UCT Chemistry Inspires Young Women at National Science Week

On Thursday, October 3, 2024, UCT Chemistry representatives Dr Samantha Douman, Ms. Laa-iqa Rylands, and PhD student Christabel Hikaambo participated in the National Science Week event, sponsored by the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. Hosted at Glendale Secondary School in Mitchells Plain, the event brought together 135 female learners from 8 local schools, namely: A.Z Berman High School; Glendale Secondary School; Mitchells Plain High School; Portlands Secondary School; Princeton Secondary School; Rocklands High School; Westridge Secondary School and Woodlands High School. The UCT Chemistry team, alongside other industrial companies, setup exhibition tables to engage with the learners.

As part of the Women in Science initiative, the event featured a "She’s a Scientist: Speed Dating with Inspiring Women in STEMI" session, where learners met with female role models in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation (STEMI). This round-robin-style "speed dating" session allowed learners to rotate between exhibition tables every 12 minutes, offering them a chance to explore different scientific fields, possible career paths, and the importance of evidence-based science in various professions.

At the UCT Chemistry exhibition table, learners were treated to exciting experiments and discussions about the broad career opportunities a chemistry degree can provide. One of the misconceptions addressed was the difference between chemists and pharmacists, helping to clarify the unique roles of each profession. Learners were also given periodic tables, bookmarks, and some ACS-sponsored notebooks and bags to take home.

The event was a tremendous success, with the UCT Chemistry team thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to interact with and inspire the next generation of female scientists.