Leading women scientists in the Cape Fear region will highlight the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) 2023 Femme in STEM Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. With exciting hands-on activities and experiments, visitors will have the opportunity to look through microscopes, experience a tornado machine, and even get their hands dirty with some soil samples.
For the Aquarium, it is important for young girls to see someone like themselves in STEM fields. Research shows that starting around middle school, girls start losing interest in science and other STEM subjects. The Aquarium is showcasing the variety of STEM fields that are open for career paths while facilitating an interactive experience with people working in those fields.
“Femme in STEM has grown in popularity every year and we love that because it means more young women have an opportunity to see themselves in a science, technology, engineering and math career. We are excited about the stellar line up of women we have this year and look forward to a very successful event,” said Gail Lemiec, unique experiences coordinator, NCAFF.
The Aquarium’s main goal for Femme in STEM is to spark an interest in the world around us and how we study and learn more about that world.
“We hope that more people and minds pursue STEM fields to help solve complex issues in our environment. We are all about saving species at the Aquarium and the people who are doing that work are in STEM,” said Lemiec
Femme in Stem is also a celebration of women. Many exhibitors commented that it was so nice to see so many women peers and colleagues out for the day. Some even mentioned that they are the only woman in their department, and it was a nice reminder that other women are in STEM and we need more of them.
The event is included with an Aquarium reservation. Tickets for special days like Femme in STEM sell out. Advance tickets are required to visit the Aquarium at NCAFF Admissions.
About the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is just south of Kure Beach, a short drive from Wilmington, on U.S. 421. The site is less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission: $12.95 ages 13-61; $10.95 children ages 3-12; $11.95 seniors (62 and older) and military with valid identification; EBT card holders: $3. Free admission for children 2 and younger and N.C. Aquarium Society members and N.C. Zoo members.