Building Connections in Physics

Abby Corrigan, a physics major and recipient of the Clare Boothe Luce scholarship, began her journey in STEM at Holy Cross during her freshman year. She took an introductory course in physics with Professor Janine Shertzer, and the two formed a strong academic relationship that led Corrigan to enroll in five additional courses under Shertzer’s mentorship.

This year, Corrigan had the opportunity to engage in research alongside Shertzer, examining variations of the 1D Finite Well. She emphasized the importance of this mentorship, saying, “Having that kind of connection with a professor has been incredibly meaningful and rewarding.”

Despite the traditionally male-dominated landscape of physics, Corrigan has felt a strong sense of support: “I have always felt supported and respected as a woman in STEM.”

A Commitment to Female STEM Faculty

Professor Shertzer highlighted the significance of championing female scientists, stating, “Women make up 50% of the available brainpower.” She pointed out that the College has a long-standing tradition of hiring and retaining women in STEM roles, which has fostered an environment of mentorship for female students from the moment they set foot on campus.

Inspiring Young Women in STEM

McGuire, another female student in the STEM program, reflects on the vital role of faculty mentorship in her journey. To extend this support into the community, she organized Girls Can Code Day, inviting approximately 30 middle school girls to learn fundamental coding skills. “Our goal was to teach students basic concepts of coding,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of fostering positive attitudes towards computer science and mathematics.

Women in Science Day: A Showcase of Roles and Opportunities

Corrigan, McGuire, and their peers coordinated the 3rd Annual Women in Science Day, welcoming over 100 high school students to Holy Cross. The event featured hands-on laboratory demonstrations led by current female students and discussions with nearly 20 alumnae who represented a variety of fields—from healthcare to academia.

Jennifer Franks, a biology major involved in planning the event, highlighted the importance of showcasing diverse career paths in STEM, stating, “It’s important to highlight how women can go into STEM careers that span across healthcare, research, and industry.”

Inspiring Keynote by Alumna Courtney Kennedy

The keynote address was delivered by Courtney Kennedy, a physics major and Holy Cross alumna now working in Silicon Valley at Netflix. She encouraged attendees to value their unique perspectives, stating, “You all have your own set of experiences and perspectives on the world. So many disciplines in science and technology and engineering right now have too few women in them.”

Kennedy concluded with powerful encouragement: “Remember the value you bring. Having different perspectives and different approaches to problems will not only help you be successful, but it will also change the industries you work in.” This message resonates with aspiring women in STEM, emphasizing the transformative impact they can have.