Professor Deborah Perlstein is engaging local female rising seniors in STEM Research through the GROW Program.
University’s Learning Resource Network (LERNet) in collaboration with Prof. Deborah Perlstein in the Department of Chemistry at BU. Based on their interests, GROW participants will be matched with a lab and a graduate student or postdoc research mentor in the department of chemistry, biology, biomedical engineering or mechanical engineering. They will be assigned an independent project aligned with each laboratory’s focus and expertise. Through their internships, participants will be able to experience what it is like to be part of a team actively engaged in cutting edge research. The program curriculum also provides participants with mentoring on the college admissions process and an awareness of career opportunities in STEM fields.
The overall goal of GROW is to stimulate interest in STEM from groups typically underrepresented in the workforce. Since women make up just 29% of the science and engineering workforce, we have chosen to limit enrollment in GROW to high school girls. GROW will draw students from public school in Boston, Cambridge, and surrounding areas. By participating in an authentic research experience, participants develop more accurate perceptions of who scientists are and what they do. Through their close collaboration with their research mentors, participants are also provided with access to role models who can nurture their interests in science and engineering and increase their confidence in their ability to succeed in STEM-related careers.