Dear Smart Girl

01/14/2025

Sometimes it definitely feels like we are taking steps backwards 😅
---

01/13/2025

Shining in the spotlight today is Elisabeth Marnik, also known as Science Whiz Liz 💖 Here are a few fun facts to help you get to know her better: ✨

🌈She earned her Bachelors Degree in Biochemistry from Central Connecticut State University, as well as a PhD from the Tufts School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences. 🎓

🌈After completing her PhD, she pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at the MDI Biological Laboratory. She then was a professor for four years, teaching a variety of topics related to the biological sciences. 📚

🌈She has always loved asking questions and figuring out how things work, but science was not a topic of discussion or encouragement in her family growing up. Instead, she was taught to prioritize marriage and children over pursuing a career.🌡

🌈Her 11th grade chemistry teacher introduced her to the idea of science as a career. Supportive teachers guided her through the college application process, and in college she discovered her true passion for science and committed herself to building a career in the field. 🔬

🌈Her goal is to make science accessible, engaging, and relevant for everyone, with a particular focus on those who might no otherwise experience a formal science classroom in college. She is developing programs for K-12 students and the public while researching the most effective strategies for science education and outreach. ⚗️

🌈Her advice for young girls: never let anyone limit you with their preconceived notions of who you should be. Be open to exploring, stepping outside your comfort zone and seeking help when you need it. Remember, it’s never too late to change your path, try something new, or seize opportunities when they come your way.🙌

Science Whiz Liz your story is so inspiring! We cannot wait to see what the future holds for you, and all of the lives you change with science 🤩💜
---

01/12/2025

If your Smart Girl is interested in science, or interested in creating things, our Genetic Biologist STEM Kit is for her!💚

This kit allows her to make TWO different DNA Model Keychains-- one for herself, and one for someone else! Shop now through the link in our bio :)
---

01/11/2025

Today🚀 we are introducing Woman Perla Cristal, also known as .inspace 💫 Here are a few fun facts to help you get to know her better:

🚀She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Central Florida. During her academic journey, she focused on researching ceramic materials with multifunctional applications to protect space components from harsh environments. 🎓

🚀She also engaged in several fellowships: she worked with the Army Research Lab through the X-Force Fellowship with the National Security Innovation Network and completed a summer internship with NASA as a MSTAR Fellow at Langley Research Center. 📚

🚀Her interst in STEM is rooted in her love for math. It wasn't until she was 16 and had moved from Puerto Rico to the US that she was able to fully immerse herself in STEM. ✖️➗

🚀Growing up in rural Puerto Rico, there were limited STEM opportunities, and she initially struggled with language barriers in the U.S. because she wasn’t fluent in English. Despite these challenges, her persistence and curiosity pushed me to seek out STEM opportunities, and she eventually found her way into the field. 🇺🇸

🚀Currently, she is focused on expanding her knowledge in the areas of modeling and simulation to enhance pilot training experiences, and is particularly interested in how technology can transform learning and improve safety.💻

🚀Her advice to young girls: don't be afraid to ask questions! There are so many people who are willing to listen, guide, ad support you. 💜

Perla, your journey is inspiring and exciting! We can't wait to see what the future holds for you ⭐️❣️
---

01/09/2025

Shining in the Spotlight today is Stacey Medvedeva, also known as ⚡️ Here are a few fun facts to help you get to know her better: 💜

🌷Her educational background is extensive, including a masters in Psychology, a degree in Environmental Technologies and International Relations, and has also completed the Space Studies Program at the International Space University. 🎓

🌷Most recently, she graduated from the Space Entrepreneurship Masters at the European Institute of Innovation and Sustainability 🚀

🌷STEM has always been a big part of her life, as she strives from curiosity and eagerness to understand the world around her. 🔮

🌷She explains that curiosity is the key to learning, and the more you learn the less you know, which is both a blessing and a curse. 💡

🌷Her main plan is to never run out of goals! In psychology, there is a concept that you cannot set tangible or achievable goals, because once you've reached them there's nothing else for you to do. The beauty is in the path. 🌈

🌷Her advice to young girls: Never be afraid, always believe in your dreams, and trust people along the way will help. 🤞

Stacey, you are an inspiration to many and we admire your desire to keep learning. We can't wait to see what the future has in store for you! ✨🤩
---

01/08/2025

Despite being disproven, a majority of middle school students still believe that boys are just naturally better at math. This is for many reasons, such as how girls are socialized to not pursue math or science, cultural biases, and a lack of representation for women and girls in STEM. 💡

But that's where we come in! We are teaching girls under 12 that STEM is amazing and they are capable of being anything through our offerings 🩷

---

01/07/2025

Grab your marshmallows and get ready to make edible marshmallow dough in this fun STEM activity! 🎂🧪

1️⃣ Microwave marshmallows with oil for 10 seconds.
👩‍🔬 Heat breaks the chemical bonds in gelatin and sugar, making the molecules flexible and flowy.

2️⃣ Mix with food coloring (optional).
👩‍🔬 The sugar traps the pigment evenly as it blends into the melted mixture.

3️⃣ Add cornstarch and powdered sugar to a plate.
👩‍🔬 Cornstarch binds by absorbing moisture, while powdered sugar adds structure to the dough.

4️⃣ Knead until thick and enjoy!
👩‍🔬 Kneading aligns the molecules, bonding everything into a stretchy, edible creation.

Send us a pic if you try!
---

01/06/2025

Too cold outside to play? Explore science while inside with our Dear Smart Girl Cosmetic Scientist STEM Kit ✨ Create your own natural hand soap and scrub (that won't leave your hands feeling dry this winter!) ❄️🧼
---

01/05/2025

Some on helping to validate your child's emotions ✨

Let us know how your respond 💜
---

01/04/2025

3 reasons why your daughter will LOVE our Dear Smart Girl STEM Kits 💜💗💙
---

01/03/2025

If only we could all see things through children's eyes 🤣🙌
---

01/01/2025

Happy New Year! Wishing you a year full of happiness and blessings 🤩🎀🎊
---

12/31/2024

12/30/2024

🙌🙌🙌🙌
---

12/29/2024

Setting goals is ALWAYS important, so start 2025 off right by setting some with your Smart Girl!👑
---

12/28/2024

Happy National Playing Card Day! Celebrate by ordering one of our STEMSpirational Playing Cared Sets. Shop now with the link in our bio 🤗😉
---

12/26/2024

To round out our 2024, we finished our annual reset week with White Elephant and a lovely team dinner with family and friends 🩷 Thank you to our incredible founder, team, partners, and supporters for an AMAZING year! We have big things coming 2025, so stick around ✨
---