The Halcyonite

By Felix, ’25

On Monday, February 10th, students and faculty gathered for a powerful Women in STEM assembly, hosted by Dr. Lodhi, to celebrate and amplify the voices of women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Featuring inspiring guest speakers and student presentations, the event shed light on the challenges women face in STEM fields while also showcasing the passion and determination that drive them forward.

The assembly welcomed four distinguished guest speakers: Defne, a 2023 Halcyon graduate now studying Biochemistry at King’s College London; Chloe Bailey, a PhD researcher at KCL; Dr. Cristina Pina, a biomedical scientist specializing in blood cell development; and Lila Ibrahim, the COO of Google DeepMind. Alongside these professionals, several of our own students took the stage to share their personal journeys into STEM, highlighting the experiences and role models that shaped their ambitions.

Student Speakers: Inspiration from Within 

Hearing from their peers, students at the assembly saw firsthand how diverse and personal the paths into STEM can be. Annabel ‘28, Amelie S.S. ‘26, Lou ‘26, Sophia ‘26, and Rund ‘26 each shared what sparked their passion for STEM. 

Amelie S.S. admitted she didn’t originally enjoy STEM, finding it difficult at first. However, inspired by her mother’s work in AI, she came to appreciate STEM as the foundation of everything. She was particularly moved by the story of Rosalind Franklin, whose contributions to the discovery of the DNA double helix went unrecognized due to gender bias. 

Lou, coming from a family of engineers, said she always felt a connection to STEM. Her background gave her a strong foundation, motivating her to pursue engineering despite the gender disparities in the field. 

Sophia said she has a keen interest in biology and zoology, shaped by her admiration for David Attenborough and Jane Goodall. Their work in conservation and animal behavior fueled her curiosity and inspired her to explore the natural world. 

Rund, who has always been drawn to medicine, said she was influenced by her father, a doctor. A pivotal moment in her journey was a science fair in Ottawa, where she experimented with the effects of spices on health. Her interest has since evolved into a particular focus on cancer research. 

Guest Speakers: A Wealth of Experience 

Defne, a 2023 Halcyon graduate, returned to share her experiences studying Biochemistry at King’s College London. Having been in the audience just a year prior, her perspective resonated deeply with current students. She emphasized the importance of perseverance, highlighting how university studies have further ignited her curiosity and ambition. 

Chloe Bailey, currently pursuing a PhD in Biochemistry at KCL, spoke about the challenges and breakthroughs in scientific research. She discussed the rigor of academic inquiry and the determination required to carve out a career in research, encouraging students to stay curious and resilient.

Dr. Cristina Pina, a biomedical scientist specializing in blood cell development, introduced students to the intricate world of cellular biology. Her research on how blood cells form and function is vital for medical advancements, particularly in understanding diseases such as leukemia. She underscored the significance of women in biomedical sciences, advocating for more female representation in high-impact research. 

The assembly concluded with a compelling talk from Lila Ibrahim, COO of Google DeepMind. As a leader in artificial intelligence, she provided insights into the rapidly evolving tech industry and the role AI plays in shaping the future. She encouraged students to “embrace challenges, seek innovation, and break barriers” in a field where women remain underrepresented. 

Final Reflections

The Women in STEM assembly was a powerful reminder that the journey into science and technology is as varied as the individuals pursuing it. Whether inspired by personal experiences, family influence, or historical figures, each speaker demonstrated that passion, perseverance, and representation matter.

With role models both in and outside of our school community, the event left students feeling empowered and motivated to follow their own paths into STEM. As Dr. Lodhi highlighted in closing, representation is the catalyst for change; when young women see themselves in these fields, they know they belong.