FUELS Develops a Close-Knit Community of Female Science and Engineering Majors

Photo courtesy of http://www3.imperial.ac.uk

by Pragati Mamtora

Since its founding 3 years ago, FUELS (Female Undergraduates Educating and Leading
in Science) has achieved its goal in developing a close-knit environment for females in
science and engineering to bond through their common interest in science.

According to FUELS’ Vice President Harmony Huyn, a USC sophomore, the intention of
the club was to be a support group equipped to provide females the resources they need to
be successful in their science career paths.

“We’ve been really focusing on social events this semester, [events such as ice cream at
Coldstone’s Creamery, frozen yogurt at Yogurtland, and a dinner at the Lab to welcome
new members] because we want to develop a community outside of just seeing each other
in lecture,” says Huynh.

FUELS differs from other clubs focused more on specific career paths such as pre-
medical, pre-dental, or pre-pharmacy in that it offers diverse resources for people
interested in many fields from science to engineering. In fact, each semester they hold
an Alumni Speakers Panel which features professors and doctors from various fields of
marine biology to researchers from the Health Sciences Campus.

“[The club] really inspires everyone, including young children, that they too can pursue
science and engineering [if they have the passion and willingness to learn],” says Huynh.

The club hopes to inspire its members to pursue research in the future. They hold events
such as a visit to a HPV (Human Papiloma Virus) lab in which the professor gives a
speech about females in science. Members learn how the lifestyle can be different if
woman are considering starting a family and getting a PHD at the same time as well as
guidance on how undergraduates can get involved in research.

“I went there as a freshman when I was a member and that really opened my eyes to
research and that’s why I’ve been involved in research ever since,” says Huynh.

Besides social, educational, and research events dispersed throughout the semester,
FUELS meets regularly every 2 weeks. The club’s membership requirement of attending
1 social event, 1 outreach event as well as not missing more than 2 meetings develops
a close-knit family of female science and engineering majors educating and leading in
science.

To find out more about FUELS or learn how to get involved, readers can contact FUELS
at fuels.usc@gmail.com.