INSPIRATION
I discovered my love for math and sciences early in middle school. My passion led me to research internships in the Genetics lab of Cambridge University and Queens Mary University of London, At Cambridge, I observed that most of the graduate students and faculty were men. During discussions with my friends and family, I realised that very few girls wanted to study or pursue careers in science.
This led me to reflect and awakened in me a fervour to motivate girls and arouse in them an interest in math and sciences. I shared my ideas with Dr. Viji Draviam, a highly accomplished women scientist (with whom I had worked), and my own school headmistress at Marymount, Ms. Sarah Gallagher, a very successful educationist. Both unequivocally encouraged me to share my zeal with primary, middle and secondary school girls to encourage them to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education and careers. Through this, my initiative to Empower, iNspire and EncouRage Girls In SciencE (ENERGISE) Campaign came to life.
Dr. Draviam has been my mentor, guiding me and supporting my campaign from the very beginning. Her invaluable advice and regular words of encouragement have helped in developing my campaign.
Ms. Gallagher has been a key advocate of my initiative, who has supported me through all steps of my campaign. Her counsel has enabled me to grow my campaign, both in my own school and in other London school communities.
My mission is to influence and encourage girls to pursue STEM.
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Dr. Viji Draviam
Senior Lecturer at Queen Mary University of London
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Ms. Sarah Gallagher
Headmistress at Marymount International School, London