05/26/2026
A day of curiosity, discovery, and inspiration at Florida Atlantic University 🧬🌊🦍
This spring, students from STEM Girls at St. Vincent Ferrer School visited Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus for an unforgettable day exploring the world of STEM. Throughout the visit, the students met faculty researchers, toured labs, engaged in hands-on learning experiences, and gained insight into what life as a scientist, researcher, and medical professional can look like.
The day began in the Creativity and Innovation Lab at the College of Education, where Dr. Jillian Powers, Dr. Susannah Brown, and Dr. Ann Musgrove welcomed the students before leading them through a day of discovery across campus. The group then visited the Schmidt College of Medicine, where students learned about medical research, explored cadaver heart and lung specimens, and heard an inspiring presentation from Dr. Michelle Lizotte-Waniewski about resilience, research, and career pathways in medicine.
Students also explored the Art of Science exhibit in the Ritter Art Gallery, learned about gopher tortoise conservation research, discovered how shark movement is studied, and visited the primate research lab to hear about chimpanzee behavior studies and the use of AI in research. Throughout the experience, Dr. Jillian Powers, Dr. Susannah Brown, and Dr. Ann Musgrove helped guide conversations that encouraged curiosity, confidence, and exploration.
Experiences like these help young learners see themselves in future STEM careers while highlighting the power of mentorship, hands-on learning, and discovery. The students were especially inspired by the women in STEM who shared their journeys, research, and passion throughout the day.
Thank you to all of the faculty, researchers, colleges, and mentors who made this meaningful experience possible.
Florida Atlantic University
FAU Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University
FAU Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
FAU Galleries
Florida Atlantic Research