Reinvented Magazine Issue No. 10

REINVENTED ISSUE 10

NAOMI THOMAS BEYOND THE BARRIERS

WINTER 2022

Team Credits EDITOR IN CHIEF Caeley Looney

WRITING Officer: Aparna Rajesh Director: Meghana Krishna Manager: Madeline Day Manager: Zhao Gu Gammage

Aysia Torres Grace Pfohl Isabel Powell Luyang Zhang

MARKETING CMO: Varija Mehta

DEVELOPMENT Amy Zheng Avantika Samanta Charlotte Picardo

CCO: Niamh Murphy Director: Caroline Dinh

Manager: Anika Garg

Director: Christine Ao

Manager: Hansa

Director: Megan Jacob

Sreemanthula

PUBLISHING

Manager: Kristina Lian

Officer: Laura Peckyno

Amelie Tran

Laurel Ferguson

Manager: Sarah Bargfrede Amy Loveless Anna Below

Ella Kang

Anoushka Shrivastava

Karen Velderrain-Lopez

Faith Lam

Leah Marie Baluyot Shamailah Haque

Jolie Miller

OPERATIONS

Joyce Zhao

COO: Aly Trevino

Lisa Lam

Director: Crystal Huynh

Maria Fernanda Sagastume

Director: Divya Sharma

Nithya Guduri

Director: Kendall Hoes

Reyna Morales Lumagui

Ambrosia Ingoglia

Rimi Chakravarti

Manager: Allison Maurice

Erin Mitchell

Vrinda Bansal

Manager: Sravya

Jacleen Nardiello

Nagalakunta

Sharafa Mohammed

Avika Patel

Shayna Weinstein

Chantelle Faria

Vasundhara Bagchi

Madeline Estey

Yessenia Lopez

Vaishnavi Venuturimilli

Rachel Lynn Mason

Sophia Stefanakis

Niyati Patel

CREATIVE

Director: Ayushi Kumar

Madeleine Bloomer

Selena Cao

FINANCE

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Reinvented Magazine

ASK GLORIA Gloria Kimbwala

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ISSN 2770-6672 2 | Team Credits

LetterTHE FRO M

Editor

Dear Readers, 2021 kind of feels like a blur, but I am feeling pretty excited for 2022! I know the pandemic is still hitting hard, and I know that due to new variants many, yet again, could not see their families for the holidays, but I am grateful for the good moments I had in 2021. I started grad school back up after a 2 semester break (self-care is the #1 priority), I got to spend Thanksgiving with my family, and it was delicious, and Reinvented grew beyond my wildest dreams thanks to all of you!

But now, we are starting a new year with new dreams and new goals. The past never goes away, but I try to look at January as the month to reflect, learn, and start to push forward — and I hope you all take the opportunity to do the same. During this time of year, it’s even more important to look inward and prioritize yourself. Create goals that are personal to you versus goals that you can compare to the successes of others.

Last year, my goal was simply to survive. 2020 was a pretty rough year, and I didn’t put myself first enough, so 2021 was the year that I didn’t set goals that were achievement-based. I set goals that prioritized my well-being and my inner peace, and while I had a lot of ups and downs, I ended the year with no guilt and no regrets on what I could’ve done better. I chose to be kind to myself and work on myself for no one but myself.

January is also national mentoring month, and you’ll see that mentorship is a big theme in this issue. We wanted to help all of you start your year off with the resources you need to be successful in all of your endeavors, and mentors are a great way to get started. Our knk articles talk about how to find a mentor, maintain a relationship with a mentor, and even be a mentor yourself! The resources keep coming with a guide to financial aid, self-care help via our DIY section (anyone like bath bombs by chance?), our advice column, and a guide to some nontraditional STEM careers!

As per usual, I want to end my letter with a quote from one of my favorite movies of all time, The Incredibles: “I never look back, darling. It distracts from the now.” I can actually hear Edna Mode’s voice in my head saying this pretty often, along with the famous “no capes” quote. This ties back into something I mentioned earlier in this letter. Since I’m encouraging you to reflect and move forward, make sure you actually do that. Reflecting is helpful, but moving forward is more important.

To Infinity & Beyond, Caeley

Letter from the Editor | 3

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Tableof Contents 7

Mentorship 101 Series

17

27

Princess Preview

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N ao mi Th

Everyday Changemakers

Winter Reading List

52

DIY Bathbombs

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How to Find A MENTOR BY: RACHEL LYNN MASON

Having a mentor who takes an interest in your growth is a privilege.

Mentors can be guides, helping us find our passions and teaching us how to best pursue them. They can offer support and direction for those of us who are questioning our path. Relationships with mentors can begin and develop naturally, but they can also be sought out strategically. If you’re interested in finding a mentor, walk through the questions below.

What do I need to be mentored in?

Before searching for a mentor, it’s important to clearly establish what you’re looking to learn. The person who mentors you in your research doesn’t have to be the same person who helps you develop your leadership qualities.

Focusing on a specific area can lend clarity to your relationship with a mentor.

How can I grow?

While mentors can be excellent and necessary guides, your growth ultimately depends on you. It’s a good idea to identify desired areas for growth before finding a mentor so you can work with someone strong in the areas you need help in. If you find yourself struggling with communication, for example, it may be helpful to seek a guide known for her public speaking skills. By evaluating your shortcomings honestly, you can actively work towards growth.

8 | How to Find a Mentor

1 2

3 4 5

What kind of goals do I have?

Ideally, your mentor should, to some degree, hold a position or possess a skill you aspire to have. This could include someone working in a specific leadership role, successfully maintaining work-life balance, or impacting the community in a notable way. While there’s a lot to be said for finding your own path in life, using a mentor’s journey for guidance and inspiration can help you avoid some of the pitfalls you may encounter when chasing your dreams. Finding a mentor who excels at what you want to do can help you cultivate focus and direction. Your goals don’t need to be as specific as identifying a certain job—you may want to simply explore your mentor’s field.

Where can I find potential mentors?

If there’s someone you’re close to in an organization or someone who’s already expressed an interest in helping you grow, that’s great! If not, mentors can be found through websites like LinkedIn, as well as school and company pages. Word of mouth should never be the only way you find a mentor—platforms like LinkedIn are powerful tools that can connect you to people who do interesting, impactful work. Along with sites like these, mentors can be found through a part time job, a recreational sports team, or even through a friendly neighbor. You’ll need to get comfortable cold emailing and reaching out first. It can be scary to face rejection from someone you admire, but remember that if you don’t get a response, it’s likely more about their busy schedule than about you.

How can I build the relationship?

After getting an initial response from your mentor, your job is to do everything in your power to help your mentor guide you.

Asking thoughtful questions is essential—most people love to share their experiences. Show gratitude frequently and earnestly because whoever is showing you the ropes is likely doing it out of kindness and a desire to help you along. Being a mentor and being mentored can be great experiences, but imbalances in the relationship can create a lot of stress for both parties involved.

If there’s someone in your network who you look up to, reach out and start a conversation today. Offer to buy them a coffee and discuss the possibilities of establishing a mentorship. You may just find a valuable guide.

How to Find a Mentor | 9

Maintaining A Relationship WITH YOUR

Mentor

BY: MEGHANA KRISHNA

Finding a mentor is only the first step—in order to get the most out of your mentorship, it’s important to understand how to nurture and build upon your relationship.

1

Frequently revisit expectations It’s important to establish clear objectives for what you hope to gain through your mentorship and communicate those expectations with your mentor upfront. However, goals can evolve, along with the amount of time and energy you’re able to invest in your mentorship. Regularly check in to revisit the goals you’ve set and make sure your meeting schedule is still working for both of you. Make adjustments as necessary. If you plan to maintain your relationship with your mentor long-term, expect that the nature of the relationship will change over time.

10 | Maintaining a Relationship with your Mentor

2 3 4

Be prepared for meetings Consistency is key in maintaining a relationship with your mentor. If you’ve set up regularly scheduled meetings and check-ins, make sure to always show up! Always be courteous: your mentor is probably busy, so if you need to reschedule a meeting, let them know as far in advance as possible. Be present and engaged during meetings—preparing questions beforehand is a great way to show that you’re serious and that you value your mentor’s time. For example, you can ask your mentor how she stays creative and encourages innovative thinking, what strategies she uses to balance her career and personal life, and what kinds of things she may have done differently in her own career if given the opportunity.

Always bring a notebook or laptop to write down important pieces of advice from your mentor. Remember that preparation is half the battle: if you know exactly what you want to get out of a meeting and come prepared with the right questions, things will run much more smoothly.

Give back to your mentor Since mentors are generally more experienced, skilled, and better connected in a respective field, it’s easy to think, “I can’t possibly offer my mentor anything of value!”

Don’t fall into that trap—every successful, enduring relationship requires give-and-take, and mentorships are no different. Your mentor will appreciate small acts of reciprocity: if, for example, she’s mentioned an interest in a certain niche of her field, do some research about it on your own time, and send her some links to interesting readings on the topic. Maybe your mentor has already read every publication on the subject (unlikely), but either way, she’ll be touched by your thoughtfulness.

Remember your mentor is human Mentors are people first—they have hopes, dreams, and challenges of their own. It’s okay to get (appropriately) personal. If your mentor just had a baby, check in and see how she’s coping with the stress of parenthood. Maybe your mentor is in the midst of a challenging, time-consuming project and doesn’t have as much time to spare for you at the moment. Don’t just drop communication: send the occasional email to check in and reschedule meetings as needed. If your mentor’s birthday is coming up, write her a thoughtful note and thank her for the impact she’s made on you. Basic acts of kindness go a long way. Never be afraid to be considerate!

Note:

Establishing a mentorship can be one of the most beneficial things you do for yourself, both career-wise and personally. Treat your relationship with your mentor with respect, and remember that relationships flourish when both parties give 100 percent.

Mainintaing a Relationship with your Mentor | 11

a e b o t w o h

MENTOR BY: ERIN MITCHELL

1

First, determine what your mentee wants out of the relationship. It’s essential to set expectations for your conversations and the amount of investment they expect from your mentorship.

Establishing personal connections with my mentees has been critical to my own mentorships’ success. I follow up with them if they’re working on particularly difficult projects, and I don’t shy away from delving into more personal topics (like how their new puppy is doing!). There may be projects my mentees are working on that have bearing on my own success, so by fostering a personal connection, I can more easily keep tabs on their progress!

2 If you run into any confusion while figuring out what your mentee wants, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Ask them if they see a future for themselves in the role they’re currently in. Inquire about their next project goal. If they could be anything, what would they be?

Sharing personal anecdotes can be powerful. Recall when you were in your mentee’s position. What stories from your own mentors made an impact on you? What kinds of goals did you set for yourself? Did you accomplish them, or did an unexpected opportunity make you reconsider? Tell your mentee about the hurdles you had to overcome.

You can’t force your mentee to do anything, and you probably can’t solve their problems for them. Remember that you’re providing guidance and not a strict template for success.

12 | How to Be a Mentor

get to know your mentee(s) - on a professional AND personal basis!

give advice - some unsolicited

3

One thing I appreciate about my mentees is their flexibility: while we try to stick to our scheduled meetings, if something comes up, I know I can always reach out to them and reschedule. Mentoring should, however, always be a priority, and consistency builds stronger relationships.

Something as short as a half-hour tag up once a month is fine, but that half-hour should not be getting rescheduled often.

4

Not every relationship is easy, and some just won’t work. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a mentor. More likely, it just means that your mentee may have been looking for something you aren’t currently able to offer!

One of my own mentors advised me to never force a relationship.

set up a regular schedule - and stick to it

you won't always suceed - and that's okay

If you and your mentee agree that your mentorship may not be a good fit, things don’t have to end. You may both be able to support one another in the future. Chances are high they are still seeking a mentor, and chances are also high you know someone else! Facilitate that connection if you can and move on.

Know that you’ve put your best effort into the relationship, so it still counts as a success, even if the outcome was different than what you had desired.

5

I’ve saved the most important point for last. Your mentee connected with you for a reason. It may be because of your title or a project you worked on, but both you and your mentee are so much more than your email signatures.

be yourself - life isn’t always easy, and everyone knows it.

Don’t diminish your successes or your failures: you’re not benefiting anyone by minimizing the work you put into a project or the failures it took you to get to your position. Sharing those details gives your mentee a real picture of your hard work.

Additionally, it’ll help you become a better mentor as you learn to communicate with more clarity and confidence. I’m also a strong believer in learning from failure (especially other people’s failure!), which you’re giving your mentee the opportunity to do.

In the words of Simon Sinek, “A mentor is not someone who walks ahead of us to show us how they did it. A mentor walks alongside us to show us what we can do.” Your story is important, and your encouragement will influence those around you. Share it.

How to Be a Mentor | 13

Non-Traditional A Path in STEM Beyond What is a traditional STEM career? And does such a thing even exist? The line between traditional and nontraditional STEM fields isn’t always clear, but by gaining a better understanding of the latter, it’s possible to more accurately define how a career in STEM can look.

A Glimpse into Three Non-Traditional STEM Careers There are a variety of non-traditional STEM careers, including science communication, non-provider roles in medicine, and architecture. While vastly different, all play essential roles within their respective fields. These roles may not align with what people tend to imagine (like medicine or engineering) when hearing “STEM career.”

Science Communicators With scientific innovation at an all-time high, it’s nearly impossible for everyday, non-scientists to keep up with each new discovery or published research paper. Science communicators exist to bridge the gap between academia and society: they translate complex concepts into more comprehensible formats for the general public. Whether it be through magazine articles, blogs, or podcasts, science communicators’ ability to relay information increases society’s trust in science and allows citizens to make better-informed choices. The work of a science communicator has real-life implications, informing, for example, public opinion on vaccines or artificial intelligence.

14 | Non-traditional STEM Career Paths

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine sets forth five goals for science communication.

From their website, these include alerting the public about new innovation, promoting gratitude for science, explaining complex ideas related to science, shaping crucial decisions through fact-based knowledge, and broadening inclusivity in terms of how science intersects with society.

Who exactly can be a science communicator? The answer is almost anyone. Science communication is a role that does not require a specific degree or academic path. A science communicator is simply anyone who can comprehend academic research and synthesize a simplified, accurate explanation for individuals without a background in the field. Often, science communicators can reach audiences that may not have had exposure to certain ideas. Science communicators may also have professional or academic experience within a certain field, though it’s not necessary.

STEM Career Paths What Comes to Mind

BY MADELINE DAY

Lab Technicians

Architects

There are many behind-the-scenes roles in the medical field that form the backbone of healthcare. Though individuals in these roles may not have direct contact with patients, their work directly impacts quality of care. One of the most important non-provider roles is that of a medical lab technician. Lab technicians analyze blood, urine, and other bio-specimens collected from patients. Using microscopes and advanced lab equipment, they interpret data from samples and deliver results to physicians.

Architecture lies at the intersection of art and science.

Architects design the buildings that create beautiful skylines at night, as well as those that allow for everyday functions of society. In fact, virtually every building you see has been designed, labored over, and approved by an architect. While the aesthetics of buildings are important, architects also play a central role in ensuring safety. They must be adept in math and engineering to bring their designs to life. Starting with a baseline design, architects use computer modeling programs such as Rhino 3D and Revit Architecture to render and test the structural integrity of their designs.

Without their work, the healthcare system would slow down, creating a delay between testing and diagnosis with potentially deadly consequences. Lab technicians must understand a broad range of medical indicators, requiring knowledge in clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, immunology, and hematology. Those who want to become lab technicians can view state requirements, available on the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science website, to get certified.

Depending on the geographical location of the building, architects also have to adhere to specific building codes.

For example, while there are universal risks that building codes address, such as fires, there are events like earthquakes that only affect buildings in certain geographical zones. In addition, eco-conscious states like California are beginning to include guidelines for energy conservation and green design into their building codes.

Architects, as a result, have the power to shape the future of the urban world in the face of climate change.

While the work of those pursuing traditional STEM careers in medicine, engineering, and computer science is important, workers in non-traditional paths shape the world in an often unrecognized way. Each role fills an important niche in the economy, and identifying and celebrating the contributions of all individuals in STEM is crucial.

Non-traditional STEM Career Paths | 15

Elaine Larsen Pages 18-19

Diana Eng

Natalie Zee Drieu

Pages 20-22

Pages 20-22

Blazing Her Own Trail: e n i a l E n e s r a L BY: ISABEL POWELL

Growing up on a farm in rural Michigan, Elaine Larsen never dreamed she’d become a two-time world champion jet drag racer, entrepreneur, and non-profit founder, but her legacy and accomplishments only continue to grow.

Larsen’s foray into the world of racing began thirty five years ago when she and her husband, Chris, moved to Florida with plans of building a new life together. Excited to start over in a new city, Larsen was eager to discover new hobbies and passions. When Chris introduced her to jet drag racing, she immediately fell in love with shooting down a ¼ mile runway at over 300 miles per hour, strapped into a car propelled by a jet plane engine.

Larsen hit more than a few bumps on her way to becoming a jet drag racing world champion. Twelve years ago, she suffered a subdural hematoma after slamming into a wall at 280 miles per hour. Doctors replaced parts of her skull with titanium, and she suffered knee, ankle, rib, teeth injuries from the impact. “It totally messed with my mind,” Larsen recalls. “I had felt so powerful, so strong, so confident, and in less than a second all of that was stripped away. When I looked in the mirror, my head was half shaved, I had staples in my skull, dark circles under my eyes. I would close my eyes and see the accident over and over, it was a nightmare.”

Larsen also began learning how to build cars in her free time.

For months, she and Chris bought and assembled automobile parts in their garage. One day, Chris returned home with a trunk full of jet engine parts from work, and Larsen Motorsports was born: for the past nineteen years, Larsen has not only raced, but also designed faster, safer jet cars.

The trauma forced Larsen to make a daunting choice: she could either get back into a race car and continue pursuing her passion, or quit. Larsen didn’t want to let fear get the best of her: “If I had let fear rule my life, I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am today,” she says.

18 | Elaine Larsen

It took her a year to recover, but Larsen returned to racing with a deeper appreciation for the engineering behind her car and a greater respect for the speed. A true embodiment of resilience, Larsen began training to safely hit speeds of over 300 miles per hour and eventually won two world championships in 2014 and 2015 in Memphis, Tennessee.

These days, Larsen hopes to cement her legacy by guiding younger generations to greatness. She recently founded a nonprofit, Blazing Trails, through which she has invited over 100,000 students to her races to learn about the science and industry behind the sport.

Blazing Trails provides programming for 2,500 kids per race, exposing them to behind-the-scenes engineering, design, and marketing while cultivating mentorship between experts and students. Larsen also recently authored “Adventures of Blaze,” a four-part comic book series about an average girl named Halley Sparx who happens to be one of the best jet drag racers in the world. Through all of her endeavors, Larsen hopes to teach young people to be authentic and “blaze their own trails.”

For more information about Elaine Larsen and her teams go to LMSJETS.com or BLAZINGTRAILS.info.

After spending years building Larsen Motorsports from the ground up, Larsen is preparing to step away and leave her legacy in the hands of a new cohort of women. She is carefully cultivating the next generation of jet drag racing champions, business professionals, and aerospace engineers through her partnership with the Florida Institute of Technology. Through her mentorship and internship programs, Larsen provides Florida Tech students and recent graduates with invaluable career advice and experience. She is gradually handing interns (and hopefully new hires-to-be) longer reigns to make company decisions. “I am so excited to see what the next generation has to offer, a new perspective, a new vision, and an even greater passion for our sport.” says Larsen. “It would be easy for me to be intimidated by these beautiful, smart and savvy young ladies, but it is important to embrace them. These girls are going to take our dreams into the future, and that’s what I’m excited about.”

Elaine Larsen | 19

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STEM

Curiosity comes naturally for Diana Eng and Natalie Zee Drieu.

The two wear many hats: both women are accomplished authors, designers, and technologists. Together, they’re working to transform the way children engage with STEM.

natal ie zee drieu

eng a n a i d

It’s easy to see why: both women are infectiously enthusiastic about their work, always brimming with new ideas. Fifteen years after their initial meeting, the pair remains close. They’ve embarked on multiple creative endeavors together, collaborating on everything from Maker Faires to a panel Drieu led on the topic of “High-tech crafting” at SXSW (South by Southwest), the Austin, Texas-based convention for film, media, music, and technology. “We know each other so well; we can finish each other’s sentences now,” Eng laughs.

Drieu decided to share the STEM activities they were doing with their children while classes remained virtual.“Parents are trying to find things for their kids to do, and what we’ve learned in the past year is that learning remotely with [a] class on a screen is difficult for kids,” Drieu shares. “Having as many offscreen activities and real-life lab experiments as possible helped keep our kids busy. And, we had fun too!”

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Drieu first saw Eng during the fashion designer’s 2006 stint on the Bravo reality TV show Project Runway, where she became known for integrating fashion with technology. At the time, Drieu was an editor for CRAFT magazine, a publication for DIY tech projects. Impressed with Eng’s creativity, Drieu requested an interview for a feature. “We just immediately hit it off and felt this amazing creative synergy,” Drieu recalls.

e!! i pi

Eng and Drieu are also parents—much of their work is driven by a desire to expose their children to STEM in an exciting, creative format.

“Children’s brains are developing, and it’s so important for them to do things other than sit in front of a TV. It’s important to keep their minds working and busy,” Drieu explains.

After the pandemic confined many children to social distancing, Eng and

Potions and Parabolas | 21

In October 2020, Eng and Drieu launched STEM Chat, a YouTube channel featuring the pair’s out-of-the-box STEM activities. The core of STEM Chat is a focus on nurturing the same curiosity that drives Eng and Drieu in early STEM learners. Eng and Drieu often draw content ideas from their own children’s interests. This has prompted videos that deconstruct everything from the mathematics tucked into the angles and folds of origami to the acid-base chemistry in a freshly brewed vat of a Harry Potterinspired potion. The focus on catering to children’s interests is essential to what Eng and Drieu call “The STEM Lifestyle,” which is the pair’s philosophy on engaging children in STEM. “Diana and I love sewing—she’s a fashion designer, and I do it for fun,” Drieu says. “What people might not realize is that there’s math involved in it. I think if kids knew that there are more venues, like sewing, where you need math, it would make STEM less intimidating.”

check out their website! stemchatclub.com

na tu il ma re

A core component of the duo’s mission is making STEM less intimidating. Eng and Drieu both recall being among the few women in computer science and technology classes with hundreds of students.

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Drieu and Eng believe the curiosity STEM Chat fosters in kids is essential, regardless of whether or not it eventually translates into a career. “Maybe some kids won’t be doing STEM when they’re adults, and that’s okay!” Eng says. “But introducing kids to STEM is really a vehicle to get them to wherever they want to go. Besides, learning about the science behind an activity makes it more fun — in our Harry Potter potions activity, when you learn about the chemical reaction, it feels like you’re the one doing magic.”

ls mail a r ine

Both women are, however, optimistic about disparities in STEM. Neither reported feeling alienated in her career, and both received support from family members, peers, and mentors. “I always felt like I received so much encouragement throughout my life. I want to encourage other girls to have the confidence to pursue STEM as well,” Drieu says.

dinosaur letter

The pair’s advice for girls in STEM? Be curious! Curiosity is the foundation of Eng and Drieu’s successes, and they encourage everyone to look at the world with a little extra wonder.

i m a g i or

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FAFSA: The Importance of Applying for Student Financial Aid

BY MEGHANA KRISHNA

A college education can be one of the greatest long-term investments you can make. Those with a higher education report higher lifetime earnings and better job opportunities, which translate to greater freedom. The burgeoning costs of higher education, however, can be a difficult pill to swallow, particularly for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds who may not have financial backing from their families. A college degree is by no means the only (or even best) path to success; however, if you’ve decided that pursuing higher education is in your best interest, planning ahead is crucial. This includes deciding what degree to pursue (and whether it’ll be worthwhile), where to pursue it, and how to pay for it. In this article, we’ll explore how the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help offload the financial burden of schooling.

Prior to each academic year in college, it’s important to fill out the FAFSA online application at studentaid.gov to determine your eligibility for federal grants, work-study programs, and student loans. Each college you apply to may have its own deadline for when you need to submit your FAFSA. 24 | Applying for Student Loans/FAFSA

The maximum federal aid you can receive based on your FAFSA is equal to your college’s cost of attendance (i.e., tuition, room and board, and other required expenses).

Most students who apply for the FAFSA don’t receive this maximum amount. However, based on the government’s calculation of each student’s Expected Family Contribution, applicants can receive substantive grants.

Even if you think you may not qualify for need-based financial aid, it’s important to apply, as colleges and states often award additional aid based on your FAFSA.

Receiving your financial aid package is the first step. In order to continue receiving federal aid, you need to maintain eligibility. This means consistently making “satisfactory” academic progress: according to the Federal Student Aid Office, this entails maintaining your college’s definition of an acceptable grade point average, completing a certain number of credit hours per semester, and fulfilling any additional criteria set forth by your institution.

However, life happens, and if you get derailed from making appropriate progress for any reason (e.g., illness, injury, or special circumstances), make an appeal to your college if they threaten to withdraw aid.

If you received financial aid in the form of a federal student loan, you would need to repay it with interest (generally between 3-7% depending on loan type). You’ll have a six-month grace period after graduating from your program, during which loan payments aren’t required. This time can be used to search for a job and establish a repayment plan. If you encounter any difficulties making your payments at any time, you can contact your federal student loan servicer to discuss your options.

It’s important to remember that the FAFSA is only one source of potential financial aid—talk to your counselor or financial aid office about state, college, and nonprofitsponsored scholarships and grants. Federal aid from the FAFSA is need-based, but if you’re a high-performing student or athlete, you may be eligible for merit-based financial aid as well. Learning about budgeting and developing a framework for your college expenditures is also critical.

Having the opportunity to obtain higher education is a privilege—study after study demonstrates the enduring benefits a college degree can provide. No matter the financial situation of you or your family, higher education can be accessible with adequate planning and foresight.

By taking advantage of government incentives like the FAFSA, you can put yourself on a path for long-term financial success.

Applying for Student Loans/FAFSA | 25

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IG: @QUOTAFILLER

jodi rueger she/her Jodi is an airline and aerobatic pilot and aspiring race pilot who also works on experimental aircraft with an advanced diploma in aviation technology and flight. Her primary focus is working with fabriccovered planes. She recovered and restored her Pitts S-1S named Plucky that she flies in air shows and aerobatic competitions.

Accompanied by her troublesome kitten “Catto,” who chases the mice away in her workshop and jumps into frame on her time-lapse sequences for STEM education videos, there is never a dull moment. She lives at a hangar apartment on the runway side, flying as often as possible, even after the clock strikes twelve. She has made aviation her life, pushing the edge of the flight envelope and sharing her passion for flying by instructing, creating educational content online, and volunteering with flying clubs throughout North America.

IG + TWITTER: @THEPATHPHD

kimberly fiock she/her 7 a.m.: Run experiments, look at brains, check cells, give presentations, run experiments again… and by then, it’s like 7:15! Kimberly studies brain disease by working with a special type of cell that, like magic hair, might have the power to heal people. She uses these cells to make neurons just like the ones in your brain! At the end of the experiment, her dream is to see her neurons glowing green.

When she’s not chasing down answers with a microscope instead of a frying pan, Kimberly loves to encourage people to follow their dreams—from thugs to thieves-turned -princes! She believes that everyone, no matter how different they may seem, deserves a chance to do what makes them happy. Kimberly is so glad she left her tower and moved to Iowa where she met her husband and amazing cat sidekicks! They all love going on adventures and hope to someday see the floating lanterns together.

pilot

neuroscientist

IG + TWITTER: @ASTROPARTIGIRL

sophia gad-nasar she/her You’re most likely to find Sophia looking beyond the stars and galaxies we can see and into the depths of the cosmos! With her lasso of truth, Sophia works on uncovering hidden secrets of the Universe.

Most of the Universe’s matter is invisible and untouchable: we call it dark matter. It may have a connection to spacetime-warping objects called black holes: they’re so dense and massive that they produce a gravitational pull so strong that not even light can escape! Sophia thinks dark matter could have formed the supermassive black holes at the center of every large galaxy, including our own. But, for dark matter to have formed these behemoths, it must experience a dark force we haven’t discovered —Sophia is well-equipped for this, given her incredible resilience and resistance to magic!

Like an astral projection, she can go to any point (and time) in space via computer simulations to see if the dark matter in galaxies in the early Universe truly could have birthed the seeds of supermassive blackholes. With the Sword of Athena, Sophia will slice through these two cosmic mysteries!

cosmotologist AND astroparticle physicist 28 | Princesses with Power Tools

IG: @GLITTERANDGEODES she/her TWITTER: @GLITTER_GEODES

philly g

she/her

Philly, a scientist and the content creator behind Glitter and Geodes, is almost there! After some trials and tribulations, her curiosity led her to a geologistin-training program in central Florida, where she is currently studying astrobiology, which is a study dedicated to finding life on other planets, like Mars, or on icy satellites, like Titan. Philly is helping cook up a discovery about life in our universe, and there ain’t nothing that’s gonna stop her now!

She hopes to be a role model to inspire more girls, especially girls of color, to pursue careers in STEM. In addition to science and community service, Philly enjoys crafting, traveling, and all things Black Girl Magic.

geologist AND content creator

IG + TWITTER: @JORDANBHARROD

jordan harrod she/her While she hasn’t quite figured out how to create a mind stone, Jordan is very interested in figuring out how to manipulate your mind—for good! As a Ph.D. candidate, she studies how our brains process pain and consciousness and builds algorithms and tools designed to make surgery safer for everyone.

When Jordan isn’t working on her research, she uses her powers to appear on YouTube, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram as a science communicator, doing anything from talking about the latest AI algorithms to teaching her audience how they can use their own technological powers for good. She also loves lifting weights, trying new restaurants with her friends, and reading fantasy books—after all, she has to get her inspiration from somewhere!

neural engineer AND machine learning researcher

IG + TWITTER: @GEEKYFAYEART

geeky faye they/them Building a robot to send back in time to save their friends may sound like an impossible task, but for Geeky Faye there’s no such thing as impossible. Being a maker means you can do just about anything you set your mind to!

Creating friends like the one you see here is just one of the many things that they do, using skills such as digital design, drawing, sculpting, 3D printing, sewing, and electronics to make something out of nothing. Tackling problems with creative solutions and using their numerous talents is what Geeky Faye does best, even if the problem is saving the kingdom!

Their superpower has always been their unusually creative mind (which is enhanced by having ADHD) and the ability to acquire any skill required to save the day. They currently use that superpower to explore new ideas on their channel, Geeky Faye Art, which showcases all of their exciting adventures.

IG + TWITTER: @KATVOLTAGE

kat echazarreta she/her Bright purple LED lights illuminate Kat’s electronics workshop, which is lined with bookcases filled with exciting adventure novels and interesting science and engineering texts. As an electrical engineer, Kat fills her days by tinkering in her workshop. When Kat was a little girl, she loved to open up toys, computers, televisions; you name it! By looking inside, she was able to get lots of new ideas about how to create new things. With this useful skill, she can create new things out of items around her house—like smart clocks and cleaning helpers! When Kat isn’t working on new electronics, she loves learning new things about electricity and showing others the beauty of engineering. Kat has two furry little helpers who are always sitting by her as she dives into a new book.

electrical engineer

IG + TWITTER: @ARLYNESIMON

dr. arlyne simon she/her As a biomedical engineer and inventor, Arlyne enjoys creating new technologies that help people who are ill. So far she has invented a new blood test and designed syringes. Today, Arlyne works in her high-tech lab designing new ultrasound machines by selecting the right computing hardware (i.e., computer chips) that help radiologists see inside the body better. Eager to inspire more kids in the kingdom to be inventors, Arlyne runs an invention education company named Abby Invents, LLC (www.abbyinvents.com) and writes the Abby Invents picture book series. Abby Invents stars a girl inventor who earns patents for inventing things like unbreakable crayons, foldibots, and more. Arlyne hopes that you’ll become an inventor one day too.

Even though princesses are usually girls, Geeky Faye is non-binary (which means neither boy nor girl), uses they/them pronouns, and wants to remind you that Princesses with Power Tools is for everyone, no matter how they identify!

artist, maker, AND creative explorer

biomedical engineer

Princesses with Power Tools | 29

IG: @DEV.MAGE

elisabeth pring she/her Working as a debugger for the mushroom kingdom, Elisabeth ensures video games are polished and ready to play for gamers around the world. Being a debugger means Elisabeth removes errors and undesired behavior from a video game program. Debugging is an important part of determining why an operating system, application, or program is misbehaving. We wouldn’t want Mario to get stuck in a pipe! As a debugger, Elisabeth works with complex programs that make video game bugs hard to diagnose and fix. Luckily, she works with many wonderful people in the mushroom kingdom to help her make the best video games ever! When Elisabeth isn’t working on video games, she’s playing them. She also enjoys playing her flute and spending time with her sweet dog, Naminé.

debugger

AND

IG + TWITTER: @HELLOMAYUKO

mayuko Living in a seaside town with her cat (and two dogs), Mayuko uses her magic abilities to help those around her! After training with other witches to learn how to write code, she flew away to Silicon Valley to become a software engineer and find out what she could do to help others. Through the friends she made along the way, she realized she could make videos about navigating life and a tech career through the lessons she learned on her own. She battles things like imposter syndrome and self-doubt like everybody else, but she finds her way back by remembering who she truly is. When she’s not helping people in her community, she enjoys hanging out at the beach, baking and eating bread, and going on adventures with her friends!

content creator

AND

chemical engineer

software engineer

IG + TWITTER: @YOURFEMALEENGINEER

joan marie she/her Joan works as an aerospace integration engineer on the Space Coast of Florida and helps launch rockets to explore whole new worlds.

While some people have to rub a magic lamp and find a genie to get their spacecraft to fly, Joan knows that it actually just takes a bit of rocket science. Like so many things, it's not about what is on the outside, but what is on the inside that matters when working on spacecraft integration. When Joan isn’t launching rockets, she loves spending her days playing her piano or clarinet, getting her private pilot’s license, spending time with her space puppies and husband, and researching ways to make science and space videos fun—she’s a fast learner!

aerospace integration engineer

30 | Princesses with Power Tools

IG + TWITTER: @DANITHEENGINEER she/her

danielle schroeder she/her Use the force, Danielle! As a civil engineer and bridge inspector, forces are a very important part of her job. These forces include dead loads like the weight of structures, live loads like pedestrians and vehicles, and nature loads that account for winds and earthquakes. Similar to Jedi training, Danielle has completed extensive training in her civil engineering journey. She earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Civil Engineering and is a PennDOT-certified Bridge Safety Inspector. While she certainly does not work on the bridge of a star destroyer, she is frequently out in the field inspecting the bridges you drive over and other transportation-related structures.

After work, Danielle inspires the next generation of STEM professionals through her blog, STEM Changemaker, and social media. She also loves spending her days snowboarding, watching Philadelphia sports with family and friends, and going on walks with her partner and droid (we mean dog).

civil engineerAND bridge inspector

NAOMI

THOMAS

Breaking the Barriers: Recruiting and Retaining Minorities in Tech BY: MEGHANA KRISHNA

TECHIE, ENTREPENUER,

& ACTIVIST

NAOMI

THOMAS

WANTS TO CHANGE THE

FACE OF TECH

While attending a Computer Science Institute at the University of California at Berkeley, Naomi, then a highschooler, had the opportunity to tour several tech companies in Silicon Valley. “Behind all the glitz and glamour, free food, benefits, and ping pong tables, I quickly noticed the overwhelming lack of representation of diverse talent,” she recalls.

The lack of diversity was disappointing and alarming.

The factors hindering low-income and minority students from pursuing and succeeding in STEM careers are varied and systemic. From an inadequate exposure to STEM throughout grade school to the subconscious biases held by gatekeepers to the industry (i.e., hiring managers, team leads, and employees), the issues these students face are complex and cannot be easily solved.

According to a report by Georgetown University, however, pursuing a career in a STEM field is one of the most effective ways to climb the socioeconomic ladder and break cycles of generational poverty. Over the next decade, the number of jobs within STEM industries is projected to grow rapidly. Careers in STEM often feature a high earning potential and job stability.

The tech industry also benefits from a labor force with varying strengths and perspectives. The issues we face

today are complex, says Naomi, and the more we foster a wider range of students’ technical skills, the better equipped we are as a society to combat those challenges.

“Many of the world's issues can be solved or positively impacted by leveraging technology,” Naomi says. “Even if your job does not require you to code, developing computational thinking skills will benefit your career.

Technology is integrated into every industry, including music, beauty, sports, and fashion. You can pursue a technical role in an industry that you are passionate about, and your perspective is vital in rooms where minority representation is limited.”

“Behind all the glitz and glamour, free food, benefits, and ping pong tables, I quickly noticed the overwhelming lack of representation of diverse talent.”

Naomi has been working tirelessly to bridge the gap between disadvantaged and minority students’ potential and realization. She’s tackling the issue of representation in tech from both a recruitment and retention standpoint.

Naomi Thomas | 33

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In August of 2021, Naomi launched ∞edu, a web tool that helps students identify interests and potential career paths in STEM. ∞edu is designed to engage underrepresented (particularly first-generation, minority, and low-income) students in a culturally relevant and inclusive format.

∞EDU

With her team, Naomi surveyed thousands of STEM professionals, educators, and students to determine what the disconnect was when it came to effectively promoting STEM careers to students. A recurring sentiment was counselors’ and educators’ limited capacity to influence each student’s post-graduate career decision, notes Naomi, pointing to the national student-to-counselor ratio of 424-1 and above-average student-to-teacher ratios in low-income schools. ∞edu aims to play the role of a counselor through a chat experience with a bot: “Think of us as a digital extension of an educator or counselor's voice—helping students navigate their future careers in tech year-round,” says Naomi.

“Think of us as a digital extension of an educator or counselor's voice—helping students navigate their future careers in tech year-round.”

Since its inception, ∞edu has attracted over 800 users.

The team recently partnered with The National Girls Collaborative Project, a network of organizations committed to “informing and encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM.” “This collaboration will highlight the spectrum of the technology industry through ∞edu’s gamified learning ecosystem, campaigns, and events,” Naomi explains.

Recruitment is the first step - without adequate means to retain minority talent, companies lose out on value.

“Companies are struggling to create inclusive environments that offer a comfortable and welcoming experience for all employees to thrive, not just some,” the activist says.

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Naomi Thomas | 35

Increasing representation of minorities in STEM in media can greatly improve retention rates. According to Naomi, a desire for more positive representation of Black women in tech and entrepreneurship is at the heart of her efforts to build her own brand. She uses social media to promote her vision of diversity in tech by highlighting her business collaborations with other Black and minority entrepreneurs.

In addition, building mentorship and allyship programs within the workplace is critical to retain talent. “In underserved communities, many students don't have access to resources to start their careers or the support necessary to succeed along the way,” she notes. “Minority allies in the workforce will play a key role in solving issues relating to barriers of entry, and, most importantly, career advancements for diverse talent.”

“I've had many mentors who have taken ample time to connect with me, speak wisdom into my mind, and inspire me to continue moving forward,” Naomi reflects.

“Having exposure to real-life examples of success of Black women and men in the industries I am pursuing is extremely refreshing and motivating.”

Retaining diverse talent, says Naomi, also requires a fundamental restructuring of the workplace. To accommodate a wider range of needs, a company must provide employees with greater flexibility in structuring their work environment and schedule. The growing acceptance of remote and hybrid work has been a silver lining of the COVID-19 pandemic. As minority and lowincome workers tend to live further from offices in many high cost of living cities, they often face longer commute times and higher transportation costs. Additionally, since the pandemic, female, Black, and Latinx workers have left their jobs in disproportionate numbers to care for their children, according to the Harvard Business Review. The democratizing effect of remote work is just one effective means of minimizing racial and gender-based disparities in the workplace. Naomi adds, “[It’s important to] give employees the autonomy to design work environments that speak to them and allow flexible schedules to accommodate diverse lifestyles.”

36 | Naomi Thomas

Toxic workplace culture throughout the tech industry is a significant factor in minority attrition as well: bullying, sexual harassment, and stereotyping are cited among the factors frequently driving underrepresented workers out of tech. Regularly organized team bonding activities, according to the Society for Human Resource Management, can foster healthier company culture.

Encouraging the formation of and strengthening relationships between employees goes a long way in fighting subconscious prejudices and biases. When employees learn to see one another as individuals first and minorities second, the workplace becomes a safer space for everyone, and turnover declines.

Naomi encourages low-income and minority students interested in tech to reach out to potential mentors working in their field of interest. “If you are interested in beginning your journey in tech, it’s important to understand that although you may be entering the space individually, you do not have to navigate it alone,” she says. “There are many support networks that you can tap into and communities that you can lean on and learn from. The internet is full of free resources and learning opportunities to take advantage of.”

“Having exposure to real-life examples of success of Black women and men in the industries I am pursuing is extremely refreshing and motivating.”

“Be intentional with your time and energy,” Naomi advises. “Please take care of yourself, and give yourself grace. You have everything it takes to build toward a more inclusive and equitable world. Every action you make creates an impact in some shape or form. Be intentional in your efforts, and let your work shine!”

you have

EVERYTHING IT TAKES TO

BUILD A MORE

INCLUSIVE &

EQUITABLE WORLD

Reinvented's Reading List

By Rachel Lynn Mason

Stories of women in STEM are invaluable sources of inspiration and guidance. As role models, they show us perseverance, strength, genius, and paths we might take on our own way to changing the world. At Reinvented, we are committed to sharing the journeys of women in STEM. Our blog and print issues contain some of our favorite stories, but there are a few books our staff would like to recommend to everyone.

Winter Reading List | 39

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

by Rebecca Skloot This book is an essential read for anyone who is interested in bioethics, history, and the intersections of science, race, and class. In entertaining and illuminating prose, author Rebecca Skloot delves into the littleknown story of the woman behind one of the most studied cell lines of all time: HeLa cells. In this contemplative account, Skloot reveals the life of the woman whose cells have been studied to create some of the most vital medical advances of the past century, and the fact that her family was neither told nor compensated, even 20 years after her death.

This widely acclaimed novel won the 2011 National Academies Communication Award for best creative work that helps the public understanding of topics in science, engineering, or medicine, a testament to its quality and importance.

Uncanny Valley by Anna Weiner Recommended by staff member Caroline Dinh, this memoir paints an unflinching picture of a young woman’s life working at a tech startup in Silicon Valley. According to Dinh, “Wiener's experiences transitioning from publishing to the startup world—and the cultural clash coming with it—spoke to me as an enthusiast of both literature and tech.”

The book adds to growing concerns about the surveillance, power, and culture coming from Silicon Valley and other powerful tech circles.

Commenting on a wide range of issues, it’s a clear-eyed view of the iconic center of technological innovation. It serves as an introduction to real life in the idealized startup world, with all its hills and valleys.

40 | Winter Reading List

The Codebreaker by Walter Isaacson The Codebreaker is a thrilling account of how biochemist Jennifer Doudna developed the groundbreaking CRISPR Cas9 technology that is currently revolutionizing biology. Author Walter Isaacson is known for his biographies about historical figures, and with her monumental additions to science, Doudna is a fitting subject of his writing.

Doudna, the co-recipient of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her work in genetic engineering, is a momentous individual whose story and work are worth understanding.

Reinvented Creative Department member Vrinda Bansal was intrigued by this biography of one of the most influential biochemists in the world. The account of Jennifer Doudna’s life and groundbreaking research is “very interesting” to Bansal and an utterly inspirational read for aspiring scientists.

Lab Girl by Hope Jahren An extremely warm and personal account of a life spent pursuing science, Hope Jahren’s memoir is a beautiful picture of what can result from chasing one’s passion. In illuminating prose, Jahren describes her life as a geobiologist, what she has learned and discovered in her field, and honest hopes for its growth and future. A compelling read for young professionals everywhere, Lab Girl chronicles Jahren’s stunning devotion to the natural world and her profession. In telling stories from her childhood up to the most recent events of her adult life, covering content ranging from struggles with mental health to the hangups of being a scientist today, Jahren relays a deep relatability and reverence for her field.

Brave Not Perfect by Reshma Saujani This recommendation veers more toward the self-help genre, providing guidance for growth and success. Many people recognize Reshma Saujani as the founder of the organization Girls Who Code, an organization that introduces thousands of girls to computer science, but she is also a wise advisor for current times.

In Saujani’s first novel, she helps the reader develop a constructive mindset that is applicable to any situation, but especially to being a woman in STEM. Saujani encourages readers to abandon fears of failure and desires to be perfect, and instead pursue their goals forcefully and without inhibition. It is an honest, essential story that celebrates becoming one’s best self in a way that maximizes growth and minimizes worry and stress.

Winter Reading List | 41

For Younger Audiences Exposing young girls to STEM is important because it can help them recognize their interests in the area, and many of these stories are just as compelling for younger audiences as they are for adults.

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World

by Rachel Ignotofsky This beautifully illustrated book is a personal favorite and a great addition to anyone’s bookshelf. It presents 50 inspirational stories and colorful pictures that are both interesting to adults and accessible to children. Recommended by staff writer Aysia Torres, it clearly and simply introduces people to 50 impactful women in STEM across all disciplines. Ignotofsky details the accomplishments of icons like Marie Curie and Mae Jemison, but also the impacts of lesser known figures like inventor Hertha Ayrton and particle physicist Sau Lan Wu. Full of charming illustrations and quotes from each woman, Women in Science is ultimately stirring.

Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13

by Helaine Becker The movie Hidden Figures helped the world get to know iconic mathematician Katherine Johnson, and this book is a great introduction to her work in a different context for younger audiences. While Hidden Figures focuses on Johnson’s work on the Mercury missions, Counting on Katherine details Johnson’s heroic role in saving the Apollo 13 mission. Illuminating the impact of one of the first black, female scientists at NASA, this illustrated storybook shows how important STEM is for young audiences and tells women they have a place in these places.

Get to know these stories and share the inspiration and knowledge that comes with them in your communities.

They are important for recognition and representation, and they facilitate stimulating discussions.

42 | Winter Reading List

Svaha Fashion Puts a Stylish Spin on Clothing Have you ever worn a shirt with schematics from the Apollo mission? How about a pair of pants with prime numbers? With a background in the apparel industry, Jaya Iyer was prepared to answer those demands with Svaha Fashion. Svaha Fashion is redefining both STEAM apparel and gender binaries through gender-neutral clothing.

BY: ZHAO GU GAMMAGE

Starting Svaha In 2015, Iyer started Svaha Fashion after not being able to find any space-themed clothing for her daughter, Svaha. With a Ph.D. in fashion merchandising and work experience at ThinkGeek, a company that sells nerdy products, Iyer felt prepared to create her own clothing line. “I didn’t have any plans of starting a company, but I always had this entrepreneurial bug,” Iyer recalls.

Before launching Svaha, Iyer created a Kickstarter fund to see if enough people shared her desire for STEAM clothing. By raising $30k, she both realized the extent of her target audience’s interest in STEAM clothing and had enough funding to pursue the idea full time. Iyer recounts, “It gave me validation that people felt the same way.”Having full creative control over her clothing line, Iyer used Svaha to address many of the frustrations she felt when trying to find clothes for her daughter. First, Iyer designed all of her clothing to be gender-neutral.

This gave her customers more flexibility when it came to choosing clothing—they would no longer be restricted to rigid “girls” and “boys” categories. Iyer also added pockets to all of her dresses and pants. When establishing Svaha’s size range, Iyer eliminated a common category: plus sizes. Instead of marketing clothing specifically as plus-size, all of Svaha’s clothing range from XXS to 5XL. Iyer explains, “[Svaha Fashion] doesn’t have anything called ‘plus size.’ We don’t think there’s a separate category. By creating a plus size category, [clothing manufacturers] are making [plussized individuals] feel different.”

Spreading Svaha After releasing her first line of children’s clothing, Iyer received positive feedback from parents and kids alike.

Parents felt Svaha was the answer to their kids’ clothing needs, and kids felt like themselves in the clothing.

Customers began asking Iyer to expand into adult clothing. So, Iyer held another Kickstarter which raised $57k, allowing her to expand into adult womens’ apparel, and eventually, gender-neutral adult clothing.

44 | Svaha Fashion

Since then, many teachers have reached out to Iyer and described how much they enjoy wearing clothing that relates to their material. For instance, astronomy teachers reported wearing clothing featuring Saturn’s rings in the classroom, and biology teachers recounted wearing pants with a DNA helix pattern. “There are people that write to me saying, ‘I’ve never felt more comfortable than when I wear Svaha clothing,’ and it makes me so happy!” Iyer exclaims.

Encouraged by their support, Iyer introduced additional products to the site. Svaha now sells accessories, such as necklaces and scarves, and other miscellaneous products, like STEAM-themed blankets and notebooks. She has also established partnerships with organizations including the Society of Women Engineers and the book series “Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls.”

Initially, marketing was done solely through word-ofmouth, but the clothing line has since caught the attention of national publications. Svaha has been featured in Forbes, HuffPost, and Bloomberg Business. HuffPost featured Svaha Fashion as part of their “Brilliant Kids’ Clothing Lines That Say No to Gender Stereotypes” article, and Forbes praised the clothing line for “giving new meaning to the term ‘smart dresser.’”

Svaha Fashion | 45

Sewing Svaha The Svaha website features a variety of designs ranging from astronomy to literature to music. Iyer’s designs come from a combination of her own ideas, partnerships with other organizations, and customer feedback.

One category is women-in-STEAM-themed children’s clothing with the faces and names of influential women like Mary Anning, Mae Jemison, and Rosalind Franklin.

Iyer wants to send a message that girls are more than capable of entering STEAM. Svaha has other clothing that promotes mental health, including shirts with the words “it’s ok not to be ok” written in colorful letters that come in kids and toddler sizes.

In addition, Iyer has multiple superhero comic designs that raise awareness of childhood cancer. One shirt has a superhero flying into action paired with the words, “be the hero. help fight childhood cancer.” Another shirt features a child saying “you don’t scare me” to a gargantuan monster representing cancer. Iyer donates all of the profits from these designs to childhood cancer research, including places such as the University of Washington in St. Louis, Missouri.

“You’re always going to have failures, but you can’t let that stop you from dreaming big.”

46 | Svaha Fashion

Iyer’s partnerships have also led to new designs. Teamed up with Rebel Girls, Iyer released a t-shirt with the phrase “She believed she could so she did,” as well as planet-print leggings. With former NASA astronaut Karen Nyberg, Iyer launched the “Dinos in Space” collection, featuring glowin-the-dark dinosaurs decorating dresses and shirts.

Iyer has also released pieces celebrating neurodiversity, the idea that people with neurological differences should be treated equally. Her neurodiversity sweatshirt pairs a picture of a brain with a rainbow and the words “we are the spectrum” to create an inclusive and diverse design.

Her neurodivergent t-shirt also has a rainbow brain in addition to a key and the words “unlock the spectrum.”

Sustaining Svaha Now, Iyer’s primary goal is to continue expanding Svaha.

She’s planning on creating more designs, some inspired by preexisting partnerships and others by customer input.

Looking back on Svaha’s development and success, Iyer admits it wasn’t easy. However, she is proud of the work she has done, noting, “You’re always going to have failures, but you can’t let that stop you from dreaming big.”

Brain

Burg

n vs.

ger

How Marketing Affects Decision Making BY: ERIN MITCHELL

When an individual reacts to stimuli, parts of the brain experience a hemodynamic response, where neurons and tissues are flooded with oxygenated hemoglobin (protein molecules that carry oxygen). Using a noninvasive technique called Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS), we can analyze blood-oxygen-leveldependent (BOLD) signals to evaluate activation levels of specific regions of the brain. fNIRS data can provide powerful insight into the brain’s response to various forms of marketing and, therefore, how effective or ineffective ads are on different people.

Have you ever wondered why some ad campaigns target consumers so effectively? Or why flashy colors, catchy mottos, and lively background music capture our attention?

What part of a smiling family eating dinner together on TV makes us want to buy their outdoor picnic table? Why does melancholy music overlaid on a dog video inspire us to donate to the SPCA? The brain is incredibly powerful. By recognizing how and why we react to certain stimuli, we can understand why some marketing tactics work so well while others fail.

50 | Brain vs. Burger

While most tissues are transparent when light is shone onto them, oxygenated hemoglobin absorbs light differently. The difference between activated and nonactivated parts of the brain is used in measurements of the fNIRS system. BOLD signals are evaluated by placing a cap with LEDs onto an individual’s head - it looks like a really fancy swim cap. [add a picture here] The quality of data is based on the amount of light that can be shone onto the scalp through the LEDs, so the darker the environment, the better.

By collecting data from the fNIRS system and participant surveys, we can determine if there is a correlation between what an individual explicitly thinks and what the brain activation data provides us. “The understanding of how our brain works has brought to consumer research the notion of implicit processing, [where] we process and store data through associations, without realizing it.” says M. Cerf in the book Consumer Neuroscience.

By using the collected data, we can determine if marketing materials had an influence that the participants may not have explicitly noted.

Through this method, we know the color red typically correlates to action. It also increases the heart rate, which jumpstarts the appetite. The color yellow is the easiest color to see during the day and brings a feeling of happiness. The McDonald’s sign is highly visible, pushing viewers towards action (a.k.a., going to get a cheeseburger). The brain processes colors before shapes and letters. The bright yellow color of the arches is the most recognizable piece of McDonald’s brand. The arches themselves are processed after and serve as a form of secondary brand recognition Each segment of the brain serves a unique purpose. The cerebral cortex is associated with higher-level processing, like consciousness, emotion, and memory. It includes the occipital lobe, which controls vision, the parietal lobe, which allows for pain and limb perception, and the temporal lobe, which supports auditory processing. The largest component of the cerebral cortex is the frontal lobe. It is responsible for motor function, decision-making, and personality.

We generally focus on responses within the frontal lobe when evaluating fNIRS data. The BOLD signals measured in the frontal lobe can indicate enjoyment, disgust, recognition, and more and are used by advertisers to determine marketing effectiveness. Responses in all parts of the frontal lobe, including the right lateral prefrontal cortex (RLPFC), left lateral prefrontal cortex (LLPFC), and medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) are important to analyze.

The MPFC is the region of the brain that predicts behavior. High activation here indicates that an individual identifies with the content in an advertisement. From Dr. Ian McCulloh’s presentation, “Neural Anatomy - Frontal Cortex”, we know that the RLPFC controls (at least in part) our degree of resistance to changing our opinions. A high level of activation here suggests that the advertisement we’re watching is not sufficiently persuasive. On the other hand, activation in the LLPFC signifies positive, open-minded engagement with an ad.

Think about the Coke vs. Pepsi debate: everyone has an opinion on which is better. But, in a blind taste test, can you really tell the difference? In a study completed in 2004, participants tried both, first blind, and then labeled. The brain imaging data from the frontal lobe indicated that in a blind test, the most activity (therefore engagement and degree of enjoyment) was observed when the participant was drinking Pepsi, but the majority of people, when trying the labeled products, indicated their preference was for Coke. This led researchers to the conclusion that Coke’s advertising was so much stronger (leading to higher activation in the LLPFC and MPFC) than Pepsi’s and that consumers favored it over an apparently better-tasting drink.

The brain is home to our personalities, reactions, processing, memory, and so much more. By evaluating the brain’s response to stimuli, firms can gauge marketing campaigns’ effectiveness and make adjustments before deploying to their target audience.

Brain vs. Burger | 51

DIY Self-Care:

Make Your Own Bath Bombs BY: AYSIA TORRES

Clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, self-care, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.” While self-care is key to keeping ourselves mentally and physically healthy, it’s often the first thing we forget when life gets overwhelming. But as the old adage says, we can’t pour from an empty cup.

No matter the challenges you’re facing, self-care cannot become an afterthought.

It’s necessary to take care of yourself physically, spiritually, intellectually, and creatively.

Supplies Measuring spoons and cups Sifter Mixing bowls Whisk Rubber spatula Bath bomb molds/ muffin tin/ice cube trays

Making your own bath bombs is a great way to relax and clear my mind. Below, we’ve shared how you can make your own.

Dry Ingredients *Ingredients to make eight 2.4inch diameter bath bombs*

30 oz (3 ¾ c.) of baking soda 16 oz (2 c.) of citric acid 1.5 oz (3 tbsp.) of cornstarch 0.75 oz (1.5 tbsp.) of powdered milk 0.75 oz (1.5 tbsp.) of

Wet Ingredients

powdered honey 4 oz (½ c.) of Epsom salt

1 oz (2 tbsp.) of cocoa butter 1 oz (2 tbsp.) of carrier oil (ie; jojoba oil, argan oil, coconut oil, etc.)

0.6 oz (1.2 tbsp.) of Polysorbate 80

*optional* 2-4 drops of food coloring or a tsp. of mica powder for pigment

0.75 oz (1.5 tbsp.) chosen essential oils(s) DIY Bath Bombs | 53

1 Step 1 Combine citric acid, baking soda, epsom salt, and cornstarch into one bowl and mix together. You may want to sift your baking soda to break up any large chunks.

2 The Science Behind the Scenes Most people would agree that fizz is one of the keys to a great bath bomb. Citric acid, which can be found in your grocery store canned foods aisle, is a mild preservative. This citric acid and baking soda mixture, also known as sodium bicarbonate, produces carbon dioxide when coming into contact with water. The cornstarch works as a modulator, preventing the two active ingredients (baking soda and citric acid) from fizzing prematurely. This slows down the chemical reaction, creating a minutes-long experience.

The Science Behind the Scenes Carriers—key in aromatherapy—are plant-based oils used to dilute essential oils. They allow us to apply essential oils directly to the skin since most essential oils are strong and can cause irritation.

There are several types of carrier oils: jojoba, almond, argan, and coconut are just a few examples. Each carrier oil has a different shelf life; some (like jojoba, which does not oxidize) last longer than others, so make sure to take this into consideration when selecting an oil for this recipe.

54 | DIY Bath Bombs

Step 2 In another bowl, combine your essential oils with a carrier oil. For this recipe, I chose jojoba oil as a carrier for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Step 3

Step 4

CoStir polysorbate 80 into the oil mixture from Step 2.

Melt cocoa butter in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, on medium heat. Allow to cool for at least ten minutes and then slowly combine with the wet mixture from steps 2 and 3. .

The Science Behind the Scenes Derived from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid, polysorbate 80 is an FDA-approved synthetic compound that works as both a surfactant and an emulsifier. Surfactants (surface active agents) are foaming and bubble agents-molecules that spontaneously bond to each other to form sealed bubbles--while emulsifiers facilitate the suspension of one liquid in another.

In bath bombs, polysorbate 80 helps the oils and colors disperse evenly throughout the tub.

3

The Science Behind the Scenes Cocoa butter has been used medicinally for over 3,000 years, but the science behind it is still being uncovered. What we know about cocoa butter is that it improves skin elasticity, increases blood flow to the skin surface, and has antiinflammatory properties. Cocoa butter is rich in fatty acids, which can help form a protective barrier for your skin that holds in moisture and keeps it hydrated.

4

DIY Bath Bombs | 55

5

6

Step 5

Step 6

Combine milk powder, honey powder, and pigment (either food coloring or mica powder) to the dry ingredients from Step 1. Whisk for even distribution.

Slowly combine the wet ingredients with the dry, adding drops at a time. It’s important to do this carefully, as citric acid and baking soda fizz when combined with water. Premature fizzing will ruin your bath bombs.

The Science Behind the Scenes Both honey and milk powders are used for skin hydration. Milk is one of the oldest skin are ingredients, as the fat and proteins from milk powder nourish and soften dry skin. The lactic acid from milk powder brightens skin and works as a chemical exfoliant that removes dead skin while you soak. Honey powder attracts and traps moisture and strengthens your skin structure. Honey has natural antibacterial, antiseptic, antiinflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that can protect your skin against acne.

56 | DIY Bath Bombs

Step 7

Step 9

Knead ingredients together until the mixture has the consistency of damp sand and can maintain its shape when molded by your hands.

Line a baking tray with bubble wrap, and place your bath bombs on it. Allow drying for 24 hours.

Step 8 Once all of the ingredients are combined and mixed, it’s time to mold your bath bombs. For this step, you can use bath bomb molds, a muffin tin, or even ice cube trays for smaller bath bombs. No matter the mold, you want to pack the bath bomb mixture tightly. If using a round mold, pack both sides until they’re overflowing, press both halves firmly together, and wipe away any excess. Let your molds rest for at least a minute before releasing the bath bomb.

7

Step 10 Fill your tub, drop in the bath bomb, and enjoy!

8

DIY Bath Bombs | 57

OPPORTUNITIES

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TechTogether Atlanta TechTogether Atlanta is a chapter of TechTogether, the nation's largest initiative to address the gender inequities in the hackathon community.

When: January 28 - 30, 2022 | Where: Virtual

The 5th International Conference on the Future of Women 2022 From its inception in 2018, The Future of Women conferences has substantially focused on re-centering women’s issues and rights for the new decade.

When: February 24 - 25, 2022 | Where: Virtual

Harvard WECode Conference 2022 The WECode Conference is organized by undergraduate women at Harvard University and is the largest student-run women in tech conference in the world.

When: March 2022 | Where: VIrtual

Women Impact Tech Accelerate (WIT) The Accelerate conference is a celebration of women in tech who are breaking barriers, innovating, and striving for inclusion and equity.

When: March 2022 | Where: New York, NY 58 | Opportunities Board

TechTogether Miami TechTogether Miami is a chapter of TechTogether, the nation's largest initiative to address the gender inequities in the hackathon community.

TechTogether supports a community of over 10,000 hackers and is credited in part with increasing the gender diversity of the hackathon community by 18% from 2019 to 2020.

When: Fri, Feb 11, 2022, 4:00 PM – Sun, Feb 13, 2022, 4:00 PM EST Where: Virtual

Explore NASA NASA internships and fellowships leverage NASA’s unique missions and programs to enhance and increase the capability, diversity, and size of the nation’s future science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce. Internships are available from high school to graduate level.

When: Open throughout the year

2022 Girls in Tech Conference The Girls In Tech Conference is Toronto's first annual student-run conference for young girls interested in tech! GITCon targets girls in grades 6-8, and the participants take part in exciting workshops on 3D printing, programming, and robotics, network with like-minded women and girls, and explore possible career paths in the tech space.

When: April 2022

WICYS 2022 WiCyS 2022 is the go-to event to help you get where you want to be. We help organizations recruit, retain and advance women in cybersecurity — all while creating a community of engagement, encouragement, and support at a technical conference.

When: March 17-19, 2022 | Where: Cleveland, OH Opportunities Board | 59

60 | Ask Gloria

Luyang Z. Question: How to approach getting research opportunities in college?

Answer: When looking to get involved in research opportunities in college, I would suggest using the networks that you already have. Your professors, alumni, and other students are great resources for gaining insight knowledge about the different opportunities available to you. Once you find an opportunity you like, reach out to your network to ask for recommendations or introductions. Most of the time, people are more than happy to help.

Isabel P. Question: What different directions can my major take me in?

Answer: It’s hard to respond without knowing your exact major, but, in general, there are a couple different directions a major can take you. You can work for a company or start your own. You can do research in your field of study or go into consulting. You can work for the government or an international agency. You can teach or get a more advanced degree. There are many directions that you can take with your major, and sometimes people end up doing something that is not related to their major at all, and that is perfectly okay as well.

Gloria

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Jacleen N Question: Is having a family while pursuing a successful career as difficult as it seems?

Answer: Everything in life has its challenges. Having a successful career and a family may be challenging, but there are many people that do it and many things that can help make it easier. It’s mostly about balance and having the career/family on your own terms. In my case, I have both, and it means sometimes my family is a priority and sometimes work is. Sometimes I miss important events for one or the other. But overall, my life in tech enables me to have a great career and the flexibility to be there for my children. Having a supportive family and a great boss will make a huge difference on the success of your career, and, hopefully, your boss also sees you as a multidimensional person with responsibilities in and out of the workplace..

question & answer

Jolene L. Question: Differences between doing research at college vs internships with companies?

Answer: The main difference between doing research in college and internships with companies is impact.

Sometimes your research might take years and only be seen by your colleagues or a few people in your industry where an internship might have you working on a feature that is released later that year. In some places, interns can contribute directly to the product and earn patents. In research, you have a more controlled problem, and in your internship, you get to work with real world problems and users. It all comes to personal preference on what type of problems you like to solve and how quickly you want to see the impact of your solution.

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Kaitlyn D. Question: How to lead as a new professional without stepping on toes?

Answer: There are a lot of ways to lead. You can lead by being the person that has deep knowledge about a problem area in your industry or team. You can lead by knowledge sharing externally, like starting a YouTube channel or TikTok about your area of expertise. Lastly, you can take the opportunity to lead by doing the challenging work that needs to be done. You don’t always have to be loud or competitive to lead. There are lots of leaders that are quiet and focused on finding the solutions to a problem and sharing the knowledge with those around them.

Lisa L. Question: Advice on dealing with imposter syndrome and college interviews?

Answer: The best thing to remember with imposter syndrome is that you wouldn’t get the opportunity if you didn’t qualify for it. Whether it's an interview, a job, or a scholarship, you earned your opportunity, so take it!

When interviewing, don’t interview back to back.

Schedule some time to take a break in between.

Interviewing can be mentally draining, so try to pick times where you are at your best. Lastly, they want to know about you and you are pretty remarkable. There is no one in the world like you, so play to your strengths and be yourself!

The CEO and founder of Shule, a startup that tokenizes international experimental learning systems in decentralized education. Previously to venturing out on her own, she was Square's University Tech Evangelist where she focused on helping connect people to the tools, programs, and support they need to enter the technology industry.

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Lavanya S. Question: Advice for incoming college freshmen?

Answer: Try everything! College is the best time to give something new a try. Take a dance class, study abroad, or join a club. It’s all new and it’s worth giving it a try. Also, don’t be afraid to change your major. Many people change their major for something they found more interesting. C’s get degrees. Don’t beat yourself up over not getting A’s in classes. In some classes, you will do your best and barely pass. What matters is that you passed. Keep going towards your goal, and don’t let a bad grade stop you. Most importantly, imposter syndrome is real. Find supportive communities that help you as you pursue your goal!

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EJolie M. Question: How do you organize your time to be productive?

Answer: There are a couple of productivity hacks that I love. One of them is to have a no meeting day. I try to have no meetings on Monday and Friday so I can wrap up on work or start new projects. Another great hack I heard is trying to set aside 3 hours every day for focused, uninterrupted work. I tend to schedule all my work meetings in the morning so I have the afternoon to focus on projects. The last hack I used is having specific times that you respond to emails (morning, after lunch, and before I finish my day).

Beyond this, I suggest using productivity hacks on your tools to be as organized as possible.

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