Picatinny Arsenal introduces girls to engineering
ROCKAWAY TWP. - Nearly 90 high school girls from 25 northern New Jersey schools visited Picatinny Arsenal Thursday evening for an event encouraging them to pursue STEM careers.
The fourth annual “Introduce a Girl to Engineering” event was created to encourage female participation in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economics and Statistics Administration, women hold less than 25 percent of available STEM-related jobs.
On Thursday evening, Picatinny engineers showcased products they work on, including some in the fields of sound energy and aerospace. Students also participated in hands-on demonstrations and experiments to give them a first-hand experience in engineering on the base.
The high school girls were able to network with Picatinny’s female engineers and scientists, who are developing armaments currently used by U.S. war fighters and technology for future members of the U.S. military.
Krista Grassano, who plans to study materials science engineering at Virginia Tech, returned to the event for the second time. Her father is an engineer at Picatinny Arsenal and she said learning from Picatinny’s engineers was a great opportunity for her.
Local school districts invited to the event included Boonton, Dover, Hackettstown, Hopatcong, Jefferson, Morris Hills Academy, Morris Knolls, Mount Olive, Newton, Pope John XXIII Regional High School, Randolph and Roxbury.
“Introduce A Girl To Engineering” was co-hosted by the U.S. Army Armament Research Development and Engineering Center, Navy Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division, Picatinny’s STEM office, the Women in Defense-Picatinny Chapter, and the ARDEC’s Diversity Advisory Council.
Picatinny leaders at the event included James Shields, program executive officer ammunition, Col. Scott Turner, chief of staff, and Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Ingrid A. Parker.
Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636; mizzo@GannettNJ.com
