Which planet is the smallest? And just how big is Jupiter? Explore the size of Solar System objects during this space-themed scavenger hunt … all you need is a ruler!
Vera Kalyanrama
Girlstart’s Women in STEM weekly series highlights various women who are making a difference in STEM. Be inspired as these incredible women describe how they became interested in their field, provide insight into a day in the life, and share learnings from their experiences.
Vera Kalyanrama
Design Engineer @ Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
Vera is an engineer that designs processors for laptops and computers. Her favorite part of her STEM career is problem solving with her team, and she is joining today us today to show the importance of increasing the number of Women In STEM.
What sparked your interest and made you want to volunteer with Girlstart?
I saw numerous examples of independent women around me while growing up – my mother and all the teachers at school being a few. That made me think – more than anything, I wanted a financially independent future for myself. If it helps, I wanted to set the same example for other young girls.
What words of encouragement would you share with girls who want to pursue STEM?
The STEM industry is an amazing place to be, to build things that change the world around you for good. If you trust you have what it takes, that’s really all you need. Don’t let someone else put a cap on your ability based on their personal experience.
Was there a specific person, program, or event that pushed you to your STEM career?
I saw that people in the STEM field were well respected and that got me motivated to get into this field, along the way I realized how much I loved doing this. In fact at one of my first, day long technical job interviews is when I realized the strong passion I had for this industry, and at the end of the interview, I remember thinking, this is exactly what I want to do and whether or not I get this job, I will find one in this field. Luckily, I did not have to look further, I got the job. Since then, I also did my graduate studies and now work in the semiconductor industry. It’s been a rewarding ride so far.
Why is confidence in STEM important for girls?
STEM is still pretty significantly dominated by men. It is easy to feel like an impostor just because you might be doing things differently. It is also important to know that pretty much any problem can be solved in many different ways and your way of solving it is unique. Confidence is hence importance to take us forward.
Materials List: Solar System and Galaxy Starry Night at Home
We are excited for you to participate in Girlstart’s Starry Night at Home, including a Solar System & Galaxy star show and hands-on STEM activities! Gather materials from around the house and join us on Thursday, October 1st for Starry fun.
* The following list contains affiliate links. Girlstart is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Planetary Scavenger Hunt
Add materials to your Amazon shopping cart
- Ruler (with centimeters)
Pocket Solar System
Add materials to your Amazon shopping cart
- Clear tape or glue stick (only if using copy paper)
- Colored pencils or markers
- Pencil or pen
- Receipt paper, copy paper, or toilet paper (receipt paper works best)
- Ruler
- Scissors
Solar Water Purifier
Add materials to your Amazon shopping cart
- Coins or a small rock
- Food coloring
- Large bowl
- Plastic wrap
- Salt (~ ½ cup)
- Small, heavy cup (shorter than the large bowl)
- Spoon
- Sunshine
- Water
Sun Designs
Add materials to your Amazon shopping cart
- Construction paper
- Cotton swab or paintbrush (optional)
- Small objects from around your house (coins, Legos, craft sticks, office supplies, etc.)
- Sunscreen (optional)
- Sunshine
- Tape
Maria Zambrano
Girlstart’s Women in STEM weekly series highlights various women who are making a difference in STEM. Be inspired as these incredible women describe how they became interested in their field, provide insight into a day in the life, and share learnings from their experiences.
Maria Zambrano
Sr. Social Media Strategist @ AMD
Maria is an accomplished Social Media Strategist working in the tech world. She is sharing her words with the Girlstart audience today in hopes of inspiring more girls to pursue their passions, despite societal expectations. We are excited to have someone like Maria, coming from the marketing side of tech, to discuss how to be involved in STEM and integrate other interests!
Can you describe a little of what you do?
As a Sr. Social Media Strategist, I oversee the development of social media strategies and tactics to grow AMD’s competitive position in the OEM laptop and desktop space.
What do you love about your career?
While I don’t directly touch engineering our great products, I enjoy educating and bringing to light the technological advancements our company has made and seeing how these innovations make their way to the hands of everyday users.
How did you become interested in STEM?
The program that really got me hooked into the world of science and technology was F.I.R.S.T. Robotics. This high-school program allowed me to build an appreciation for STEM and become an advocate for women in the world of tech. This program also prepared me with the tools to confidently enter the workforce thanks to their commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Do you have a piece of advice you would like to share with our audience?
Find what you love doing and never be intimated.
Why do you think confidence in STEM important for girls?
Historically there has been disproportionate access to STEM among girls and young women. Instilling confidence in this field at an early age is critical in removing barriers and fostering diversity and inclusion.