The Mississippi Statewide Afterschool Network works to better our state and its communities by connecting providers, parents and policymakers with proven tools and resources to increase the quality of and access to out-of-school time programming for K-12 children and youth.

 

Afterschool is a lifeline that keeps youth safe, helps kids learn and grow, and provides parents the ability to work without worry. 

Mississippi has hundreds of afterschool and summer learning programs across the state for children and families. Use this map to find a program in your area.

Mississippi has hundreds of afterschool and summer learning programs across the state for children and families. Use this map to find a program in your area.

Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day – Dr. Ciara Sivels, Nuclear Engineer

Jun 23, 2022 | Academics & Enrichment, Advocacy, Million Girls Moonshot, STEM in Afterschool

PERSONAL STATEMENT

Hi, I’m Ciara Sivels, when I was 16, I knew nothing about engineering, let alone MIT, University of Michigan or PhDs. In fact, I wanted to be a pastry chef. But, then I learned about atoms…they’re so tiny yet create lots of energy. My chemistry teacher opened my eyes to a future in engineering, and encouraged me to apply to MIT. At MIT I was unprepared, but determined. It was a struggle, but I believed in myself and in my passion. I thought I would go into teaching, but God had another plan. Through a fellowship encouraging minorities in STEM fields, I landed an internship with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, that launched my PhD career and ultimately landed me where I am today at JHU Applied Physics Laboratory. This journey certainly did not come easy. I was the only woman of color in nearly every class, and I am proud to be the first black woman to obtain a PhD from the number one program in the country. I was a ‘first’, but I hope you join me in the field of engineering. We together can solve problems and inspire the next generation of female scientists.


BIOGRAPHY


Dr. Ciara Sivels is a nuclear engineer at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, where she works on a variety of projects using radiation detection and modeling. Her past research focused on nuclear explosion monitoring and treaty verification, resulting in 4 first authored publications as well as numerous research awards, including the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration’s University Program Review National Laboratory Impact Award. Among the many outreach and mentorship programs that she participated in during her time at Michigan, she helped found the Women in NERS (Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences) group, a space for women in the department to commune, share stories, and discuss issues. Ciara obtained her PhD in nuclear engineering from the University of Michigan in 2018, becoming the first black woman to do so at Michigan. She also holds a Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Michigan and MIT, respectively. She is originally from Chesapeake, VA.

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