Posted on Friday, January 9, 2026
A Westminster College student and faculty member teamed up to mentor nearly 150 ninth-grade girls during the Girls Engaging Mentors (GEM) event Dec. 16 at the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center.
Junior Melanie Porras, a biochemistry and Spanish double major from New Castle, Pa., and Dr. Helen Boylan, professor of environmental science and faculty fellow for community engagement, shared their academic and career experiences as part of the 13th annual GEM event.
The half-day program introduced students to nontraditional and underrepresented career pathways for women through small-group discussions with local professionals, with a particular emphasis on STEM-related fields.
Porras and Boylan joined 11 women representing careers in science, nature-based fields, accounting, pharmacy, manufacturing and law enforcement.
The GEM program, is organized by the Lawrence County School-to-Work Program, brought together students from all eight Lawrence County school districts, the Lawrence County Career and Technical Center and Riverside School District in Beaver County. The program focuses on early career exploration by connecting students with local professionals who provide mentorship, relatable perspectives and encouragement.
During their session, Porras and Boylan discussed the range of career paths available after college graduation and offered an honest look at the challenges and rewards of pursuing STEM majors. Porras shared examples from her own family to illustrate that success can follow many different paths.
“My parents, who immigrated from Mexico, didn’t finish high school, yet they built a thriving business through hard work and discipline. They instilled those values in their four children,” Porras said. “As I pursue my dream of becoming a physician, I know there will be challenges and obstacles. My message to students is to persevere, find your passion, build a supportive community and never hesitate to ask for help.”
Porras is a 2023 graduate of Neshannock High School.
Boylan, who joined the Westminster faculty in 2001, earned her undergraduate degree from Westminster College and her Ph.D. from Duquesne University.
For more information about the event, contact Boylan at boylanhm@westminster.edu or 724-946-6293.
