On Wednesday, June 1, 2016, Berkeley Lab hosted 12 international (Canada, Denmark, Mexico, and Russia) and three local STEM teachers. They participated in a workshop as part of “New Frontiers in Clean Energy Education: A Training for International Teachers.” The International C3E (Clean Energy, Education, and Empowerment) Women in Clean Energy Workshop discussed the role of STEM teachers in developing the next generation, and ways to inspire young women and girls to learn more about clean energy. The workshop followed the C3E Symposium for women in clean energy, which took place on May 31st at Stanford University.
The keynote address for workshop participants was delivered by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Deputy Secretary Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, who was introduced by Berkeley Lab Director, Michael Witherell. “If we want to continue our excellence in global security and advancing technologies, we need your partnership to ensure that well-prepared young men and women choose STEM fields,” said Sherwood-Randall. “Mentors and role models are only one piece of the puzzle. You represent another piece that is even more important since girls tend to lose interest in STEM well before they get to university. Mentors can make a big difference in a young woman’s career path, but a good teacher can change her whole life.”
Each teacher attended a series of hands-on training and networking events focused on success stories in reaching girls and igniting a passion to pursue a career in STEM. The agenda included a STEM mentoring café, clean energy stations (for example, smartphone microscope, solar garden, carbon footprint exercise), and tours of the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis (JCAP) and the FLEXLAB. To view some photos of the event, click here (password LBL6116).
The following Berkeley Lab researchers served as volunteers for the event and mentors for the teachers: Building Technology and Urban Systems (BTUS): Rick Diamond; Energy Analysis and Environmental Impacts (EAEI): Anna Spurlock, Brian Gerke, Colleen Kantner, Katie Coughlin, Scott Young; Energy Geosciences: Patrick Dobson; and Energy Storage and Distributed Resources (ESDR): Elizabeth Corson, Erin Creel, Vasileia Zormpa.
The event was coordinated by the Diversity and Inclusion Office, in partnership with the Protocol Office, Workforce Development & Education Office, and the Lab Directorate.
