Trine SWE, chemical engineering students empower girls to see themselves in STEM

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Members of Trine University’s student chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), alongside faculty and students from the McKetta Department of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, brought hands-on science to life for more than 140 Girl Scouts during the recent STEM Expo hosted by Girl Scouts of Northern Indiana–Michiana. 

The event took place Oct. 18 on the Purdue University Fort Wayne campus. 

Through activities such as designing binary code bracelets and exploring the engineering behind bath bombs, scouts discovered how creativity and engineering work hand-in-hand.  

Engineering in color 

In a special breakout session titled “Colorful Kinetics: Engineering a Rainbow,” developed by Trine senior Abigail Hansen, middle school participants explored how temperature affects reaction rates and how color changes can be used to solve engineering challenges— from pH testing for water quality to color-changing cups and thermometer strips. 

These types of events hold special importance for Hansen.  

“I joined SWE to be part of a supportive community of women who share similar experiences navigating a male-dominated field,” Hansen said. “Encouraging young girls in STEM means helping them see the possibilities in themselves that perhaps no one has told them they have yet.” 

Throughout her time at Trine, Hansen has held multiple leadership roles within SWE, including serving as president her junior year. Her involvement has included planning professional development events, coordinating conference travel and organizing outreach efforts such as the Girl Scout STEM Expo. 

These activities motivated Hansen to participate in the chemical engineering program’s undergraduate research opportunities, with a focus on K-12 outreach. 

“I chose to pursue engineering outreach-based research because I am passionate about increasing awareness and accessibility within STEM,” Hansen said. “What I enjoy most is inspiring younger students and seeing those ‘aha’ moments that remind me why I fell in love with engineering in the first place.” 

Hansen expressed appreciation for her fellow SWE volunteers who made the event possible: Violet Appel, Charlotte Plummer, Laura Kabban, Becca Hoeksema and Julia Dickinson. 

Increased understanding 

“Events like the Girl Scout STEM Expo give our students a chance to share their enthusiasm for engineering in ways that are creative, personal and meaningful,” said Amanda Malefyt, Ph.D., professor in Trine’s McKetta Department of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, and Hansen’s research advisor. “Having to explain complex engineering topics in terms elementary students will understand creates a higher level of understanding for our engineering students. Seeing the energy and enthusiasm brought to both sides of the table, reminds me how impactful outreach can be.” 

That enthusiasm was echoed by attendees. Scouts shared that their favorite parts of the day were “all the hands-on things” and getting the chance to make and build. Parents noted that it’s their “girls’ favorite Girl Scout event of the year” and appreciated that the Expo helps show “girls can do anything.”