Women in STEM

On Wednesday 15th November, groups of pupils from six Islington Primary Schools attended the Science for Life Women in STEM event. Pupils researched a female scientist prior to the event and created a poster to celebrate their achievements. Pupils led and undertook hands-on activities related to the work of the scientists. Two scientists, a microbiologist and a virologist, made presentations and parents joined in afterwards. Congratulations to all the pupils and adults that attended for making it such a great celebration.

Dorothy Hodgkin 

Joan Beauchamp Procter 

Rosalind Franklin

Mary Anning

Professor Joanne Santini attended the event and gave a fascinating talk. She spoke about who, and what inspired her to become a microbiologist and the many years of study she had to undertake. Pupils learnt about good and bad bacteria and about how bacteria can be used to clean polluted water and poisonous chemicals resulting from mining. Joanne shared an art work, Microscopic Park Life that she and the artist Amaiia Pica collaborated on to produce. This can be seen in Battersea. As well as her love for science, Joanne enjoys watching Australian Rules Football, playing sports, reading and bird watching. The pupils enjoyed handling the fool's gold (pyrite) and knitted bacteria toys that were passed around.


Dr. Teresa Cutiño-Moguel explained what a virology doctor does; what viruses are and how they are everywhere. She showed how viruses are different in appearance and can even look like a slinky. Next, she reported how viruses are caught, tested for, diagnosed and treated. Teresa is from Mexico and like Joanne, has also undertaken a lot of study. She is currently working at Barts Health in Whitechapel but she is not only a doctor as she is also a mother to two children and a cat and a dog. Teresa finished her presentation with this inspiring quote: ‘Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.” Mae Jemison, first African American woman astronaut in space

Here is what the pupils had to say about the visiting scientists:

'I learnt a lot about science from the special scientists who came in.'

'I was interested in the scientists' stories. They were great.'

''It was really fascinating that there are good viruses!'

'The best thing I did was the pretzel skeleton.'

animal habitats

'I learnt if you put a line on a tissue it will turn into a different colour.'

'I learnt how to run an experiment'

'The best thing I did today was making DNA out of sweets.' 

'The best thing I did today was making ammonites out of dough.' 

'I liked helping people.'

X-ray jigsaws

Here is what our some of our visiting scientists and parents had to say:

'Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk to the kids at this amazing event. I am so impressed by the activities they are doing and so touched by their enthusiasm. Super well done Meg.' Dr. Teressa Cutino, Virology Consultant, Barts Health

'Thank you very much for the Women in STEM event today and for igniting interest in science in our children. Scarlett loves science and has been talking enthusiastically about learning about female scientists.' Parent

'My child had a wonderful time. The event has clearly bolstered her love of science. Parent

'Thank you so much for the Women in STEM day. It's so important to encourage young girls and to highlight these amazing scientists that often get forgotten.' Parent

'Thank you so much Meg and the students scientists for putting on such a fantastic demonstration of experiments and wonderful presentations of brilliant women scientists. Inspiring for everyone.'