A high-end shopping center only a few miles from downtown Dallas might be the last place you think a STEM exhibit would be. But right now, it is the best place to learn about female role models who are transforming STEM fields. You see, the IF/THEN® initiative (part of the Lyda Hill Philanthropies) has over 120 3D-printed statues of inspiring women who are working in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math on display. The women that are represented in the orange 3D-printed statues come from all types of industries including academia, fashion, entertainment, medical, and business. Visionary Lyda Hill explains that she designed the IF/THEN® initiative to “activate a culture shift among young girls to open their eyes to STEM Careers.” The exhibit is based on the notion that “seeing is believing” and when girls are able to see women who are transforming STEM careers, they are more likely to pursue their own dreams of a career in STEM. In a study about girls and STEM, 66% of 4th grade girls reported that they like science and math, but by college only 18% of engineering majors are female. The loss of interest in STEM topics as girls age is attributed to not having a real-life role model and encouragement to persist in the fields. This exhibit is one way to expose girls to accomplished women in these transformative fields.
The exhibit in NorthPark Center has the most statues of women at one time and in one location. There are all types of role models in the exhibit, including Anjali Chadha a bioengineering student at MIT, Catie Cuan and roboticist and dancer, Victoria Herman a climate change researcher, and Ashley Podhradsky a Cyber Crime investigator. Each statue weights approximately 20-30 pounds and were created by Amaze Design in Boston.
The exhibit runs through October 24, 2021, but if you can’t make it, check out the IF/THEN website where you will find an interactive pdf, scavenger hunt, profiles about each woman, and even an Instagram filter to visualize yourself as a 3D-statue. If you have passion for a STEM topic, the profiles are a great way to see all types of career possibilities that you too can pursue.
To learn more, visit www.ifthenshecan.org or follow IF/THEN® on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. You can also check out an interview with Nicole Small on the Kelly Clarkson Show.
Bright Futures Begin With STEM 