Westminster chemistry professor serves as GEM mentor

NEW WILMINGTON, PA — Dr. Helen Boylan, professor of chemistry and director of Westminster’s Center for the Environment, served as one of 15 female presenters at “A GEM Affair: Girls Engaging Mentors” hosted by the Butler County Community College at Lawrence Crossings on Dec. 18.

Coordinated by the Lawrence County School to Work Program, GEM’s mission to inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields or other non-traditional pathways. One hundred and fifty-five ninth grade girls representing 10 schools in Lawrence County participated in the event, with small groups rotating around the various mentor presentations.

“This was a great opportunity for female students to be exposed to careers where women are generally underrepresented,” said Boylan. “I took the opportunity to talk to the girls about what they could expect as a STEM major in college.”

The panel consisted of women with careers as a software engineer, metallurgist, detective, judge and pilot—just to name a few.

Boylan joined the Westminster faculty in 2001. She earned her undergraduate degree from Westminster and her Ph.D. from Duquesne University.

For more information about her experience, contact Dr. Helen Boylan, professor of chemistry and director of the Center for the Environment at 724-946-6293 or boylanhm@westminster.edu.

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