Developing Experts meets Dr. Suze Kundu at Women of the Future - inspiring careers in STEM
Women of the Future boasted an opportunity for local girls aged 13+, to attend talks led by female scientists and to engage in conversation with local companies about opportunities and careers in STEM.
Yesterday, Developing Experts sent four members of the team, including Earth science specialist, Heather Bingham, to the Women of the Future conference held at the John Innes Centre in Norwich. The day, run by UEA and the John Innes centre, boasted an opportunity for local girls aged 13+, to attend talks led by female scientists and to engage in conversation with local companies about opportunities and careers in STEM.
The day kicked of with ‘The XX Factor’, an insight into inspirational female scientists who have made movements in science and research within their field. During this session, delivered by Wendy Sadler MBE of Science Made Simple, the audience of 200+ school aged girls were introduced to a range of inspirational female scientists, from Astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, Musician and Composer Delia Derbyshire, Cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, and Volcanist Katia Krafft.
Throughout the day, the team attended inspirational talks delivered by crop genetics researcher, Jemima Brinton, food nutrition PhD student, Mikhaela Neequaye, and Manufacturing Engineer, Helen Cavil. Helen Cavill gave a stand out talk, proudly framing herself as an engineering detective, inventor, negotiator, and scientist. She delivered an engaging, inspiring, and exciting insight into life as a woman in a male dominated industry.
Other exhibitors on the day included the University of East Anglia, NHS, and construction company, Carter.
The keynote speech, delivered by nanochemist, science communicator, presenter, lecturer, and writer, Suze Kundu, provided a fantastic conclusion to the day. Suze produced a film with our team on the day discussing her career so far (including her 5 degrees!) and how she works towards inspiring young girls wishing to enter a career in STEM. During her keynote speech, Suze showcased her flair for academia and all things science.
Speaking to Developing Experts Earth Science expert, Heather Bingham, at the event, Suze said: “Being a scientist can be anything you want it to be.”
The team would like to thank the organisers for providing a fantastic day for young women across Norwich and Norfolk. To see our expert films with Dr. Suze Kundu and Helen Cavill, keep an eye on the Developing Experts YouTube channel.