women in charge Harding saw growth in women leading in STEM fields. S cience, technology, engineering and math were the four elements of STEM programs. STEM fields were traditionally male-dominated, but it changed at Harding for the 2019-20 year. Dr. Rebekah Rampey, chair ofthe biology department, emphasized the importance of each class and how STEM broadened student perspectives. "Genetics is my absolute favorite course to teach because I teach to all different kinds of students," Rampey said. "It's a hard course; it pushes students. But it also opens their eyes to being at the frontier of science because genetics is always changing, there's always things we don't know, and it's cool being on the front lines seeing that." Dr. Cindy White, chair ofthe chemistry and biochemistry department, said she enjoyed teaching specifically because she taught students complex skills in science and helped them understand God and his creation more effectively. "The reason I love teaching chemistry and biochemistry at Harding is because not only is it interesting and shows how the world operates, but it [also] helps students gain a better perspective of God's creation," White said. "I have always been intrigued since I was little in science, and now I get to teach others about how a cell works or how a plant operates, and it's for a greater purpose." STEM gave Harding students the opportunity to obtain hands-on experience in a field they were passionate about. Both Rampey and White continued to provide students with a chance to craft their own futures and served as examples ofwomen in leadership positions in STEM fields. 214 Senior molecular and cellular biology major Claire Keisling was one of the students to notice a change in the departments. "Having women in these positions is helpful because we are seeing positive role models in a male-dominated field." "Having women in these positions is helpful because we are seeing positive role models in a male-dominated field," Keisling said. "Dr. Rampey and Dr. White are serving as beacons of hope for those of us wanting to pursue professions in science fields." White said STEM allowed students to improve and grow by teaching students and challenging them to grow continuously throughout their education. Supported by both White and Rampey, STEM at Harding proved that the knowledge students gained in college could help them in the pursuit of understanding God and his creation. story by Will Allen
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