This talk will explore a collaborative initiative between Salem Academy and College and North Forsyth High School, focused on increasing the retention of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Salem was one of seven Women’s Colleges and Universities (WCUs) to receive funding from NASA who chose to focus on women’s colleges since our STEM students have a higher success rate than students from coeducational institutions. The session will highlight the specific interventions developed through this partnership and share preliminary findings on their impact in order to create lasting change in STEM retention efforts.
Professor Rebecca Dunn
Dr. Rebecca C. Dunn has served Salem College as Professor of Biology and Director of the Women in Science and Math program since 1996. With a PhD in Zoology and Genetics from Duke University, Dr. Dunn has experience in teaching and leading initiatives on diversity and equity both at Salem and in the broader community. She currently leads the NASA MUREP-WCU grant, Soar with Salem, as its Principal Investigator. Dr. Dunn's teaching portfolio includes courses such as Evolution, Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology, Senior Seminar, as well as Salem 100 and 350.
Salem Academy Head of School Kris Porazzi Sorrells
Kris Porazzi Sorrells has been passionate about girls in science and mathematics fields since her high school days in Texas where she was one of the few girls in a cohort focused on math, science, computer science, and physics. Kris earned her bachelor’s degree at Salem College (1996) with a focus in mathematics and computer science. She furthered her education at Wake Forest University completing a master's degree in mathematics (1998) where her thesis focused on applications of differential equations. While in graduate school and immediately after, Kris worked in a technical branch of USAirways. Her experience tutoring students at Salem Academy eventually led to working at the Academy. Now serving as Head of School, Kris is leading a transformational curriculum redesign in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM), with a special emphasis on Robotics for Girls.
Comments
I'm grateful to Rebecca, Kris, and of course Linda Bridges, for their work in obtaining this important grant that supports student journeys in the sciences. And, I'm glad I've been able to tag along on the journey with everyone!
Good luck next week!