Dr. Tracy Hammond, Director of the Institute for Engineering Education & Innovation, recently presented at the Nuclear Power Institute’s (NPI) Getting Resilient on Engineering and Energy from Nuclear (GREEN) Day for Educators” and “Powerful Opportunities for Women Eager and Ready for Science, Engineering, and Technology (POWER SET) Green.”
The event was organized to support the clean regional industries and innovation needs of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) across the state by developing a “necessary workforce.”
“GREEN Day for Educators” was developed to engage, encourage, and enhance highly motivated and enthusiastic Texas secondary STEM educators by hearing from and engaging with dynamic speakers and presenters on clean industries and innovations in STEM during a one-day event.
“POWER SET Green” was created to re-establish the structure and opportunities of NPI’s original POWER SET program. This program proved highly successful for 13 years in providing young women with strategies to further their interests, aptitudes, and careers in STEM-related fields in a supportive environment.
Hammond presented on the topic “Bravery and Vulnerability as a Pathway to Strength and Power in Engineering.”
In her presentation, Hammond discussed stereotype threat, engineering identity, empathy, and how educators can teach students the importance of vulnerability. She also offered suggestions on how educators can have difficult conversations and remain thoughtful and respectful at the same time.