STEM at Chez Nous: Fueling an Empowered Future

Katarina Radulovic '24

Ever think about what the national focus on the new infrastructure bill in the U.S. Congress could mean for STEM-related jobs in engineering and related fields? Do you consider how the COVID-19 epidemic has expanded the already booming pharmaceutical industry? Thinking about a digital engineering pathway in designing software? Graduates of Notre Dame are studying within some of the top STEM programs in the nation, proving that our Chez Nous sisters are more than ready to shatter the glass ceiling and live out their dreams. Regardless of whether one chooses to focus upon science as a career choice or not, the respect for science connects each student with their understanding of life.

As our Biology, Health, and Technology Literacy teacher at Notre Dame, Ms. Yasmin Hassan graciously shared her ideas regarding how taking biology prepares students for further study in neuroscience, biotechnology, and related fields in college. In her own words, Ms. Hassan considers some of the most important takeaways from the study of Molecular Biology to be “that science is found in nearly everything in this world and all of the concepts that we learn are not only related to each other but are most certainly happening in and around all of us at this very moment.” With this focus upon connecting the interrelatedness of scientific discovery and the tangibility of STEM applications, Ms. Hassan’s words and teaching are guiding Notre Dame students upon their academic journeys, whether or not they choose to pursue science-related fields at the college level. With the knowledge that many young women from Notre Dame are interested in science as a future career option, Ms. Hassan relates that, “Of course, not everyone who takes biology will go on to enter a career related to biology or even another science. There are so many different opportunities in this world for every unique individual. However, I have noticed that there are more and more young women who are entering fields in STEAM–including medicine, research, and education. Sometimes it takes all 4 years of high school (and even beyond) to come to realize one's passion and drive for the sciences.” From this perspective, Ms. Hassan’s words compel the viewpoint that the study of sciences may not directly lead to a career in science, while the attainment of this knowledge will unquestionably configure a sound academic foundation. Within the many possible career paths for a STEM major, Ms. Hassan mentioned career opportunities that include epidemiologist, biochemist, and pharmacologist.

Many Notre Dame students are currently preparing for careers in STEM. In addition to developing a comprehensive mastery in STEM, recent graduate Brae Cecil ‘21 credits the strength of academics at Notre Dame coupled with her experience of sisterhood at Chez Nous in developing the skills and confidence needed to pursue the demanding Civil Engineering program at Penn State University. Reflecting on her years at Notre Dame, Ms. Cecil considers that “Going to an all-girls school has taught me how I should never give up on myself, especially in a male-dominated world. I gained a lot of courage by having the opportunity to lead my peers whether it was in Girls Who Code or playing on the Varsity Soccer Team.” With this in mind, Ms. Cecil’s ideas reflect that Notre Dame has not only provided the background in STEM but developed her internal fortitude as a means to empower her future.

With the consideration that both STEM and non-STEM fields provide significant career opportunities, it is important to choose a career path based on how it fits your individual goals. On this premise, it is vital to remember that your Chez Nous family is always behind you every step of the way.

All Photos Courtesy of Katarina Radulovic '24

Edited by: Charmel Apilan '23, Natalia Cseh '23, and Ms. Brilliant

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