![students sitting in classroom at desks]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1742577201/wsk12nyus/bvkam6zjauoghz3udphp/IMG_7134.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1742577201/wsk12nyus/bvkam6zjauoghz3udphp/IMG_7134.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1742577201/wsk12nyus/bvkam6zjauoghz3udphp/IMG_7134.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1742577201/wsk12nyus/bvkam6zjauoghz3udphp/IMG_7134.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1742577201/wsk12nyus/bvkam6zjauoghz3udphp/IMG_7134.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1742577201/wsk12nyus/bvkam6zjauoghz3udphp/IMG_7134.jpg","width":2200}])
The Gems in STEM club at Washingtonville High School received a visit from Ava Grencer, a student at SUNY Buffalo, where they had the opportunity to learn what it’s like to be a Neuroscience Major.
The Gems in STEM club is composed of young women from WHS who are interested in pursuing STEM fields or exploring them. The goal is to provide these students with positive women role models who have pursued careers in STEM.
Ava Grencer spoke with members of the Gems in STEM club after school about her journey in the STEM field. Although she is in her second year, she will be graduating in 2026 because of the AP/college classes she took in high school.
She currently works as a teaching assistant (TA) for Human Anatomy and in the behavioral neuroscience research lab. She plans to pursue a medical degree after graduation with goals to work as a doctor.
Students asked questions about what being a student at SUNY Buffalo is like, what it’s like to be a TA, how difficult the courses are, and how Ava manages her studies.
“The biggest thing you can do in your first semester is figure out what works for you,” Ava told the students. “Sometimes it’s figuring out what study method works best for you and what motivates you to be successful. Try different things until you find something that works.”
Melissa Benjamin, the advisor of the Gems in STEM club shared that having Ava visit the students allowed them to receive advice from someone who is closer in age and experiencing what they will soon experience themselves.
“Girls must envision themselves in STEM fields,” said Ms. Benjamin. “Young girls need to see, and believe that women can be anything including successful in STEM fields.”
Statistically, less than 20% of college graduates in engineering and computer science are women. Therefore, giving students the opportunity to be exposed to STEM and the various opportunities within the industry is important.
“I am grateful that our GEMS got to meet another strong, dedicated female who they can look up to,” Ms. Benjamin said. “By speaking to Ava, I hope that your GEMS can further envision themselves and other women making their impact on the world.”
