Trout in the Classroom students from Monsignor McClancy Memorial High School in New York City got the unique opportunity to interview TU’s lead scientist, Dr. Helen Neville, about her career as a STEM professional.
Kelly Tapia, a MMMHS senior, and Sean Cabrera, a MMMHS freshman, worked together with their teacher, Ms. Smith, to come up with questions that are at the top of the minds of many teens who are thinking about pursuing STEM careers.
Questions included:
- How has the pandemic affected science research?
- What are some challenges you face on a daily basis?
Dr. Neville also provides advice to young women who are interested in pursuing STEM jobs.
Ms. Smith has been a TIC teacher in New York for over five years. She has been a mentor to new TIC teachers and has created lesson plans for the TIC Online Lesson Plan Library. Ms. Smith also leads stewardship and citizen science projects for her students during each of the Spring Trout Release Field Days that take place in NYC’s East-of-Hudson watershed. She is currently raising more than 200 trout with help from her science and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) club students.
TIC’s STEM Fireside Chats are a new series of short interviews with our program partners and organizations. They are designed to give students a glimpse into STEM careers. Three pilot interviews have been posted on our YouTube channel, and we are looking for high school students from New York City who would like to help with our future interviews.
Students will work with TU staff to come up with questions for our interviewees that focus on STEM jobs and inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and tradespeople.