LCM Grad exemplifies why STEM training important

 

Last updated 9/23/2014 at Noon

Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School students in Terry Morris’ classes had the opportunity to hear from someone who had been in their seats, literally, not too long ago. Dr. Meagan Pollock, 2001 LCM alumni and member of the LCM T-STEM Advisory Board, took the opportunity to share her story with the students.

Dr.

Pollock is a former National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow, with a PhD in engineering education from Purdue University.

She worked as an engineer for Texas Instruments, including three co-op rotations, before returning to school to earn her doctorate.

She has earned a BS in computer science, with a minor in mathematics, from Texas Woman’s University (graduated cum laude and from the Honors Scholar Program) and an MS in electrical engineering from Texas Tech University as a part of the Program for Semiconductor Product Engineering.

Recently, Dr.

Pollock was named the Director of Professional Development for the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity.

In this role, Dr.

Pollock will develop programs and products that help educators, administrators, and counselors improve equity in the classroom, ultimately to increase the participation of women and minorities in high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand careers.

Dr. Pollock encouraged all students to consider a career in a STEM field. Along with discussions about what careers the students were considering, Dr. Pollock talked about the school being named a T-STEM Academy and how that is a positive, no matter what field of study is followed.

Dr. Pollock talked to them about the importance of STEM careers and the demand for these high-skill, high-wage jobs. She suggested sites to help students explore the offerings of the STEM world. The website sciencebuddies.org has a tab that lists science careers, their descriptions and courses to take in high school to prepare you for those careers. It also has everything from science project ideas to “Ask an Expert” and links for teachers and parents. She also suggested bls.gov, the website of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which also has student and teacher resources.

According to Dr. Terri Estes, LCM Principal, “We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Dr. Pollock’s experience and expertise come to talk to our students. Her position at the National Alliance for Partnership in Equity provides her with a unique perspective on the changes coming in the global economy. Her support on our Advisory Board is invaluable. The fact that she is an LCM graduate and Orange native gives her the added benefit of understanding our school and community. Dr. Pollock is a wonderful role model for our students.”

Photo: Dr. Pollock talks to Terry Morris’s freshman algebra class.

 

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