UNESCO-UWI Walking in Her Footsteps programme (WIHFS) geared towards undergraduates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) students, facilitated a day tour as part of its activities, aimed at introducing the girls to individuals and organizations at the forefront of technological development in different areas of specialization. A group of enthusiastic girls and mentors got excited about the the insightful journey to a few of Jamaica鈥檚 most cutting edge scientific and technologically advance organizations and companies.
These visits were aimed at providing access to real-world applications of STEM, and to inspire these young individuals to see themselves in these careers and the direct implications of their studies for industry, the outcomes of research and the society. It provided the opportunity of introducing the participants to the alternative fields that they may not have considered; learn about other opportunities that could assist them in beginning to plan and advance their careers whether this be in industry or laboratory research. The group of girls were accommodated by the Huawei Office in Jamaica, CEMEX, the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) and the Natural Products Institute of the University of the West Indies, Mona, with some support from Juci Patties.
Huawei Office in Jamaica: Fostering Technological Innovation
The students' first stop was the Huawei Office in Jamaica, where they were introduced to cutting-edge advancements in technology, telecommunications, and alternative energy systems solutions for residential and commercial customers.
The young women were able to interact with industry experts and see directly how technology is transforming communication networks as well as the company鈥檚 involvement in fostering innovation and opportunities for university graduates and young professional through their 鈥Seeds For the Future鈥 Programme, in developing local talent in ICT and bridging communication between countries and cultures.
A simple yet very defining moment arose when the girls were shown the workspace within the location. They saw firsthand people at work, the various conveniences, and became excited of the prospects open to them as they set sights on embarking on their career journeys.
Participants and Mentors
The participants of the programme were from the University of Technology, Jamaica and the University of the West Indies Mona visited Huawei's headquarters in Jamaica, Caribbean Cement Company Ltd. (CEMEX), the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS), and the Natural Products Institute Laboratory at UWI Mona. The mentors present came from STEM industries such as Bauxite Mining and Research and Development organizations.
I was really excited about today, especially when we went to Huawei. I was happy to know, that a lot of the things that I learned, the fundamentals of my course in my degree, Energy and Environmental Physics Major, I could see the applications of it. At the Cement Co., much of what was said I could identify with although I鈥檓 not a chemistry major. There was a fair amount of the applications were related to Physics. A lot of persons ask when I tell them am studying physics if am going to teach after I leave university; this is usually what is associated with doing the sciences, so this experience was all encouraging to me. It gave me this really nice feeling of the relevance of what am doing, am not just looking at a website or reading things about what exists, but I could see the implications of what am doing in front of me. As most of my experience in my field has been through research, I haven鈥檛 had the opportunity to see industry. This first taste of industry and the application of my studies, has been through my mentor at the Bureau of Standards Jamaica, and this tour has just expanded that, and has solidified that research and academia isn鈥檛 the only places I can work, just in academia either but other areas where my studies could be applicable. I can now see myself doing a 9 to 5 in industry. I would like to say to UWI and UNESCO, that I wasn鈥檛 sure what to expect for this programme, but am beginning to see the benefits and that the experience has been wholesome for me. I also see the qualities a woman could offer to the industry, contrasting how men and women are, not necessarily better, just different, so there is room for me, I think.
CEMEX Jamaica: Exploring Sustainable Construction Practices
At CEMEX Jamaica, the students delved into the realm of sustainable construction practices and cement production. The company's commitment to health and safety of its employees and visitors showed a glimpse of the work culture.
The group saw firsthand, the company鈥檚 focus on enhancing environmentally friendly practices and this was something that resonated with the young minds as they witnessed the integration of science and engineering towards developing solutions that minimize the carbon footprint of concrete manufacturing up close with a drive-by-tour of the cement manufacturing plant.
It was shared that CEMEX has aimed at making equal opportunities for men and women a reality by making a concerted effort to have a 50-50 representation of men and women across all areas of its operations.
As a mentor in the WIHFS it was good to see how my mentee interacted, with colleagues and other mentees. To see her proactiveness, how much she's learning how much her interest has expanded with our interactions. One of the things that I鈥檝e been wanting her to work on is being more confident and to put herself out there, not to just be interested in only what she likes or is use to, but also other areas of STEM.
We had four tours, Huawei Office, ICENS, Cement Company and Natural Products institute, they were all very informative and I do appreciate the time they took and the information and knowledge they imparted, I myself has learned a lot. I am grateful for what Dr. Marvadeen at UWI and the Dr. Abiaga at UNESCO and their teams have done in providing these opportunities for girls in the region. I am happy to be apart of this programme and I鈥檝e realized that with more experience you gather, you also gain social responsibility. I鈥檝e gotten the opportunity to see how young minds think, where they want to go and possibly find prospective employees for the company for which I work. This is a great move and a great programme.
International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS): Environmental and Nuclear Research Up Close
The visit to the International Centre for Environmental and Nuclear Sciences (ICENS) opened the doors to the world of nuclear sciences and environmental research. The students were immersed in discussions about the pivotal role that scientific research at the Centre played in addressing global challenges, from health, environmental degradation to climate change.
The WIHFS participants got the opportunity to interface with researchers and specialists at the Centre involved in the safe and peaceful use of nuclear fusion technology for scientific inquiry and practical analyses. A visit to the on-site nuclear reactor was an exciting moment for all, it showcased the diverse use of the nuclear technology, whether it's the composition of the soil, the purity of samples, or even the well-being of the populace including the application of geographical information. The use and application of the technology showed immense capabilities and a demand for skill individuals much like the population of girls in the Walking-in-her-Footsteps programme.
Natural Products Institute of the University of the West Indies, Mona (NPI): Harnessing Nature's Potential
The final leg of the day鈥檚 tour introduced the students to the laboratories of the Natural Products Institute (NPI) and some of the products of the researchers. The NPI is a dedicated research facility in the Faculty of Science and Technology, geared towards research that uncovers the richness of the natural resources of the Caribbean region. The group got a chance to explore the fascinating domain of natural products and their applications in medicine, cosmetics. They were engaged on the implications of the with researchers who shared insights into the process of extracting, studying, and utilizing the potent compounds found in nature.
The participants were introduced to one aspect of NPI research involving the mosquito control in Jamaica and the Caribbean as well as the commitment towards reducing the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. NPI boast a reputation of fostering collaborations, and the embracing of traditional knowledge, and applying scientific methodologies, towards finding sustainable solutions the health of the population in the region.
I was extremely impressed with the quality of this tour. I have been introduced to so many different areas in industry in just a day. We got to see technology, geology, geography, physics biochemistry, chemistry, biology in action. It was such an exciting day, STEM came to life today. It was truly inspiring to see how the young ladies engaged with the information, their mentors and were being empowered as young scientists. I am hopeful for the future of science in Jamaica and I'm proud to see our students, knowing that they are going to go out and change the world.
I know that the WIHFS has elements of internships where students are able access training and to work within an organizational setting and I think that this is very useful. STEM students face a lot of the challenges in terms of translating themselves into the working world, we don鈥檛 have the experience that employers are looking for, we sometimes don鈥檛 have the training either and this programme is extremely valuable in terms of providing that opportunity for students to begin to address this challenge, by gaining experience and developing needed competences and capacity. I would like to say thank to the supporters of this programme UNESCO and UWI for recognizing the need for such a programme. One that empowers young people, giving them a 鈥渓eg up鈥 in STEM. It鈥檚 a field that might have challenges to enter and seeing women have support from this level at the start of their careers is promising. I think that the sponsors are saying that they believe in us and the power of education and STEM in advancing our society.
The tour was also a fantastic learning opportunity for mentors, exposing them to sides of science they may not have thought about.
For me as a mentor, it was as interesting for me as it was for our mentees. I went to places, I鈥檝e never been before. I was good to expose our young women in STEM to the different applications of the things that they are studying, and show them what it means to be a working woman in STEM, and the kinds of careers out their on graduating.
When I was their age I didn鈥檛 get this kind of opportunity, I played it by ear, but this programme provides them with the opportunity to have access to persons with experience, they can talk to. I feel privileged to offer my support to help them on their way.
I can see where the team responsible for the WIHFS has put a lot of thought behind the programme; staging this tour, having placement of mentees with mentors in their workspaces, to engaging the community, by supporting a STEM Community Outreach project, all of which provide a wholesome opportunities for the young ladies.
