Girls in STEM Bring Careers to Teens; campus holds clothes, food drive

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From “exciting” to “awesome” were two reactions to the hands-on experience of more than 150 middle and high school students who attended the 28th annual Tennessee Girls in STEM Conference at Middle Tennessee State University.

The science, technology, engineering and math event was held recently at various MTSU science buildings and the McWherter Learning Resource Center, with numerous faculty and students participating this year, as well as off-campus partners.

The fall conference was instrumental in engaging girls and young women, like keynote speaker and MTSU graduate Emily Oppmann, who grew up attending the conference and later became a volunteer, to consider careers in STEM.

Ze Shamsieva, 15, of Nashville, a sophomore at Nashville Valor Prep who was considering medical school or law school, said the conference “was an incredible experience. Getting to know new career options was a good opportunity for us.”

Along with other seniors, Shamsiev heard from MTSU faculty panelists Caitlin Foley (Animal Science), Alyssa Logan (Equestrian), Jessica Young (Assistant Dairy Manager) and Keely O’Brien (Fermentation) who shared their enthusiasm for the program.

Joy Pook, 13, of La Vergne High School, said the learning at the conference was “really intense. You can walk around and experience hands-on activities.”

Oppmann, a Murfreesboro native and graduate of Central Magnet School, told attendees to “find your passion and make a positive difference” during a talk about genetics and genetic counseling, followed by a question-and-answer session where students offered “so many great questions that showcase their interest,” she added.

Oppmann is a board-certified genetic counselor specializing in cancer genetics at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Fairfax, Virginia, helping patients and their families navigate the ins and outs of hereditary cancer testing.

A 2021 graduate of MTSU, Oppmann earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with a major in genetics and biotechnology and minors in chemistry and global studies. She earned her master’s degree in genetic counseling from the University of Alabama-Birmingham.

Collection center for comfortable clothes, things for Thanksgiving

Tennessee State University’s June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students is leading a food and clothing drive through early November.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, JAC is partnering with MTSU’s Power of One campus initiative to end gender-based violence to host a clothing drive to benefit the Rutherford Center for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault county.

“We collect new bras with tags and comfortable clothes like leggings, sweatpants and t-shirts,” explained Maygan Wipfley, director of the June Anderson Center. “Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness Month for Bras and Comfortable Clothes is a way to embrace those in need in times of real crisis.”

New items of comfortable clothing will be accepted until November 1 at the JAC, located in room 330 of the Student Union Building at 1768 MTSU Blvd.

The Rutherford County Domestic Violence Center prefers donations of new wire-free bras and sports bras, as these garments will be used for forensics and also given to survivors of domestic violence. Comfort is key for those experiencing these situations, Wipfley explained.

Meanwhile, the JAC is partnering with the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, the Non-Traditional Student Advisory Committee and the MTSU Food Pantry for the annual Appreciative Thursday event.

Now through November 4, the JAC will be collecting non-perishable/canned items to be collected and distributed to all students without exception — while supplies last — from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on November 7, in the Student Union Atrium.

Recommended items to donate for Thanksgiving food packages include stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy, casserole soup, green beans, corn, powdered milk, cranberry sauce, pie filling and canning knives.

Food donations are due by noon on Nov. 4 and can be dropped off in room 330 of the Student Union; Ellington Human Sciences Lobby, 2623 Middle Tennessee Blvd.; Department of Communication, Room 223 in Jones Hall, 624 Old Main Circle; or in rooms 124 or 316 in the Keathley University Center, 1524 Memorial Blvd.

Off-campus visitors who wish to donate items can obtain a temporary permit at the Parking and Transportation Services office at 205 City View Drive or pay by license plate by visiting this webpage and clicking on the appropriate link under Visitor Parking. Visitor permits cost $2 per day. A parking map and additional information are available at https://mtsu.edu/parking/.

MTSU Mondays content is provided by MTSU News and Media Relations.

This article originally appeared on the Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Girls in STEM Bring Careers to Teens; student clothes, food