Donate to the SHE-ensya Thesis grant through the following channels:
GCash Transfer:
Account name – Chona Camille Abeledo
Account number – 09989701809
BDO Deposit:
Account name – Chona Camille Abeledo
Account number – 004580408899
Airfunding link (for international donors):
To help us keep track of donations, kindly fill up the form in this link if you have donated: https://forms.gle/tqzczQrkLwbCFfn2A 💚
Thank you!🥰
Hello Science Fans!
I’ve often been asked what inspired me to go into the field of STEM. Growing up, I was very curious about how the world works around me. I would often break apart my old toys to figure out what’s inside them. I would hover around my dad whenever he fixed something around the house. This led me to have a natural interest for science.
But a lot of young people are the same. Curiosity is a natural trait of the young, so why are there so few scientists in the Philippines and in the world?
Find out the answers to this question, and the details of the SHE-ensya grant, through the video below, or read through our article!
Before I answer this question using science, let me first say hi to our new viewers.
My name is Chona and I’m your resident Filipina scientist.
I’m a researcher in the field of Molecular Ecology, and I’ve noticed how few students are interested to do research in this field.
I’m also a teacher, and it’s a little sad whenever I see my students lose interest in their college degrees.
And SHE-ensya is my science communication channel, where I hope to inspire more young people — specially girls — to pursue STEM.
One reason why we have so few scientists is the misconception that the STEM fields are only for geniuses.
Perceptions of STEM fields as domains reserved for geniuses often stem from the complexity of the subject matter, historical stereotypes, and cultural influences. Subjects like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can involve intricate theories and concepts, leading many to believe that only exceptionally intelligent individuals can excel in these fields. Additionally, the portrayal of renowned figures like Einstein or Newton in media further reinforces the notion that brilliance is a prerequisite for success in STEM. Cultural emphasis on academic achievement and media depictions of scientists as genius innovators contribute to the widespread belief that STEM is reserved for the intellectually elite.
In education, the way STEM subjects are taught can reinforce these perceptions. Some curricula prioritize memorization over critical thinking, creating an intimidating learning environment for students who may not excel at rote learning. Furthermore, a lack of diversity in representation within educational materials can alienate underrepresented students who do not see themselves reflected in the field. Additionally, limited opportunities for hands-on learning and the pressure of high-stakes testing can further discourage students from engaging deeply with STEM subjects, perpetuating the belief that these fields are only for geniuses.
To address these issues, educators must promote inclusive teaching practices, emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and provide ample opportunities for hands-on learning. By showcasing diverse role models and deemphasizing high-stakes testing in favor of a more holistic approach to assessment, educators can make STEM subjects more accessible and engaging for all students, challenging the notion that brilliance is a prerequisite for success in these fields. Being a genius is not a requirement to be a scientist, what’s more important is curiosity, resilience, and discipline!
Diversity often leads to better innovation. But another difficulty we have with STEM fields is how few women scientists are. And a reason for this is a lack of role models.
It is crucial for young girls to have women role models in the field of STEM for several reasons. Firstly, representation matters deeply in shaping aspirations and ambitions. When young girls see women excelling in STEM careers, it challenges stereotypes and biases that suggest STEM fields are exclusively for men. Seeing women succeeding in these fields not only validates their own potential but also expands their perception of what they can achieve. It instills confidence and motivation, showing them that their gender does not limit their ability to thrive in STEM.
Secondly, women role models in STEM provide tangible examples of the diverse paths one can take within these fields. They offer insights into overcoming challenges and navigating male-dominated environments, which can be particularly valuable for young girls facing barriers or doubts about pursuing STEM careers. Additionally, these role models can offer mentorship and support, guiding young girls through educational and professional pathways, fostering networks, and providing encouragement during challenging times. Ultimately, having women role models in STEM helps to create a more inclusive and equitable environment, inspiring future generations of girls to pursue their passions and contribute to the advancement of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
It’s amazing how role models and mentors can shape our lives. But beyond having people to guide us, our young female students also need sponsors.
Sponsors in the context of career development are influential individuals within an organization or industry who actively advocate for and support the advancement of someone’s career. Unlike mentors who provide guidance and advice, sponsors use their position and influence to create opportunities, make introductions, and actively promote the professional growth of their protégés. For young women in STEM, sponsors are essential for navigating the often male-dominated landscape of these fields. They can help open doors to opportunities such as internships, research projects, promotions, and leadership positions that might otherwise be inaccessible due to systemic barriers or biases.
Young women in STEM need sponsors for several reasons. Firstly, sponsors can help counteract the effects of gender bias and discrimination by actively championing their talent and potential within their professional networks. This advocacy is especially important in environments where women are underrepresented or undervalued. Secondly, sponsors provide valuable guidance and support, offering insights into navigating organizational politics, building strategic relationships, and honing leadership skills. By leveraging their influence and connections, sponsors can accelerate the career progression of young women in STEM, helping them overcome obstacles and reach their full potential in their chosen fields.
But sponsorship can also mean financial support.
Many budding STEM enthusiasts, especially those in senior high school and college, face a significant hurdle: funding for their thesis projects. This financial gap often forces them to abandon their STEM aspirations for other pursuits. Based on surveys among senior high school and college faculty, the average cost of a basic STEM thesis ranges from Php 55,000-100,000 (~$1,000-2,000 USD), and this proves to be too expensive for a lot of our young learners. There are too few grants available for students of this age.
So to celebrate my birthday in a few hours, and SHE-ensya’s 4th anniversary, we want to raise funds to support at least one young woman passionate about STEM for the Academic Year 2024-2025. And if we exceed our goal, any surplus will be allocated to other deserving young girls in the STEM arena. So the more donations we get, the more young women we can help.
The academic year in the Philippines commences from June to August of 2024. Thus, we aim to secure the necessary funds by June to ensure timely application openings for the new school year. We hope to award $1,000 USD per student and applications will be solicited through the SHE-ensya channel, so watch out for future announcements. Candidates will be evaluated based on the quality of their proposed thesis, their ability to articulate scientific concepts effectively, and endorsements from educators, family members, and community leaders. Again, if we raise money beyond $1,000 USD, any excess funds will be distributed to other applicants based on the evaluation of their submissions. So I hope you can help us promote this fundraising activity.
To donate, please check out the air funding link in the description of this video, but you can also deposit through the indicated GCash and Bank accounts. We will create regular reports at the SHE-ensya website, social media pages, and through this channel as well, to make sure that we are fully transparent about the funds that we are raising. We will have until June 22, 2024 to reach our goals. And we hope we can bless more than one SHE-ensya grantee for this activity!
So what do you think? Are you ready to help us support the next generation of women scientists in the Philippines? Please like and share this video, and share our donation channels so we can help more people. And don’t hesitate to let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, your resident Filipina scientist, in the comments section below.
And remember, when in doubt, always use your (con)science!
Donate to the SHE-ensya Thesis grant through the following channels:
GCash Transfer:
Account name – Chona Camille Abeledo
Account number – 09989701809
BDO Deposit:
Account name – Chona Camille Abeledo
Account number – 004580408899
Airfunding link (for international donors):
To help us keep track of donations, kindly fill up the form in this link if you have donated: https://forms.gle/tqzczQrkLwbCFfn2A 💚
Thank you!🥰
SHE-ensya 