COEUR d’ALENE — Young women from North Idaho high schools explored career options during last week’s Women in Science and Engineering program.

Put on by the University of Idaho’s College of Engineering and College of Science at North Idaho College, the annual event provided an opportunity for students to learn about DNA, robotics and coding through hands-on activities and tours.  

Student ambassadors and women working in STEM fields answered questions and shared experiences during lunchtime panels.  

"I love events like this,” said Sascha Mai, a student ambassador from U of I College of Engineering. “It’s fun to guide students through hands-on activities and watch their problem-solving skills in action. This is a fantastic group, and seeing their enthusiasm and curiosity makes the experience even more rewarding."  

A few hundred young women from Coeur d’Alene High School, Lake City High School, Venture Academy, Clark Fork High School and St. Maries High School attended sessions Thursday and Friday.  

Dr. John Shovic, director of the Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics at the College of Engineering in Coeur d’Alene, also gave tours of U of I’s robotics lab.

“Remember, computer scientists don’t just sit behind computers," Shovic said.

Coordinators hope WISE will inspire young women to pursue STEM careers.

“With bachelor’s and graduate degrees offered right here in Coeur d’Alene, it’s exciting to see students explore the possibilities of continuing their education locally,” said Ellen Crabtree, director of Strategic Initiatives, Academics, and Student Affairs with U of I Coeur d’Alene.  

    Young women from St. Maries High School talk out a robotics problem during the Women in Science and Engineering event.
  

    Young women from local high schools learned the basics of DNA through a building exercise during this week's Women in Science and Engineering event.