As part of an English class, recent Class of 2026 graduate Matilda created a documentary focused on a topic that extends far beyond the classroom: the importance of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As an active member of the school's robotics team, Matilda interviewed ASH's three robotics coaches – who are also High School STEM teachers  – to explore the challenges women continue to face in STEM careers and the importance of creating more inclusive opportunities for future generations.

 

Matilda's inspiration for the documentary came from both personal experience and her own research. "I decided on this topic because I think it is important to highlight the persistent lack of representation and stereotypes within STEM fields targeted towards women," she explained. Her goal was clear: "The most important goal of my documentary is to inspire more young girls to engage with STEM classes in school and potentially choose STEM career paths."

 

Books like Caroline Criado Perez's Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men, helped her gain awareness of the ways women are often overlooked in the systems and technologies that influence everyday life, which helped reinforce her desire to explore the issue through film.

 

Within Strooptech, one of ASH’s robotics teams, Matilda describes her own experience as overwhelmingly positive. In addition to learning and developing technical skills, she found a welcoming community where she felt valued. "I never felt excluded or undervalued because of my gender," she said. "I felt like an important member of the team and appreciated for my contributions and efforts." Through robotics, delving into engineering, computer science and programming was the tip of the iceberg – she also discovered the kinds of environments where she feels supported and encouraged to succeed.

 

Beyond her positive experience at ASH, Matilda believes there is still significant progress to be made in improving representation across STEM fields. She points to the persistent gender gap and the stereotypes that continue to discourage many girls from pursuing scientific and technical careers. "Women can bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and ideas which could encourage innovation," she said. "It is important to challenge these norms so everyone, regardless of gender, can have equal opportunities to succeed within the world of STEM." One of the most inspiring people featured in her documentary is Ms. Katerina Lioni, the team's lead robotics coach and mathematics teacher. Matilda admired not only her enthusiasm and commitment to the team, but also her openness in sharing personal experiences of being a woman in STEM. "She [Katerina] spoke about times where she felt undervalued or disrespected because of her gender throughout her studies and career, but more importantly, she shared how she persevered through the challenges to pursue her goals," Matilda reflected.

 

Matilda will begin studying Computer Science at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, with interests in machine learning and cybersecurity. Alongside building her own career in STEM, she hopes to encourage more young women to follow a similar path. In the future, she hopes to help break down barriers and inspire the next generation of girls to see STEM as a field where they belong.