Stark Campus hosts STEM enrichment workshop funded by Tensor Women and Mathematics Grant
Kent State University at Stark recently hosted a hands-on STEM workshop aimed at inspiring young women in mathematics and science. Funded by the Mathematical Association of America’s Tensor Women & Mathematics Grant, the event was part of a larger initiative called the Mathematics Excellence for Girls in STEM program.
This program is a collaboration between Kent State University and 40 high schools in a tri-county area of Ohio. It aims to provide yearlong enrichment opportunities for female high school students interested in STEM fields. The centerpiece of the program is a weeklong summer academy that focuses on math applications, biology and data science. The academy also includes fun activities, games and even math yoga.
After the summer academy, students will stay engaged through virtual connections with peers from a high school in Brisbane, Australia, as part of a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Project. This experience will blend theory with firsthand practice, using AI to enhance learning.
In the following spring semester, students will have the chance to meet with local women professionals in STEM. These one-on-one sessions will provide insights into future career opportunities.
The program is led by Aloysius Bathi Kasturiarachi, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematical sciences. Kasturiarachi expressed his enthusiasm for supporting young women in STEM, drawing on his own experiences as a father of daughters who have excelled in these fields.
“It is with joy and pleasure that I embarked on this project to seek funding to support a group of female students who are driven to excel in mathematics and STEM,” he said. “I carry within me the wonderful experiences of watching our three daughters continue in STEM careers and breaking that glass ceiling many times over. The experiences I have gained from leadership roles during my tenure at Kent State University, both as a faculty member and former administrator, have sharpened my visionary thinking and expanded my perceptions of high-impact practices that are truly equitable. I firmly believe that the work advanced through this endeavor can create a foundational environment in which STEM will thrive.”
Through the Tensor Women & Mathematics Grant, Kasturiarachi said he hopes to build on existing opportunities provided by other programs he administers, such as the Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program.
Dinah Qutob, Ph.D., an assistant professor of biological sciences, will lead the biology portion of the program. She is passionate about integrating mathematics into her research on Stone Man’s Disease and is eager to share this with students.
“The enrichment workshop gives me the opportunity to introduce incoming high school students to the exciting world of research that I do,” explained Qutob, emphasizing the important role of mathematics in molecular biology, illustrating how mathematical skills are integral to understanding and advancing scientific research.
The workshop at Kent State Stark not only provided a valuable learning experience but also highlights the university’s dedication to supporting young talent in STEM. As part of this commitment, the Spring 2025 Girls in STEM talk and career showcase will feature several accomplished female professionals who are Kent alumni, including a neurologist, a family medicine physician, a public health expert, a computer scientist and an actuarial scientist.
By offering these opportunities, Kent State University continues to foster academic excellence and community engagement, empowering the next generation of women in STEM.
For more information, contact Dr. Bathi Kasturiarachi, associate professor of mathematical sciences, at akasturi@kent.edu.