COSAM News Articles 2020 February Graduate Student Inspires Girls to Become Future STEM Leaders

Graduate Student Inspires Girls to Become Future STEM Leaders

Published: 02/25/2020

“The EmpowHER Conference was an inspiring experience for me,” shared Akilah Alwan, a graduate student in the Department of Geosciences. “The room was full of female middle and high school students that are proof that girls in the state of Alabama have bright futures in science.”

Alwan was a speaker on the This is What a Scientist Looks Like panel discussion at the first EmpowHER Conference on February 11.

She shared her story with more than 180 girls and explained that she thought she wanted to be a veterinarian since she was three-years old.

Then a study abroad experience to Belize changed her entire perspective.

“I became interested in how people interact with the environment after studying in Belize,” Alwan said.

In addition to her interest in geosciences, Alwan has a passion for diversity, inclusion and equity.

She spoke the packed room of girls about the obstacles she faced as the first female African American graduate student in the geosciences department classes and gave advice to the girls about pursuing a STEM field.

In addition to her interest in geosciences, Alwan has a passion for diversity, inclusion and equity.

“Without diversity, we cannot have innovation,” she added. “People with diverse backgrounds see the world in different ways and help find new solutions to problems with fresh perspectives.”

Alwan is a doctoral student and a graduate teaching assistant who currently is teaching the course Concepts of Science. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina.

“I want to foster future STEM leaders and help mentor the next generation,” Alwan said.

Her future goal is to become a diversity and inclusion officer in a STEM field after graduation.

Alwan’s relentless enthusiasm for the fields of science, education research, and diversity, inclusion, and equity will her make a lasting impact on students and inspire them to become more equitable in their future careers.