Fort Fisher, NC – This weekend, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will host its 5th Annual “Femme in STEM” event, featuring dozens of top women in science, technology, engineering, and math. Attendees can look forward to diverse interactive activities such as swimming alongside divers in a 235,000-gallon habitat, learning about electrical conductivity by activating a light bulb with a touch of a nose, and experiencing the feel of a sea turtle’s shell.
Scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event has consistently drawn crowds and emerging women scientists. Last year, the event saw participation from 21 organizations with 80 leading women researchers interacting with 1,800 visitors.
Gail Lemiec, coordinator for unique experiences at NCAFF, voiced her enthusiasm for the 2024 event, “Every year we have new women joining and returning, contributing immersive experiences activities that kindle younger women’s interest in the world of STEM. This direct interaction is extremely valuable for those considering a future in these fields.”
The event is designed to spotlight the wide array of viable career pathways in STEM, instill curiosity about our world, and encourage learning about it. Given research indicates a waning interest in STEM among girls around middle-school age, the aquarium believes it is crucial for young girls to see and interact with female role models thriving in these fields.
“We aim to inspire more people to delve into STEM fields, providing solutions for complex environmental issues. Our primary focus at the Aquarium is species conservation, and a majority of this work is carried out by those in STEM,” Lemiec commented.
Femme in STEM is not just about scientific exploration but also a grand celebration of women in STEM, a day where they can meet and connect with their peers and colleagues.
For those planning to visit, it is worth noting that Femme in STEM tickets sell out quickly. To secure attendance, online reservations on the NCAFF Admissions page are obligatory.
