Three women professors from Cerritos College came to the Oct. 15 meeting of the La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) at Cerritos Park East. The professors came to discuss their experiences with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs in their own lives and at Cerritos College. The three professors were STEM Division Biology professors Dr. Scottie Henderson, Ph.D. in zoology, and Michelle Stieber, Ph.D. in biology, and Janet McLarty-Schroeder, physics, astronomy and astrobiology professor. Nursing professor Patty Riedel was actually a fourth professor from Cerritos who introduced the three panel members and served as moderator. Riedel provided pages of statistics in 2013 that showed a decline in math and science education in elementary, secondary and higher education in America. The statistics also showed the importance of STEM education for students to compete for jobs today nationally and internationally. With all the negative statistics in mind, AAUW members asked for positive information from the professors on how to improve STEM education and how to encourage students to continue their education and learn about higher levels of math and science. Professor Stieber said that she tries to help rebuild confidence in her students so that they will not give up. She said that some students may not ready for the tough academic environment at a college or university. She teaches classes in cell and molecular biology, genetics and also biology for non- majors in biology. Dr. Henderson, who was named Scottie by her father after the character in Star Trek, said that family support was very important for students to continue their STEM studies. Her parents encouraged her to continue her studies. She considers herself fortunate to have mentors who worked with her and advised her to apply for regent’s scholarship, master’s and Ph.D. programs. She appreciated the advice she received and mentors her students now. Dr. Henderson also has a degree in marine biology and has taught classes from intertidal field ecology to developmental biology. Professor McLarty-Schroeder has been teaching at Cerritos College since 1999. She teaches astronomy (stars and galaxies, solar system, astrobiology, ASTR Lab) and physics. She has taught math and physical sciences for students as well as for teachers. She said that students need “hands on experiences” in science classes and that students need qualified teachers in math starting in elementary school. She also said that teachers themselves need lots of training to implement the core curriculum. Professor McLarty-Schroeder received some help for her graduate degrees with tuition scholarships. She has bachelor’s degrees in both physics and astronomy and a master’s in planetary science. She is currently teaching solar system astronomy and astrobiology at Cerritos College. She said that students at Cerritos College can go to any professor to ask for help. Co-program vice president Nancy Kawamura said that many of the students who applied for the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW’s Local Scholarships in the past have commented on how helpful the professors at Cerritos College were.
