Through a partnership with The Cooper Foundation, the Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey (GSCSNJ), and Brimm Medical Arts High School in Camden, 20 Camden students visited MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper on Thursday, February 28, 2019, for a behind-the-scenes look at STEM-related careers.
After a tour of the state-of-the-art cancer center, students had the opportunity to hear from a radiation therapist, an infusion nurse, a clinical researcher, and Dr. Vivian Bea, a breast surgeon at MD Anderson at Cooper, to learn about their career paths, their work at the cancer center, and the technology and equipment used to care for patients.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Girl Scouts to talk with students about careers in STEM,” said Dr. Bea. “We need more women in medicine, science, and technology and these Girl Scouts represent the future.”
“At Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey, girls learn by doing,” stated Kimberly Bryson, Chief Operating Officer of GSCSNJ. “We are committed to providing our Girl Scouts with opportunities to explore STEM fields and are grateful to Cooper for giving Brimm students access to MD Anderson at Cooper to discover their passions and hear from women in leadership roles.”
As the philanthropic, community outreach, and community development arm of Cooper University Health Care, The Cooper Foundation seeks to engage Camden residents in a variety of programs and activities. The Community Outreach Department at GSCSNJ connected with The Cooper Foundation to participate in their STEMsational: STEM Girl Scouts Series. This collaboration allows for an enriching, hands-on learning experience.
The STEMsational series concluded on March 2 with a Women Rocking in STEM panel at Camden’s Kroc Center, which featured Cooper Pediatric Trauma Surgeon Nicole Fox, MD, along with professionals from other disciplines.
“Girl Scouts prepare girls for a lifetime of leadership,” said Susan Bass Levin, President and CEO of The Cooper Foundation and a former Girl Scout. “This program gives girls confidence, skills, and the opportunity to explore a new world.”
Click here to view the photos on flickr.
Vivian J. Bea, MD