Last week our second virtual alumnae networking event, STEMinism: how to succeed as a woman in STEM, was held via Zoom. The highly accomplished panel included fantastic NHEHS alumnae from a range of fields including medicine, immunology, engineering, academia and computer programming and gaming. 

The discussion included hearing about their career paths so far, the most exciting areas of STEM to work in, challenges and hurdles the panel have overcome, what they wish they had known at the start of their careers, the importance of following what interests you, how to cope with ‘mansplaining’, the opportunities for living and working abroad, the value of apprenticeships and the significant benefits of an all-girl education prior to a career in STEM.   

The guests included NHEHS alumnae and current Sixth Form as well as GDST alumnae and Sixth Form from other GDST schools.  Thank you to all those who attended and for asking such interesting and topical questions such as ‘does the panel think that the pandemic would have been handled better in the UK if there were more scientists in the Cabinet?’

Some of the feedback so far:

‘Thanks again for organising such a brilliant evening. One never quite knows what to expect with Zoom evenings but it was really fantastic so thank you!’

‘I would just like to thank you for organising this event, not only for NHEHS, but for the whole GDST. It was very insightful as well as inspirational. I am currently a Sixth Form student at another GDST school, and it was really lovely to see such powerful women working in STEM as this is something I am hoping to do. I feel honoured to be a part of the GDST, and know there are so many networking opportunities within and throughout’.

‘I thought there were some really interesting and contemporary discussions generated’

A huge thank you to our panel (listed below) for their time and wisdom.

• Chloe Coates, Materials Chemist and Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Cambridge
• Divya Shah, Epidemics Research Lead in the Vaccines Team at the Wellcome Trust
• Charu Desodt, Computer Programmer and Video Game Production Director at Interior Night
• Sophia Djili, Project Engineer at De La Rue
• Dr Nirupa Murugaesu, Consultant in Molecular Oncology at St George’s University Hospital

For news on upcoming alumnae events next term, please see our alumnae social media channels on Instagram or Facebook.