A STEM future

We had the great pleasure of welcoming Dr Emily Grossman, Honorary Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Ambassador, to Pipers on Thursday to officially open our fantastic new Science Laboratory.

The new Lab, which is the latest addition to our range of exceptional facilities is a free standing Octagonal Cedar Clad building with a green roof set within the newly re-landscaped South Wing courtyard. It provides a fantastic space for our budding scientists to develop their knowledge and skills across all three Sciences. Following the opening Dr Grossman delivered two workshops to inspire our students about the vast range of opportunities available to them in STEM.

Dr Emily Grossman is an expert in molecular biology and genetics, with a Double First in Natural Sciences from Queens' College Cambridge and a PhD in cancer research. She also trained and worked as an actress and singer, and now combines her skills as a science communicator, broadcaster, author, educator and trainer.

Dr Grossman’s first talk was aimed at students in Year 7 – 9 where they focussed on “People Like Me”. The initiative encourages girls to consider what type of person they are and then explore what careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics might suit their characteristics and personality types.

The second talk, delivered to students in Year 9 to Sixth Form was entitled “Gut Bacteria, Cravings, Chocolate and Poo!” Dr Grossman spoke about how our gut bacteria influence what we eat and how we feel, altering our moods and behaviour and making us crave certain foods. It was a hugely stimulating talk which really challenged the students to consider how things work in our bodies. It was particularly interesting to hear about research, both old and current, that suggests ingesting good bacteria could help to improve health problems.

Headmistress, Mrs Ness-Gifford said, “The opening of our new Science Laboratory has been a fabulous way to start the new academic year. Women are vastly underrepresented in STEM fields despite their talent and potential to be successful in these areas, and it was exciting to see the impact of Dr Grossman’s talks, which really served to enthuse the girls about the many STEM opportunities that are on offer.”