The Library is thrilled to announce the 2020 inaugural cohort of the Women’s Maker Program, sponsored by the Charles L. Brown Endowment, the Robertson Media Center, and the UVA Library. The program aims to increase participants’ confidence and interest in STEM and makerspace technologies, improve their sense of belonging in the field, and better prepare them for future careers in the STEM workforce. In addition, the Library hopes to improve gender equality by ensuring that library makerspaces are inclusive spaces for all.
The cohort will spend the Spring 2020 semester diving into maker technologies, learning design thinking, helping host a maker camp for local Girl Scouts, and completing two community-focused projects.
Ishika Khemani, who grew up in Burke, VA, plans on studying Computer Science and Sociology and hopes to work one day in cybersecurity or software development.
Izabelle (“Izzy”) McReynolds is from the northern Virginia area. She’s a Computer Science major in the UVA College of Arts & Sciences and hopes to intern and work with government organizations in the areas of cybersecurity and data science.
Theo O’Neill from the San Francisco Bay Area is a double major in Astronomy and Physics hoping to continue their study of astronomy in graduate school and to pursue a career in research.
Brittany Sandoval-Rivera from Woodbridge, VA is a Computer Science major in the Engineering School whose father encouraged her early interest in technology and computer programming. She’s seeking a career as a software engineer at an innovative, fast-paced company. Brittany looks forward to designing an app and website to create an interactive platform that’s “positively addictive”.
Georgia White from Norfolk, VA is a Mechanical Engineer hoping to study in New Zealand next semester. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking and snowboarding.
Michelle Yin from Cleveland, OH is studying chemistry with plans to pursue a medical career in the future. She’s passionate about inspiring girls to get involved in STEM.