UW chemical engineering students (from left) Madison Vitt, of Fort Bridger; Emily
Lynch, of St. Leonard, Md.; and Jacy Busboom, from Douglas, are members of the UW
Society of Women Engineers student chapter, which will host this year’s WOMENgineering
conference for female students in fifth through ninth grades. (Photo courtesy of Zach
Hutson)
The University of Wyoming Society of Women Engineers (SWE) student chapter will host
its third annual WOMENgineering conference Saturday, Oct. 19, at UW’s new Engineering
Education and Research Building.
Female representation in engineering has grown over the past several years, in part,
by continued outreach from the SWE chapter, a registered student organization (RSO).
The purpose of the RSO is to help women achieve their full potential as engineers
and leaders, expand the image of the engineering profession and demonstrate the value
of diversity in the industry.
Conference registration is open to female students in fifth through ninth grades.
Five workshops will be offered featuring different engineering disciplines, and attendees
will have the chance to meet college students working on their engineering degrees.
Complimentary lunch will be served, and students will hear from a guest speaker.
Parents may register their students for the free conference here. Deadline to register is Monday, Oct. 7.
Chemical engineering student and chapter President Madison Vitt, from Fort Bridger,
believes the conference will serve as a vehicle for young women to consider engineering
as a career path.
“I believe the WOMENgineering conference is a great opportunity for young girls to
get exposed to all different types of engineering,” Vitt says. “Engineering is often
propagated toward males, so I love that we are able to present this career path to
girls. We had great feedback last year at the conference, and I hope we can continue
to inspire girls around the state to pursue careers within the engineering profession.”
UW students are encouraged to sign up as volunteers for the event. Jacy Busboom, a
Douglas chemical engineering undergraduate student and outreach co-chair for SWE’s
campus chapter, encourages UW students to volunteer for the conference as a means
to reduce stress that they may be feeling this semester, and also help inspire young
women to pursue engineering.
“In my experience, I was guided to engineering through college workshops and camps
like these,” Busboom says. “Volunteering at the conference makes people excited about
their major when classwork may be wearing them down.”
Individuals interested in volunteering can email swe.uwyo@gmail.com for more information.
