Women in STEM Scholarship

I have chosen to pursue STEM, particularly biology, because of my interest in the natural sciences and what a STEM degree can allow me to do. My interest in the natural sciences started at home before I began schooling. From the moment I could form sentences, I questioned everything about the natural world. Rubbing my fingers in the dirt of my grandmother's potted plants, I would ask her what it was made of and why the plants were in it, years away from learning words like heterogeneous mixtures, nutrients, and organic matter. As my knowledge grew with age, rather than being satiated my curiosity increased. While my interest and curiosity swayed me toward the STEM field, the main reason I am currently drawn to STEM is due to its necessity in making significant progress in the health sciences. With a STEM degree, I can pursue a career in the health sciences and develop scientific evidence-based strategies to provide health-related treatments. While majoring in biology, I am currently working to become a dentist. This career field relies heavily on science and mathematics. Dentistry plays a crucial role in fostering one’s whole health as well as confidence. By using my inclination towards biology as the foundation for a career in dentistry, I plan to leverage the scientific knowledge and skills I gain to provide information and thorough oral healthcare to patients. Pursuing a career in dentistry can heavily contribute to the STEM field. Dentists actively participate in and conduct research studies related to dental health. Dentists can also collaborate with engineers and scientists to develop or improve dental tools, techniques, and technology. This contributes to STEM in the advancement of imaging systems, robotics, and other innovative devices. Furthermore, as a woman planning to be in the field of dentistry, I plan to contribute to the STEM field in a multitude of ways. I desire to contribute to breaking down the gender gap and the biases it creates. Historically, the fields of dentistry, and biology have been male-dominated. By studying biology, and pursuing a career as a dentist I can contribute to the diversification of the STEM field. I can bring a unique innovative perspective to contribute to tackling global problems. By being a visible and successful professional in the field, I can inspire other women to pursue degrees and careers in STEM. I can also serve as a mentor and advocate for other women considering the STEM field. Through organizing programs and events I can help other women develop necessary skills, overcome obstacles, and overall create an inclusive and diverse STEM community. Ultimately, I have chosen to pursue a career in STEM because of the desire I possess for revealing and dissecting the mysteries of biology and because of STEM’s value in the health sciences. By immersing myself in the STEM field I plan to be a part of the field's ability to progress the health sciences and greater goal of bettering the world as a whole. I plan to contribute to STEM, specifically as a Woman, by contributing to diversity, inspiring women looking to pursue STEM, and being a guide and voice for women in STEM. By doing such things, I hope to make a meaningful impact, participate in transformative discoveries, and shape the future of women in the STEM field.