On April 6-7, the 20th annual Women in Science Conference was held in Lincoln. Although this is the first year that students from Hastings High School have attended the conference, many students were interested. Science teacher Augusta Beahm took four female students, juniors Kyla Rickert, Cece Beahm, Anna Cafferty, and Erin Hunt.
The Women in Science Conference is held once a year to give young women an opportunity to explore different career paths under the wing of science ranging from physics to medical science.
“This was a great opportunity for us because it really helps give these young ladies some insight on what they might want to further their education in and it gives some great hands on experiences,” Beahm said.
Beahm and her students were able to participate in many hands on experiences to give insight into the world of science.
“They had different tables set up for different majors and areas and they had professors, students, undergrads sitting at each table. So whether it was chemical engineering, physics, or astronomy the girls could sit down and talk to professors,” Beahm said.
Hunt agrees with Beahm in enjoying the hands on experiences.
“My favorite part of the event was touring St. Elizabeth’s hospital. We were able to go behind the scenes and see what a typical day as a healthcare worker at the hospital was like. We wore scrubs and were shown tools and machines used by the specialists,” Hunt said.
The students were able to take a tour through the hospital and even visit more specialized units. One of these in particular stood out to Hunt.
“What stood out to me the most was the burn unit, it was interesting to learn the techniques they use to care for their patients as quickly as possible in emergencies and the tactics they use to distract the patients from their pain, such as music,” Hunt said.
