Chat and Chew with Karsh STEM Scholars

A discussion on the experiences of women in STEM

On October 29th, the Howard University Center for Women, Gender, and Global Leadership hosted its first Chat & Chew event in the Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library. The event was sponsored for Howard’s Karsh STEM scholars in an informal lunch setting as an opportunity for the scholars to discuss important issues within the STEM field with the panelists. The panel featured professionals in the field here at Howard University, including Dr. Noha Hazzazi and Dr. Arielle Miller of the College of Engineering and Architecture and Dr. Goulda Downer of the School of Medicine. 

Dr. J. Jarpa Dawuni introduced the panelists and following the presentation, there was a Q&A session with the scholars. This allowed the students a chance to ask the panelists specific questions they had pertaining to building a career in the STEM fields. The panelists shared their experiences and what they felt was of most importance for the students, especially young women involved in STEM careers. 

All three panelists provided excellent insight into the experiences of being in the STEM field as women. Dr. Hazzazi discussed the importance of support systems and taking charge of one’s mental health. She emphasized how important it is to create a work-life balance to maintain both a schedule and breaks away from it. Dr. Miller talked about how challenges pushed her through undergrad and how she recognized she would need to go the extra mile to be heard as a black woman in her field. She told the scholars that creating their own processes to work through problems was invaluable as well as trusting themselves. When all else fails, Dr. Miller recommended seeking advice from others; she communicated that students should not be afraid to ask for counsel. Dr. Downer showed the students that a drive for a goal can carry them very far. She explained how experience in her field as a student showed her what she wanted to do with her degree. For her, experience is irreplaceable. All three panelists stressed how finding support and trusting oneself was crucial in the journey to finding a career in the STEM fields. They all mentioned how failure is a natural part of the journey and that it should not deter students from pursuing their passions. 

The Center for Women, Gender and Global Leadership is grateful to the panelists for sharing their time with the Karsh scholars and providing an opportunity for them to hear from such accomplished professionals within the STEM fields.