The Society of Women Engineers at UCO Attended the Women in STEAM Conference

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) from the University of Central Oklahoma went to the Women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering,  Arts & Design, and Mathematics) Conference hosted by the Women’s Energy Network of Greater  Oklahoma this past Wednesday at Science Museum Oklahoma.

 

The free event supporting middle and high-school students and educators draws more than 1,600 students from across the state each year.  

Women are underrepresented in STEM fields, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Only 29%  of women pursue STEM careers, and only 16% of those enter engineering fields. 

According to programs like the Women’s Energy Network of Greater Oklahoma, conferences like these aim to change that by giving students hands-on experiences and the chance to interact with professionals and college students in  STEAM disciplines.  

SWE President Mika Ramos explained that the organization hosted a booth representing UCO and the School of Engineering. The booth featured interactive, hands-on activities designed to spark students’ curiosity. 

Their display showcased a PID-controlled pendulum, an engineering project that integrates mechanical, electrical, and computer disciplines, and a Mini VEX Robot (courtesy of the UCO  Robotics Club) for students to engage with.  

In addition to the booths, the conference provided full museum access, including exhibits and live science shows, and featured a career-panel discussion with women working in engineering, architecture,  geoscience, and meteorology, giving students real-world role models and exposure to STEAM career pathways, Ramos explained.

Rebekah Hogan, Vice-President of SWE, explained that activities like those help kids make a stronger connection to the world of engineering. 

“Having these hands-on activities helps relate engineering to kids so they can see that engineering is not beyond their grasp or reach,” Hogan said.  

Ramos added that representation is just as important as engagement. “It is incredibly important for organizations like SWE to be at events like this because representation matters. When young women see college students and professionals who look like them thriving in engineering and STEM, it helps them realize that these paths are not only possible, but welcoming,” she said.  

Hogan continued on the subject, “We want to engage with other women in engineering and support them throughout their degree. We also want to show girls that engineering can be fun and that they can do whatever they set their mind to. That is why we do outreach and teach younger students engineering concepts,” she said.  

Ramos said, “We welcome everyone who is passionate about supporting women in engineering. Students can get involved by joining us on UCORE, joining our GroupMe, and following us on Instagram. We post  about all of our upcoming events on each of these platforms, and we’re always excited to see new faces  get involved.”  

Hogan also noted that SWE’s outreach extends beyond the conference. The organization is planning additional events for this year, including networking opportunities for members, STEM-related workshops, and activities designed for younger students, such as Girl Scout Badge Days. 

These programs aim to provide exposure to STEM concepts while emphasizing collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.