The goal of the Women in Science conference is to show students that STEM ( Science,
technology, Engineer and Math) careers are exciting, attainable and rewarding. The conference
provides young people with real-world examples of science and engineering career opportunities
and allows them to meet successful women scientists, doctors and engineers from Oklahoma and
beyond.
Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) Supports the Women in Science Conference
This is the 3rd year MMAC has participated. AMC3, Quality Systems and Business Resources
division has been managing all initiatives for Aviation & Space Education (AVSED) program
including planning, coordinating and providing all giveaways for this event.
This year Dr.Nina Barker took the lead on organizing MMAC participation with TWO, CAMI,
and NAPA. The team brainstormed to decide on hands-on displays that would engage the participants.
Dr. Kevin Williams and Della Triggs-Koch brought flight simulators; these were highlights of our area.
Dr. Nelda Milburn and Linda “Sarah” Peterson’s vision research display attracted a lot of interest
and questions from the young participants. The ATO slideshow also stopped traffic, as it contained
pictures of the FAA at work. There were over 300 students that cycled by the booth. Special thanks
go to Melissa Graffigna, Tony Delavega, Callie Christenbury, and Angela C. Smith for doing their part
to make this happen!
Dr.Nina Barker was a panelist of a 6-member panel. She and other five panelists shared their
experiences and stories about the choices they made, and how they continue to learn along the way.
All six panel members discussed their STEM accomplishments but also emphasized a balance between
family, career, and personal interests. The panelists were a computer science professor, a medical
doctor, a veterinarian, an industrial engineering student, and a multispectral chief scientist.
We Need Your Help
Next year, we hope to increase our STEM participation in the EPSCOR Women in Science
Conference! Please email Callie Christenbury or Nina Barker if you would like to help us.
In addition to participating in Women in Science Conference, MMAC has many other programs and
activities going on in the AVSED arena. Some of these initiatives at MMAC include several Summer
ACE (Aviation Career Education) Camps and Teacher Workshops and bringing students and teachers
out to the Center for Career Days all year long!.
We need a lot of helps! If you are interested in supporting these efforts, please contact:
Melissa M. Graffigna
MMAC AVSED Program Manager
Email: Melissa.M.Graffigna@faa.gov
Phone: 405-954-9305
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