Charlebois uses AAUW fellowship to empower Rochester girls with science skills

Nazareth College’s Amber Charlebois, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, used a fellowship from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to create the STEM Girls ROC! Summer Science Camp to empower women and girls.

The one-week camp provided 23 underrepresented and economically disadvantaged middle school girls exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and the creativity and impact of those fields.

"I envisioned this as a program to combat gender and socio-economic disparity in STEM education by providing underserved girls opportunities to explore creativity in STEM and to gain access to female scientist role models,” said Charlebois. 

Charlebois heard one young camper exclaim on the first day of camp, “I never really paid attention to science,” and by the last day of camp the camper was convinced, “science is awesome!”

Nazareth student Abby Manning (biochemistry) worked as a counselor at the camp and says she didn’t know science was a career option for her until later in her education. “Talking with these young girls and sharing all of the amazing career choices in STEM was so awesome,” said Manning. “I was able to really build some great connections with these girls and seeing them get excited about STEM was incredible!”

Nazareth students Emily Weaver (biochemistry) and Braelyn Saunders (inclusive childhood education and psychology) also worked as camp counselors, as did Tracy Maggio (of Nazareth Science Summer Camp and a teacher at RISE Community School in Rochester), at Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts. 

The fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students attended two field trips — one to the Corning Museum of Glass and a second trip to the Nazareth College campus to learn about medical careers with Lauren Brooks, Ph.D. (clinical lab science) and Marie Bell, Ed.D. (nursing). 

On the last day, one budding scientist said that her favorite part of the week was the field trip to Nazareth: "I want to go there someday!"

Charlebois thanks the the Faculty Grant Development Fellowship program that gave her the tools to apply for the AAUW grant.

"I could not imagine a better experience for all involved," said Charlebois. “This incredible week of informal STEM education would not have been possible if it was not for the amazing collaborations of Nazareth College, Renaissance Academy, Corning Museum of Glass (which provided transportation) and the American Association of University Women.”

AAUW's mission is gender equity and economic security. For the 2021–22 academic year, AAUW has awarded an unprecedented $5 million through its fellowships and grants programs to 260 scholars as well as to community projects and programs that promote education and equity for women and girls.

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2021 October
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