UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — “Your footsteps carve your path, not the limits others place on you,” shared Kaelonnah Darlich, a third-year undergraduate student.
Darlich, who is majoring in biology and minoring in marine sciene and American sign language, will be one of two undergraduate students giving the keynote presentations at ENVISION: STEM Career Day Supporting Young Women on March 28 at Penn State.
ENVISION, an annual event hosted by the Penn State Eberly College of Science’s Office of Science Outreach, is aimed at helping girls and young women see themselves in the STEM fields. The event is open for all students from sixth grade to 12th grade. Participants interact with Penn State scientists, hear from inspiring speakers and engage in hands-on science learning.
In addition to Darlich, Lucy Karn, second-year undergraduate student majoring in mathematics and biostatistics, will also be presenting on her journey in STEM. Both Darlich and Karn were selected to give the keynote presentations at ENVISION after competing in the I AM STEM Student Speaking Contest. The I AM STEM competition invites undergraduate and graduate students in the Eberly College of Science to share their journeys in STEM first via an essay and then at an in-person speaking event.
Darlich and Karn spoke about their journeys in STEM, what inspired them to compete in the I AM STEM competition and advice they had for future women in STEM.
Q: What started your journey in STEM?
Darlich: My journey in STEM began long before I knew what research was. Growing up in Littlestown, I spent so much time playing in my backyard. One summer, my mom and I noticed we hadn’t seen a single monarch butterfly. Curious and concerned, we learned that monarch populations were rapidly declining. The following summer, we planted milkweed in our backyard and began raising monarch caterpillars, releasing the butterflies to help support their population. That experience sparked my love for science and solidified my passion for ecology, showing me how curiosity can turn into action and have a meaningful impact.
Karn: I think that I got ushered into STEM because I was always so curious and asking questions. I used to, and still do, ask too many questions about everything. When I was younger, I would ask questions that didn't have obvious answers or sometimes there weren't any answers. Growing up, a lot of my teachers picked up on that, and shepherded me toward afterschool STEM programs and math and science activities. Reflecting, I think that my constant questioning and curiosity helped cue the adults in my life that I might like STEM.
Q: What inspired you to apply for the I AM STEM contest?
Darlich: I was inspired to apply for the I AM STEM contest after being told that I was “too feminine” for fieldwork. That moment became a turning point, pushing me to prove that femininity belongs in science. As a first-generation college student, I wanted to use my voice and my story to plant a seed for others who may question whether they belong in science, and to show that there is no single way to look, act or exist as a scientist.
Karn: I was inspired to apply for this contest because I wanted an opportunity to share my story both through my writing and speaking. Once I was able to reflect on my journey, I realized how much I have done and grown. That encouraged me to speak about my story because we don’t always realize how much we have already done that we should be proud of.
Q: What did you gain from the experience?
Darlich: This experience strengthened my self-confidence and encouraged me to be more kind to myself. Reflecting on my journey, especially by telling my story backwards, beginning with my recent accomplishments helped me recognize how often I still define my worth by earlier setbacks. I realized that the challenges and perceived “failures” at the start of my scientific journey did not hold me back, instead they shaped my resilience and the scientist I am today.
Karn: Reflecting on my experience taught me that I have been hard on myself, but I have already done so much of what I have wanted to accomplish, and I should be proud of myself.
Q: Who, if anyone, has inspired your journey?
Darlich: My journey has been inspired by the women in my life, beginning with my mother, whose strength and resilience taught me to persist even when faced with rejection. After being turned down by countless labs, my path changed when my research advisor, Dr. Mônica Kersch-Becker, gave me my first “yes,” setting the trajectory of my research career and affirming my place in science. As someone who hopes to earn a Ph.D. in marine science, I have also been inspired by Dr. Mónica Medina, whose leadership and commitment to equity and integrity in science continue to shape how I envision my future as a scientist and mentor.
Karn: The person who has inspired me most throughout my journey is the younger version of myself. She was so passionate and motivated, and she is what inspires me to keep going. I work every day to make her proud and to make her dreams come true.
Q: Finally, what advice do you have for future women in science?
Darlich: Your footsteps carve your path, not the limits others place on you. There will be moments when your abilities are questioned, or your presence is underestimated, but those moments do not define your potential. Science needs your perspective, your curiosity and your resilience exactly as they are. Don’t wait for permission to take up space, ask questions, and seek mentorship, and trust that growth often comes from discomfort. You belong in science not because you fit a mold, but because you bring something uniquely valuable to it.
Karn: My advice for future women in STEM is to believe in yourself and be proud of who you are. All of your struggles, challenges, successes and failures have made you exactly who you need to be. Believe in yourself and what you have been through, and you will eventually make it. Remember to be proud of yourself because you have already made it so far.