Students share scientific interests, build confidence at WISDOM conference

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — For Persephone Harshberger, presenting at the WISDOM conference was an opportunity to share a passion for bats and wildlife conservation. For Katelynn Fuentes, it was a chance to explore the brain’s capacity for change while challenging herself to become a more confident speaker.

The two Penn State Lehigh Valley students brought their scientific interests to an event that connected learning, communication and career exploration through WISDOM, short for Women in Science Demonstrating Outstanding Merits. The conference was held at Lehigh University on Oct. 8.

The nonprofit supports women pursuing careers beyond academia through networking, mentoring and access to opportunities in industry and commercial science. For Harshberger and Fuentes, participating offered a way to explore their interests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while sharing what they had learned with others.

“I was drawn to the unique reverse networking format of the event, but more importantly, the idea of sharing what I’ve gathered about a topic in science that really interested me with others who share a passion for STEM,” Fuentes said.

Fuentes’ presentation, “The Power of Neuroplasticity,” explored how the brain adapts and what that adaptability can mean for recovery from injury and changes in behavioral patterns.

Neuroscience appealed to Fuentes, she explained, because it brings together biology, psychology, technology and mathematics. She said she hopes to eventually pursue research examining how the brain processes information and responds to internal and external influences.

Presenting also offered an opportunity for personal growth.

“I’m usually very introverted so I think it’s important to push myself to do things that seem a little daunting, such as presenting in front of others, because it allows me to share what I like learning about while building confidence in myself and the topic,” Fuentes said.

She credited Penn State’s academic environment and access to resources, including the University Libraries, with helping her explore scientific questions and strengthen her presentation.

“Overall, the academic environment is really motivating, with so many opportunities for research and projects in different areas of STEM,” she said.

Harshberger learned about the conference through advertising at Penn State Lehigh Valley and said she welcomed the opportunity to become more involved in STEM. Her presentation focused on bats, their ecological importance and issues affecting their well-being.

Her interest in biology grows from a desire to protect the environment and a willingness to explore new experiences. An artist as well as a science enthusiast, Harshberger said she sees a connection between creativity and conservation.

“I have always been a deeply artistic person, but I cannot keep creating art without a healthy world to do so in,” Harshberger said. “I also enjoy being knowledgeable and learning things. Biology constantly challenges me, and I appreciate that.”

Harshberger said she hopes to work in wildlife rehabilitation and remains open to a variety of STEM careers. She noted that a class taught by Brenna Traver, associate professor of biology and biology program coordinator at Penn State Lehigh Valley, has strengthened her interest in entomology and smaller animals, even prompting her to consider beekeeping.

For Traver, programs that offer mentoring and professional connections can help students recognize possibilities they might otherwise overlook.

She explained that WISDOM founder Dirk Frese established the organization to help address gaps in connections and pathways for women interested in industry careers. While students may be familiar with graduate school and preprofessional programs, they may have fewer opportunities to learn about careers outside academia.

Traver also emphasized the value of bringing different perspectives into scientific fields.

“I think it is important to have a diversity of ideas coming from many people of diverse backgrounds,” she said. “We all have a unique perspective to bring to the table.”

Mentorship can help students see where those perspectives might lead, she explained.

“For young women, I think it is important for them to see others that look like them in professions that they are interested in or did not know existed,” Traver said.

For Harshberger and Fuentes, the conference provided a setting to practice communicating scientific ideas, explore possible career directions and take an active role in their learning.

“I love experiences, I love learning: and I am open to all types of opportunities,” Harshberger said.