienced is the subtle but persistent perception that girls are less technically inclined. Sometimes, my ideas would be overlooked—not out of malice, but due to unconscious bias. The way I’ve handled this isn’t by becoming louder or confrontational, but by staying consistent. I work hard, stay reliable, and let my work speak for itself. Over time, people begin to notice and respect your contribution. My message to other girls: never let others define you. Your passion and persistence are your best proof.

GirlSpring: Why do you believe young girls in STEM matter for the future?

Nina: When more girls enter STEM fields, it means that every child, regardless of gender, gets the opportunity to dream big. Representation matters. A girl who loves science might never consider it as a career if she doesn’t see women thriving in those spaces. We can’t afford to leave half the population behind when it comes to solving global challenges and building our future. As technology advances, we need more passionate people in the room, diverse minds who bring
new perspectives and fresh ideas.

GirlSpring: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Nina: Hopefully walking on Mars! But even if that hasn’t happened yet, I see myself contributing to space exploration and sustainability in some way. I’m studying environmental engineering and would love to do my master’s and PhD on renewable energy systems for extreme environments, like oceans, mountains, deserts, and even moons like Europa. I hope to design systems that could help power future space stations or research bases. And maybe I’ll have a few patents under my belt too!

GirlSpring: What advice would you give to younger girls with big dreams?

Nina: Start by clearly defining your goal—whatever it is. Ask around, research, and break that goal into smaller, achievable steps. Focus on building the skills and knowledge you’ll need, and don’t be afraid to get involved in extracurriculars, internships, or clubs. And most importantly, don’t stop trying. Taking a break when needed is okay, it’s part of the journey. But giving up? That’s not an option. When someone says, “You can’t do it,” your answer should be: “Watch me.”

Why Nina Resonates with GirlSpring

When Nina first reached out to us, she asked if we feature girls in STEM. The answer is a resounding yes, and Nina is exactly the kind of voice we want to amplify. She’s not only dreaming about changing the world, she’s already starting to. From scuba diving to simulate spacewalks, to researching sustainable energy solutions for outer space, Nina is showing that science, courage, and heart go hand in hand.

To every girl reading this: Your dreams are valid. Your voice matters. And the stars are not the limit, just the beginning!

Check out more women breaking boundaries here!

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It doesn’t snow often where I live, so it was super hype when we had a blizzard last week. It looked unreal when everything was white outside. But what exactly is snow and how does it form?

What is Snow?

Snow is frozen water, but it’s more than just ice. Snow forms when the temperature of the air is low enough for water vapor in the atmosphere to freeze. This process typically occurs when the temperature is below 0°C (32°F), although snow can form at temperatures slightly above freezing if conditions are right.

How does snow form?

Snowflakes form in the atmosphere where water vapor exists as a gas. When the temperature drops, the water vapor condenses into tiny water droplets. As these droplets freeze, they form ice crystals. These crystals start to grow by attracting more water vapor, which freezes directly onto the existing crystal.

Snowflakes are hexagonal because water molecules (H₂O) have a bent, angular shape. As these water molecules stick together in a specific, repeating arrangement, they form the six-sided symmetry that defines snowflakes. The pattern of ice crystal growth depends on the temperature and humidity of the surrounding air. In fact, no two snowflakes are exactly alike because each one forms under slightly different conditions, leading to unique shapes and structures.

Temperature:

Colder temperatures typically result in simpler, more symmetrical snowflakes, while warmer temperatures lead to larger, more complex structures. At temperatures near freezing (around 0°C or 32°F), snowflakes tend to be larger, with more intricate branches and more complex designs. At lower temperatures (around -10°C to -20°C or 14°F to -4°F), snowflakes are smaller, often forming simpler, plate-like or columnar structures.

Humidity:

Humidity, or the amount of moisture in the air, also plays a key role in snowflake formation. High humidity leads to larger snowflakes with more intricate features, while low humidity results in smaller, more compact crystals.

How Snow Falls

As snowflakes fall from the clouds, they are carried by wind currents, which can cause them to drift and shift, leading to the formation of snow drifts on the ground. The size of the snowflakes and their fall speed depend on the surrounding air conditions. Larger, heavier snowflakes fall more quickly, while smaller flakes float gently to the ground. As snowflakes accumulate on the ground, they form layers, and over time, the snow can compress into more solid forms like snowpack, which can be several feet deep.

The Importance of Snow in Earth’s Climate System

Snow plays a crucial role in Earth’s climate system. Snow-covered surfaces reflect a large portion of sunlight into space, a phenomenon known as the “albedo effect.” This helps regulate the Earth’s temperature by preventing excessive heating. Snow also acts as an insulating blanket for the ground beneath, protecting soil and plants from extremely cold temperatures during the winter months.

Snow also contributes to the water cycle. As snow accumulates and melts in the spring, it replenishes rivers, lakes, and groundwater supplies, particularly in areas with cold winters. In this way, snow is vital to maintaining water resources for ecosystems and human consumption.

The next time you play in the snow, appreciate the science. Every snowflake is a reminder of nature’s beauty.

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On my grand pursuit I did set out,
Stocked with snacks and one good suit.
The college apps, they call my name,
And here starts the application game.

First, the essay — oh, what to write?
Shall I talk about my fear of flight?
Or how I binge-watched every show,
Instead of learning what I don’t know?

“Tell us why you’d like to apply.”
Well, free Wi-Fi would be a lie?
I say with confidence, of course,
“Your school’s the best!” — I say to four.

Next, the test scores: “How’d I do?”
(Spoiler: math just wasn’t my cue.)
But hey, I aced the pizza quiz,
Is that not relevant to this?

Recommendations come in late,
I swear my teacher sealed my fate.
“Hardworking, bright, but loves to nap” —
Okay, she wasn’t wrong about that.

Extracurriculars, let’s see what fits:
Chess club? Nah. I quit in bits.
Remember that one time I ran?
Does “marathon nap” count in the plan?

Now, onto financial aid. Let’s be real,
Who knew tuition would break your back?
“Just sell a kidney!” friends all tease,
I laugh, but. one kidney’s no tease.

Finally, I hit submit with glee,
Now it’s out of my hands, you see.
I’ve done the work, the forms, the grind,
It’s time to let them read my mind.

And if they ask me for more flair,
I’ll tell them this: I’m almost there.
Just all my quirks and dreams in store,
Slither on down and see what’s in store!

For tips on applying for college, check out this article.

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Challenge Gender Stereotypes and Bias Within Science Education

We must address and dismantle gender stereotypes that suggest STEM fields are only for boys. These stereotypes can discourage girls from participating and excelling in science and math classes.

You should research the achievements of women in these fields and discuss gender bias with your teachers, parents, and fellow science enthusiasts. Participating in active discussions is a great way to challenge scientific bias and build confidence.

Learn To Enjoy Failure and Scientific Discovery

STEM subjects often involve experimentation, where failure happens often. Cultivate a belief that failure is an essential part of STEM learning and look for ways to take risks and expand your knowledge.

Activities such as science fairs, coding competitions, and model-building projects can provide hands-on experiences that make learning exciting and engaging. Remember, model building is a great hobby for kids and young adults, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills essential for STEM success.

Find Inspiring Role Models in the STEM Field

Exposure to successful women in STEM can significantly influence your career aspirations. Research the lives of female scientists, engineers, and tech professionals to find real-world success stories.

Additionally, media representation of women in STEM can reinforce the message that girls belong in these fields. Watch movies and documentaries about STEM subjects and read books encouraging you to think beyond your current knowledge base.

Relate STEM Subjects to the World Around You

Connecting STEM subjects to real-world applications can spark interest and show the impact a STEM career can have. Projects that address environmental issues, health-care advancements, or technological innovations can make STEM subjects more engaging.

By relating STEM to your life and community, you can see the relevance and importance of these subjects. You may even feel compelled to pursue a career in STEM when you head off to college.

Confidently pursuing your passion for STEM education requires a significant level of effort. However, putting in the hard work will leave you feeling confident and empowered to embrace your potential in the STEM fields. Who knows, you may have what it takes to inspire the next generation of female innovators and leaders.

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