Ahead of this month’s Women of Innovation Awards, two Southern Connecticut State University finalists took to the WTNH airwaves to share how research, mentorship, and hands-on learning are helping open more doors for women in STEM.
Julia Irwin, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of psychology, and chemistry student Maritza Sanchez appeared on Good Morning Connecticut on Oct. 5 to discuss the Connecticut Technology Council’s annual Women of Innovation Awards, which recognize women across the state for excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, leadership, and innovation.
During the segment, Irwin highlighted Southern’s hands-on approach to STEM education and the research, internship, and industry opportunities available to students.
“What we’re known for at Southern, in particular, is experiential education with our faculty,” Irwin said. “Students come through the classroom, they can learn techniques from us, but they can intern with us, they can intern in the community, and we have partnerships with industry.”
Sanchez shared how her experiences at Southern have helped shape her goal of pursuing a career in environmental chemistry. As a Werth fellow, she has researched methods for recycling materials from spent lithium-ion batteries.
“It definitely gave me a view of what my career would look like in the future,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez also spoke about how experiencing water scarcity and air pollution while living in Mexico inspired her to explore how chemistry could be used to address environmental challenges.
Irwin and Sanchez are among three Southern-connected finalists this year, alongside alumna and SCSU Foundation Board member Jackie Garofano, ’06.
The Connecticut Technology Council’s 21st annual Women of Innovation Awards will be held Tuesday, Oct. 27, in Branford, celebrating 47 finalists from across Connecticut’s technology, science and engineering communities.
