Power Grid Blog
How to Succeed in the STEM Field
December 6, 2011 | Power Grid Blog Team
Here is what Brittany Boyne, Ohio's STEM Ability Alliance Project Coordinator and Ability Advisor, had to say about pursuing a STEM career for people with disabilities. Brittany is the comprehensive advisor for students with disabilities studying in STEM fields.
Here at Wright State University, we have a long-standing history of accommodating students with disabilities. Over the years, we have been privileged to see a great number of students with disabilities come to the university and succeed with flying colors; moving through graduation and into prestigious and fulfilling careers in their fields of choice.
That being said, when looking at the STEM fields, it is a surprise to see the harsh contrast in numbers: students with disabilities are either choosing not to approach the fields in the first place despite interest, or are not succeeding despite talent. Ohio’s STEM Ability Alliance (OSAA) is a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded grant that was awarded to Wright State University in conjunction with Ohio State University to address the concerning low numbers of students with disabilities approaching and succeeding in STEM career fields. This program uses a combination of comprehensive advising, peer and professional mentoring, professional development opportunities, targeted STEM and career preparation events, internship opportunities, and more.
So what does this have to do with you if you do not intend to attend Wright State or Ohio State University?
It is simple really: being successful in STEM is far more complex than getting A’s in your academic courses. It is honing your personal skills, getting out-of-class experiences, making connections in your field, building your resume in a meaningful way.
As the Comprehensive Advisor for OSAA students at WSU, I call it intentionally ‘building your tool belt’. A student who begins building their tool belt in High School will be well on their way to a successful transition to college and a career in STEM. Examples of great tools to begin working on early are: time management, problem-solving and, organizational skills. Now is also a great time to begin practicing self-advocacy: be able to describe your disability and what that means to you personally and academically; take charge in your IEP meetings and be able to speak intelligently about your strengths and weaknesses. Practicing these skills now will strengthen your tool belt and minimize stress during your transition to college allowing you to focus on academics.
Students with Disabilities are true assets to the STEM workforce and I look forward to seeing more of your creative minds challenge the field in the near future!
