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| Breaking the Myth for High School Girls: Engineering Can Be Cool November 2009
They understand algebraic equations and geometric proofs. They enjoy biology labs and chemistry experiments. And, they all want to do something in the math and sciences one day, but they just aren't sure yet what that something might be. On Thursday, April 23, MITRE helped 20 science-minded girls from Northern Virginia explore some of the many career options open to them at the company's third annual Young Women in Engineering event. During the day-long program, the girls were introduced to various technologies being developed at MITRE and learning about possible career opportunities. As in the past, the event was organized by Jed Kane, a MITRE lead systems engineer who volunteers on the Fairfax County Public School's (FCPS) Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee, and Karen Murray, senior quality of work life specialist. "The school system has noticed a gender gap when it comes to girls and boys taking information technology and pre-engineering courses," explains Kane, who is able to use MITRE's civic time benefit for his service to FCPS. "Surveys show that girls often think of engineers as nerdy, uncool people. We want them to see that engineering is cool and a great place to build a future and do really exciting, meaningful work." During their day at MITRE, the girls participated in interesting tours, workshops and demonstrations and heard from a number of MITRE women, including Lillian Ryals (a technical director in MITRE's Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD), and Celia Fremberg (Asia Pacific program director for CAASD). Ryals, who opened the session as the morning keynote speaker, shared her journey into a technology career. "I wanted to teach, but during college I got a summer job at GE and was introduced to computers for the first time," said Ryals, who has been with MITRE for 27 years. "I became hooked on the possibilities—all these things that computers could do to help people." Ryals discussed some of the interesting work that she has done for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over the years. In particular, she spoke about Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) program, an aircraft system that prevents mid-air collisions. "This system is in every commercial plane you will ever fly in," she told the audience. "It's one of many systems that MITRE has developed with the FAA that help make our aviation system the safest in the world. I'm very proud to be a part of this." Exploring the Possibilities The girls enjoyed a tour of the Biotechnology/Nanotechnology labs, a trip in CAASD's flight simulator and a fun session of "The Evolution of Technology." Jim Klemic, a senior systems engineer in the nanotechnology group, talked about nanotechnology, the world of the very (very) small. "This is still a very new area of technology," said Klemic, who discussed the value of nanotechnology in products such as cell phone batteries. "When you're out of college, there will be many more advances in this field."
Sharon Ward, a CAASD associate software systems engineer, and Kelly Connolly, a CAASD associate program manager, shared a simulation of a runway incursion that happened several years ago at Chicago's O'Hare airport. (The plane taking off missed another plane that suddenly appeared in its flight path by 35 feet.) Ward and Connolly explained how MITRE has been involved in creating successful solutions to prevent runway problems. "We want you to see that what we do is fun and not as geeky as it sounds, and you also have a great opportunity to help keep people safe," said Connolly. In addition, the two let the girls try out the always-popular flight simulator. "Everyone loves to do this," said Ward, who told the group that she originally planned on being a special education teacher. "Keep your minds open. You have so many opportunities. You never know where they might lead you." The girls also had a good time at the "Evolution of Technology" session in which they discussed big changes that have occurred in various technologies, such as phones and computers, over the years. To challenge their techie knowledge, the girls participated in a fun and lively version of technology "Family Feud." The winners got small prizes and everyone had a lot of fun. During lunch, the girls talked about the exciting things they had done during their morning at MITRE. "I'm interested in mechanical engineering and being a pilot," said a 12th grader from Fairfax High School. "I really appreciate how this program gave me insight into other kinds of engineering." An 8th grader from Lake Braddock Secondary School said the whole program was "a lot of fun." In particular, she enjoyed the flight simulator. "It wasn't like a video game. You really felt like you were flying." And, a 9th grader from Oakton High School reported: "I learned a lot of things I never knew I was interested in. If there is ever anything else like this again (and I hope there is!) you can definitely expect me back!" A Great Experience for All It wasn't just the girls who enjoyed MITRE's Young Women in Engineering Day. Besides the speakers and demonstration leaders, more than two dozen female engineers joined in an afternoon social networking session. This was an opportunity for the girls to talk one-on-one with technical women at MITRE. "We wanted to give the girls a chance to talk with women engineers who can serve as role models," said Karen Murray. "They got a chance to meet a lot of women with many different backgrounds and experiences." "I think the girls walked away knowing more about the opportunities available to them in engineering and IT," she added. "And they also learned about the impact a company like MITRE has on our nation." —by Nadine Monaco Page last updated: November 16, 2009 | Top of page |
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