Date: March 14, 2025
Time: 9:00am-3:30pm
Location: NCCAT
276 NCCAT Dr
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Fee: $45 WRESA Members
$70 Non-Members
**NOTE: We have a No Refund policy for our WRESA courses. However, you are welcome to send a
colleague in your place. Contact LaDonna Sluder at lsluder@wresa.org or 828-774-5681 (ext 102)
if you need to change the name of the person attending.
Audience: K-12 Educators passionate about enhancing STEM education!
CEUs: 5 Contact hours
What to Bring: Your own device
- Empowering the Future of STEM by Fostering the Next Generation of Innovators!
- Keynote Speaker: Ange Mendez
- Breakout: “Representation Matters: Building Confidence in Girls Through STEM”
Keynote Speaker Ange Mendez is an amazing young lady in her fourth year as a Chemical Engineer with a Biomolecular Concentration and a minor in Biotechnology at NC State University, As a first-generation Colombian American transfer student from New Jersey, Ange Mendez’s work at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), focused on researching targeted treatments for triple-negative breast cancer, has provided her with a unique and personal perspective on the intersection of molecular biology and chemical engineering. Given the aggressive nature of triple-negative breast cancer, her research has not only deepened her scientific understanding but also fueled her drive to make a meaningful impact on cancer treatment. Her experience highlights the importance of bridging academic knowledge with a desire to help others, especially in the face of something deeply personal.
Beyond her scientific work, Ange passionately advocates diversity and inclusion in STEM. As the Community Outreach Chair for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, she has spearheaded initiatives to connect K-12 students with hands-on STEM activities and mentorship. Her involvement in the Society of Women Engineers further demonstrates her commitment to empowering women in STEM. She aims to create meaningful change in the pharmaceutical industry through her efforts, whether by developing vaccines, finding cures for rare diseases, or optimizing manufacturing processes.
Join Ange as she shares her journey, passions, and vision for inspiring the next generation of innovators. Her dedication to uplifting underrepresented communities and pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery will inspire you to do the same with your students, our future innovators.
🔬 Exciting Breakout Sessions – Just to name a few!
- Representation Matters: Building Confidence in Girls Through STEM
- Hurricane Helene: A Worst-Case Scenario
- Using Engineering to Explore Problem-Solving in the High School Classroom
- Sea Turtle Prosthetic Party
- Sea Turtle EED’s (Environmental Enrichment Devices)
- STEM Beyond Borders: Expanding Knowledge from the Classroom to Global Awareness
- Eco Explorers: Diving Into Hellbender Conservation
- Reinforcing healthy living through STEM for elementary students
- Talk Moves for Student Discourse in the STEM Classroom
- Hack a Lesson! – Transforming STEM for Deeper Engagement
- Indigenous STEM: Highlighting Traditional Science
- Animation Engine: AI Empowered Creativity
If you have additional questions, contact Candie Sellers at csellers@wresa.org
