University of Minnesota Rochester Honors International Day of Women and Girls in Science

The University of Minnesota Rochester honors International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) on February 11. IDWCIS celebrates and acknowledges females in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) while aiming to connect the International Community to Women and Girls in Science, strengthening the ties between science, policy and society for strategies oriented towards the future.

UMR supports women in STEM and highlights four students in honor of IDWGIS.

 

Kauthar Al-Khiqany

Major/Program: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

Future Career Aspirations: Physician

Year at UMR: 3rd year

Club/organization you are a leader of: President of Muslim Students Association

Why did you choose to attend UMR and pursue a career in health sciences? I have always wanted to be a doctor so I chose to attend UMR because of its connection to Mayo Clinic. When I came to visit UMR, I loved learning about the small class sizes, JustASK  and the living spaces that were available to us. Building close relationships with professors and peers stood out to me the most. Everyone here is focused on building some kind of career in health care and I love how that brings us together.

What is your favorite part about pursuing a career in science? I get to be in a field that is continuously growing. There is no stop to learning and I can use what I love to help people. 

What inspired you to be a leader? My mom inspired me to be a leader. She has overcome so many challenges in her life and I look up to her greatly because of how strong she is. 

What advice would you give to women and girls who are interested in science? Let every failure be a lesson. Keep pushing ahead and don't look back. Failure is bound to happen, but what you do with it is what counts. 

Please share one memorable moment from your time at UMR related to science that has positively impacted you. Being an Undergraduate Academic Assistant for chemistry has helped me become both a better learner and a better teacher. 

Why do you think International Day of Women and Girls in Science is important to celebrate? To be appreciated for all of the challenges we have overcome as women in science. 

 

Tianna Espe

Major/Program: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

Future Career Aspirations:  Doctorate of Medicine and Philosophy (M.D.-Ph.D.), specialty: oncology research

Year at UMR: 3rd year

Club/organization you are a leader of: Co-President of Research Club and Vice President of Rochester Student Association

Why did you choose to attend UMR and pursue a career in health sciences? I chose to attend UMR because I knew I wanted to go into the medical field and I knew health sciences was the main focus here. Cancer has affected many people in my family and is one of the main reasons I am pursuing a medical degree. I have also always been perplexed by both chemistry and biology and wanted to learn more about these subjects. 

What is your favorite part about pursuing a career in science? My favorite part about pursuing a career in science is the amount of new information I am constantly learning. There is always going to be more to learn and understand and that keeps me engaged in this field. I also like how many people I have been able to meet through my pursuit of science and how it has changed my career goals. When I started working in a cancer research lab, it opened so many doors for me and made me realize I want a doctorate of medicine and philosophy.

What inspired you to be a leader? Ultimately my background played a major role in pushing me to be a leader. I am from a very small town near Canada and was the only Asian person in my class. This led me to face many challenges when growing up and pushed me to do the best and be a positive example to others. By being a leader, I have been able to be a voice for those in underserved areas to make advancements for the future.  

What advice would you give to women and girls who are interested in science? Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and be confident in your skills. Most of what I have achieved today is because I took the first step and reached out to people who could help me achieve my career goals. It is important to surround yourself with people who are going to lift you up and believe in you. 

Please share one memorable moment from your time at UMR related to science that has positively impacted you. One memorable moment from my time at UMR was when I was attending the UMR Research Club panel my freshman year. At this point I was sure I wanted to go to medical school and I wanted a research experience to make my application better. One of the panelists had said to start with cold emailing labs you might be interested in and that is exactly what I did. After a lot of emails, I got in contact with a Principal Investigator from a cancer metabolism lab and started working in the lab, which led to my career switch from a medical degree to a dual doctoral degree in medicine and philosophy.

Why do you think International Day of Women and Girls in Science is important to celebrate? Women weren't always included in the science field, so it is important that we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science. It gives us a chance to encourage young girls to pursue science.

 

Kendra Jude

Major: Bachelor of Science Health Sciences 

Future Career Aspirations: Physician

Year at UMR: 3rd year

Club/organization you are a leader of: Chancellor Student Leader, Admissions Ambassador, Pre-Professionals Club (executive secretary), Pre-Med Insight Program (undergraduate student liaison) and Chemistry Undergraduate Academic Assistant

Why did you choose to attend UMR and pursue a career in health sciences? I chose UMR for the focus it has on health sciences, connections with Mayo Clinic and small class sizes. I knew being at UMR would allow me to stay focused while being surrounded with individuals that share the same passion for health sciences. I also knew that the classes would highlight real world applications in health sciences, which keeps me interested and eager to learn more.

What is your favorite part about pursuing a career in science? I am driven by the idea of a career that rewards lifelong learning and education. Whether it be educating a future patient on their medical condition or keeping up with the continuous advancements made in medicine and science.

What inspired you to be a leader? I want to have a meaningful impact on people's lives. Even through the smallest acts of kindness or diligence.

What advice would you give to women and girls who are interested in science? Seek new opportunities, get outside of your comfort zone, find a mentor and do things you are truly passionate about.

Please share one memorable moment from your time at UMR related to science that has positively impacted you. Last spring I took a class "Mentoring STEM in the Community" where we went to Riverside Elementary and UMR students were paired with a mentee. We helped guide them through designing and carrying out a science project. At the end of the semester they were able to present their science project on a poster board at a mini science fair. This experience taught me a lot about what it was like to be on the other side of a mentorship, as a mentor. It also allowed me to gain new perspectives and enhance my passion for education and learning.

Why do you think International Day of Women and Girls in Science is important to celebrate? I think this day is important to encourage more girls and women to pursue a career in STEM. More diversity in STEM will allow for broader perspectives and better scientific outcomes overall.

 

Heidi Nguyen

Major/Program: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences

Future Career Aspirations: Doctorate of Medicine and Philosophy (M.D.-Ph.D.)

Year at UMR: 2nd year

Club/organization you are a leader of: President of Rochester Student Association

Why did you choose to attend UMR and pursue a career in health sciences? I was always interested in medicine, and I knew that many universities had programs set aside for medicine, but I wanted to go to a school like UMR that focused on professions in the health care field. Medicine has always been my passion but wanting to become a future physician came from a lot of experiences that I gained at UMR, especially the skills of independence, teamwork and leadership. It is all important to a future physician and I am so grateful that UMR has strengthened my skills for my future. 

What inspired you to be a leader? What inspired me to be a leader is all the female leaders at UMR. I was and still am inspired by my female professors, female staff, female student leaders and our female chancellor. They showed me how to be dedicated, responsible and dependable with others in a team and as an individual. 

What advice would you give to women and girls who are interested in science? My advice to all the women and girls out there is to have grit and perseverance. In a world that is not always kind, you will experience judgment, failures and obstacles. However, continue to be persistent and committed to what is true to you, and you will get where you want to be and where you are meant to be. 

Why do you think International Day of Women and Girls in Science is important to celebrate? It reminds women and girls that we have progressed very far in history to be where we are; teaching us the importance of our voices, knowledge, actions and how women can make an impact to better the world for everyone!