At Elizabethtown College, there are a wide variety of diverse clubs and organizations centered around the motto“Educate for Service”. Considering this, it’s important to represent our school’s range of interests. This is why the Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) club has become such a foundational organization, attracting students fascinated by the STEM fields in majors like biology, health professions, chemistry, engineering, occupational therapy and pre-physician assistant.
Secretary Callie Asper ‘26, became involved as a first-year student interested in the pre-pharmacy program. As someone who has always been passionate about advocating for female involvement in STEM, she was drawn to the club’s table at an Accepted Students Day. Asper was immediately enthralled by the club after speaking with a welcoming member in the pre-pharmacy program. The club requested to follow her on Instagram right afterwards, and she was officially a member!
The club was formed in 2021 with Professor of Biology and Chair of the Health Professions Advisory Committee Debra Wohl, serving as the advisor. Current officers include Lauren Berger ‘26, Alexis McCusker ‘25, Maegan Wingert ‘26, Marissa Borer ‘26 and Callie Asper.
Asper recalls how much smaller the club was when she initially joined, elated at how much it has grown since.
“My favorite part about the club is the fact that there’s so much potential,” Asper said.
This potential reflects how quickly female involvement in STEM is increasing in our world and the genuine support behind it.
Throughout high school, Asper saw her peers intimidated by careers in STEM. It can be daunting to be a female in STEM, especially without a solid support system. Coming into college, Asper was impressed by the encouraging environment the Women in STEM club presented without an extreme time commitment or demand. Students who attend meetings are instantly met with members eager to uplift each other, building peers up to succeed.
One thing officers are hoping for the future of the club is more involvement from students in math and engineering fields. Additionally, the club is looking forward to having more engagement with the community, possibly connecting with local high schools to inspire and support younger students interested in STEM.
Besides club meetings, students have ample opportunities to get involved. For instance, members can volunteer for tabling at Etown Accepted Students Day, club fairs and Fall Fest.
A new and exciting opportunity for students is quickly approaching. On March 21, the Women in STEM & Women in Business organizations are holding a professional panel. Students who attend will be able to listen to six experienced women in business and STEM, ask questions and sample some delicious desserts. Asper notes that the event will depict what it means to be a female in business or STEM as well as how panelists advocated for female representation in their own lives.
Asper also recalls how inspired she was by the advice from last year’s panel. One major takeaway she remembers is the importance of taking advantage of what you are given.
“If there is a research opportunity in front of you, take it,” Asper said.
To highlight the members’ diverse interests and majors, officers released a collection of stickers, showing off vibrant designs like DNA strands, bacteria, and programs like pre-PA, biology, and engineering. The stickers were intentionally designed to encompass the kaleidoscope of topics that fit under the STEM category.
In addition, the Women in STEM club recently had a merch drop featuring a variety of colorful crewnecks to bring awareness to the club. They are expected to have another merch drop within the next several months, so keep your eyes open for an email.
Whether you are looking for a strong female support group, help with scheduling classes or simply a place to vent your frustrations about organic chemistry, the Women in STEM Club is the place for you.
