This week’s Wednesday’s Women in STEM post features Sierra Short, an undergraduate student majoring in human biology with a pre-med track. Read on to hear about Sierra’s STEM interests and how she stays well rounded with other interests in piano and basketball!
When did you first become interested in STEM?
Growing up I found myself drawn to the complexity and mystery associated with STEM. It was not until high school that I was able to really find myself invested in the sciences, ranging from anatomy to physics and even the STEM robotics club. STEM is connected to innovation, and the ability to be a part of something new is what initially excited me.
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I am finishing up my last semester at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA. I am majoring in human biology, within the pre-med track on campus. I believe two of the most interesting experiences that originated from my interest in STEM, were my opportunity to join and now be President of our biological honor society on campus, and the three chances to participate in research projects spanning areas of biology, chemistry and anthropology.
What is your current career and how do you use your interests in STEM on a day-to-day basis?
Upon graduation, I will be entering a position as a physical therapy aide, until my entrance into medical school next year. With college and especially my major, I am constantly utilizing my interests in STEM, whether that be in creating meaningful in-class discussions, leading a research team or the previously mentioned honor society and even getting to tutor my peers in the sciences. Moving into my physical therapy aide position, I, no doubt, will be able to implement my interests in STEM, being the physiology of the human body, the technology and engineering tied to the treatment devices and mathematics in calculating various exercise repetitions.
What do you like most about your current job? What do you find most challenging?
With my college experience thus far, I have enjoyed the opportunities to work with others and gain new perspectives that help me think about STEM topics in different ways. I think the most challenging aspect is to connect context clues to understand a certain situation. For example, in my current classes, there are many times where I have to use patient details in case studies and combine all possible outcomes to come up with a proper diagnosis.
What advice would you give to young girls who are interested in pursuing STEM activities or careers?
I would say to explore as many options as possible. You may find yourself loving something in STEM that you did not initially predict you would have. Overall, I think it is extremely important to follow your passions and realize that there are no limitations to what you can accomplish; dream big!
As an individual, I believe it is important to be well-rounded. So, even though emphasis may be placed on STEM, it is also crucial to balance that with other areas of interest. Besides my love for medicine, I also play the piano and participated on the women’s basketball team at my undergraduate university. Recently, I accepted a position as a high school girls’ basketball assistant coach.